In the hush of dawn, there is something magical about the view one has in the Sahara of Morocco, gilded dunes or across the rocky stretches of Agafay. But actually, camping without the conveniences of a shower, grudgingly crawling into a thin sleeping bag, and with sand stuck in your shoes? Not exactly my idea of a dream.
That’s when Marrakech’s luxury tented camps come in: Forget about these kinds of just-walking-in-tents. Here we mean plush king-size beds with en-suite baths, gourmet Moroccan meals lit by lantern light along pathways to your private oasis.
The tented escape continues from here to the sands of the Sahara or elsewhere in the Agafay world.
Here are the ten best luxury tented camps near Marrakech.
1. Kalyptus Luxury Camp
Kalyptus Luxury Camp is essentially a super-glampy desert camp, and they naturally aren’t averse to good eating. Not just tents and a sunset view; the food back here is unbelievably good. You still taste Moroccan, but in an exceptionally modern way. Imagine a great meal under the stars with all the freshest local ingredients to give it that authentic taste and feeling. The tagines are seasoned with fragrant spices; mouth-watering pastries are accompanied by mint tea. Think of their restaurant as an unforgettable culinary experience. Alternatively, should it happen, they prepare private dinners on request. KALYPTUS, therefore, is a gourmet paradise amidst deserts and enhances much of the desert excursion itself.
2. Agafay Luxury Camp Marrakech
Agafay, while not having rolling dunes identical to the Sahara, offers an equally enchanting lunar-like topography. If your quest for a desert getaway near Marrakech leads you here, Agafay Luxury Camp is your answer, just a short, 45-minute drive away, creating a short jaunt anywhere else.
They’re lovely, spacious air-conditioned tents decorated according to traditional Moroccan style, but psst- they have all the luxuries, private terraces, and en suite bathrooms as well.
And the pool? Yes, you can float in crystal-clear waters looking across the rocky desert. Here, the sunset is unreal, as warm hues smolder across the scenery while you sip well-brewed Moroccan tea.
Also read: Agafay Dinner: Desert dinner under the stars
3. Desert Camp Marrakech
Desert Camp Marrakech is a real gem for a more intimate and authentic experience. Set just outside the city, the camp offers a rustic luxury experience. Each could-tent is beautifully decorated with handmade Moroccan textiles, while dim lanterns provide a cozy light during the nights. One highlight is the food. The chef serves fantastic Moroccan dishes like lamb slow-roasted in tagine and fresh bread straight from the oven. After dinner, guests can relax by the fire while the Berbers share their stories and traditions through song. The atmosphere, with the rhythmic beat of the drums beneath the vast starry canopy, lingers in memory forever.
4. Scarabeo Camp
Scarabeo Camp looks like an absolute dream destination. It stands out among the finest in Agafay desert camp. Its remarkable all-white tents, antique-furnished wooden seating arrangements, and bohemian themes are certainly worth boasting. It’s a camp where the old-world exploration meets the comforts of new-age travelers.
The tents feature cozy beds, soft glows of interior lamps, and handcrafted decor that transport you into the pages of a luxury travel magazine. But Scarabeo has a lot more on offer: yoga at sunrise, astronomical stargazing nights, and sunset camel rides. It’s a place that caters to honeymooners, and generally people, seeking a peaceful and upscale getaway.
5. The White Camel Lodge & Tents
From a luxury camp by the desert, where exclusiveness is paramount, the White Camel Lodge & Tents place in the hearts of those who would love to find it. Situated in the deep within Agafay Desert, the panoramic scenery of the Atlas Mountains is second to none.
Tents are sleek, modern, yet quite charming in a Moroccan way. All amenities will include king-sized beds, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms all fitted with rain showers. The crowning glory, however, would be the splendid infinity pool, which is just ideal for a refreshing dip after a hot day in the desert.
