The eventful days in Essaouira were followed by a change of scenery today: our next destination was the Agafay Desert, a barren, fascinating landscape south of Marrakech. Even in advance, we had wondered what it would be like to spend a night in the middle of this vast, stony desert - far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
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After a relaxed breakfast, we were picked up at the city gates of Essaouira to start our escape to the Emeraude Luxury Camp in the Agafay Desert. The approximately three-hour drive took us through varied landscapes - from the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean to gentle hills to barren desert sections. A short stop halfway along the route offered the opportunity to stock up on snacks and drinks. The closer we got to the desert, the bumpier the road became, but the sight of camels, desert camps and passing quads compensated for the bumpy ride. The anticipation of a night in the midst of this spectacular backdrop grew with every kilometre.
Arriving at the camp, we were warmly welcomed and led to our tent. Our "Luxury Tent" surprised us with its spacious rooms, a private bathroom and air conditioning, which also served as heating - perfect comfort for a night in the desert. The view of the majestic Atlas Mountains added to the feeling of seclusion and tranquillity. In the camp's large restaurant tent, a delicious lunch awaited us: fresh Moroccan salads, various tagine dishes and sweet desserts, which were a real highlight with their intense taste and traditional preparation. While we were eating, it was already possible to guess that a very special experience awaited us here.
The afternoon was all about relaxation. The camp offered a fantastic pool with a view of the extensive, rugged landscape - even if the water was a bit fresh due to the cool nights. Instead of diving in, we made ourselves comfortable on the loungers, enjoyed the silence and let the atmosphere work its magic on us. Later, we explored the surroundings on foot and found some great photo spots: the imposing mountain scenery, lonely paths and an endless expanse that was particularly impressive in the soft afternoon light.
As the sun began to sink behind the hills, it bathed the landscape in a warm, golden light. The silhouettes of the surrounding camps stood out sharply against the sky as the first stars appeared over the desert. After this spectacular natural spectacle, we ended the evening with a traditional Moroccan dinner, accompanied by a live performance by local musicians. Later, some guests gathered around a crackling campfire that lit up the cool desert night. The view of the clear, star-studded sky was the perfect end to our day in the Agafay Desert.
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