2-Day Trip: Essaouira & Agafay Desert (Atlantic + Sunset Camp)
Two perfect days combining Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed ramparts, artisan lanes and fishing port with Agafay’s golden sunset, optional camel/quad experience and a candle-lit dinner under the stars — with overnight in Agafay (optional).
Top highlights
- Essaouira ramparts (Skala) & Atlantic viewpoints
- Fishing port, boat yards & fresh seafood options
- Artisan medina lanes: thuya wood, galleries & local crafts
- Agafay sunset experience close to Marrakech
- Optional camel / quad / buggy + dinner with music at camp
Overview
Day 1 focuses on Essaouira: ramparts, port, medina souks and ocean breeze. Day 2 is for Agafay’s rocky desert landscape: optional activities, panoramic sunset and dinner at a camp. You can choose an overnight in Agafay, or do dinner and return to Marrakech.
Itinerary (Sample)
- 08:00 — Pick-up in Marrakech
- Drive across argan country (optional women’s cooperative stop)
- Arrive in Essaouira (~2h45) • free time or local guide (optional)
- Skala ramparts, fishing port & artisan medina lanes
- Seafood lunch option (own expense) • beach stroll
- Late afternoon — Transfer to Agafay (~3h) • check-in at camp/lodge
- Sunset at leisure
- Morning — Breakfast with desert views
- Optional activity: camel trek or quad/buggy (ATV)
- Relax time at lodge (pool time if available) • tea in a nomad tent
- Sunset — panoramic photo stop (short camel ride optional)
- Dinner under the stars with local music at the camp
- Return to Marrakech in the evening (or optional overnight + transfer next morning)
Included & details
- Private A/C vehicle with professional driver
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel/riad or airport)
- Fuel, tolls and transport insurance
- 1 night in Agafay (camp or lodge) with dinner & breakfast (or dinner-only if returning same night)
- Lunches and drinks
- Local city guide in Essaouira (optional)
- Agafay activities (camel, quad/buggy, pool day-pass) unless specified
- Personal expenses and tips
- Licensed guide in Essaouira (history + hidden lanes)
- Quad/buggy package in Agafay (duration depending on option)
- Camp upgrade: luxury tent / private bathroom (subject to availability)
- Day-use lodge & pool access (where available)
Essaouira is breezy year-round (bring a light layer). Agafay can be hot in July–August and cool at night in winter — pack layers. Agafay is a rocky desert (not sandy Sahara), ideal for sunsets and camp vibes close to Marrakech.
FAQs
Marrakech → Essaouira ~2h45; Essaouira → Agafay ~3h; Agafay → Marrakech ~45–60 min (traffic/stop dependent).
Yes. Many guests choose sunset activity + dinner and return to Marrakech the same evening.
No — Agafay is a rocky desert with rolling light-colored hills and wide horizons, perfect for sunsets near Marrakech.
Essaouira is mild in summer and breezy year-round. Agafay is hot in July–August and can be cool at night in winter — bring layers.