6. Magic Luxury Camp
Magic Luxury Camp offers one experience extraordinaire for those aiming for adventure alongside relaxation. Get an exclusive setting in isolation with the breathtaking scenery right in the heart of the Agafay Desert. You can select from an array of activities, including camel trekking or dune buggy rides, while you may just choose to sit back and soak up the beautiful view in their elegantly decorated tents. Tents are lavishly combined with soft bedding furnished with Berber carpets, offering a private terrace from where to witness the mesmerizing desert sunrise.
7. Terre Des Étoiles
Sustainable luxury is what defines Terre Des Étoiles (Land of Stars) in the true sense, situated in the Agafay Desert. With solar energy and organic farm-to-table dining, here is where sustainability meets comfort.
The camp provides more than just accommodation; instead, it is an experience. Join in desert yoga or horseback riding or take part in-night guided astronomy sessions. The serene atmosphere is simply perfect for anyone willing to switch off from the world and soak in nature.
8. Inara Camp
As far as luxury camping in Agafay goes, Inara Camp is definitely one of the more famous places, and for good reason. It marries elegance and the rough beauty of the desert and boasts high-end tents furnished with old Moroccan decorations and luxurious amenities.
Among its other numerous pleasures is the experience of eating under the stars, where gourmet Moroccan food is served with perhaps the whisper of desert winds in the distance. Visitors can enjoy quad biking, camel rides, or even paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of this mesmerizing landscape.
9. Amanjena Camp
If you are traveling for five-star luxury, the Amanjena Camp is an ultimate choice. The camp is owned by the prestigious Aman group. It provides an experience in genuine high-end desert.
Lavish tents with marble floors and handmade Moroccan adornment await. An on-site spa also offers hammam treatments. Splurging is expected; if this is the top luxury, this is where you spend it.
10. Azalai Desert Camp
The Azalai Desert Camp takes the classical nomadic Saharan life and gives it a little luxury twist of its own. Located amidst the Agafay Desert, it offers a calm and intimate stay with only a few exclusive tents. What really stands out is that it strives for an experience that is as peaceful and devoid of technology as possible. No Wi Fi, no distractions; just the storm and the fire warmth, together with all the lovely desert scenery- it’s something more than a mere getaway.
Final Thoughts
Luxury tented camps offer a great blend of adventure coupled with indulgence in Marrakech. Sleep under the stars in a traditional Berber camp, or sip cocktails by a pool in the middle of the desert; there’s a camp for every traveler!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appeal of luxury tented camps near Marrakech?
Luxury tented camps offer a different desert experience with added conveniences: forget about the rugged elements of camping; when you stay in a tented camp, you can experience full-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet Moroccan meals under the stars. You can be adventurous while being indulgent; you get to experience the desert without sacrificing the comforts of luxury!
What is the difference between the Sahara and Agafay desert camps?
To start, the Sahara Desert is characterized by vast rolling dunes, and getting to this expansive desert takes longer to get to from Marrakech. The Agafay desert is not as expansive, but it is approximately 45 minutes from Marrakech and has stunning rocky views like a lunar landscape. Both offer luxury tented experiences, but if you are interested in a short trip, Agafay is best and offers a unique stony desert view.
What kind of culinary experience can one expect at these camps?
Many luxury tented camps, including Kalyptus Luxury Camp, offer gourmet Moroccan fare featuring fresh local ingredients, fragrant tagines, and sweet pastries, often served under the stars. Some camps even provide private dinners and pride themselves on leading a high-end culinary experience in the desert.
What activities are typically available at luxury tented camps?
Activities and adventures may vary from camp to camp, but typically include camel riding, quad biking, and stargazing. Many camps add yoga at dawn, horseback riding, and even paragliding. Many also have infinity pools, evenings around the fire pits with Berber music, and the ability to deeply relax in nature.
Which luxury camp is recommended for ultimate five-star indulgence?
If you are looking for a five-star luxury experience, look no further than Amanjena Camp, part of the Aman group. Amanjena Camp offers large tents with marble flooring, handmade Moroccan ornaments, and a spa with hammam treatments for those seeking a first-class private desert experience.
