The Agafay Desert is a stretch of stony, arid hills located just 30 to 40 km (about 19 to 25 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road. Contrary to what many people picture, it is not a sand desert like the Sahara: it is a lunar, mineral landscape of stones and rolling terrain, set against the sometimes snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. For anyone short on time to reach Merzouga or Zagora, the Agafay Desert is the ideal nearby alternative: you can enjoy it for a half-day, an evening or a full night under the stars, between a camel ride, a quad-bike outing, a sunset dinner and a night in a camp. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

In brief: the Agafay Desert in 6 points

• Distance: ~30 to 40 km (19 to 25 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, i.e. 45 min to 1 hr by road.
• Landscape: a stony desert of arid hills (no sand dunes).
• Setting: sweeping views of the High Atlas peaks.
• Accommodation: numerous camps and bivouacs, from the most basic to the ultra-luxurious.
• Activities: camel rides, quad bikes and buggies, hiking, dinner and sunset under the stars, hot-air balloon take-offs.
• Ideal length: a half-day, an evening or an overnight stay.