If you want the desert experience in Morocco but can’t make it the eight-hour drive from Marrakesh out to the Sahara, look no further than Agafay. This is known as a stone desert, so while you won’t find rolling sand dunes here you will experience rolling moon-like scenery and all the seclusion you could want for watching a spectacular sunset followed by some star-gazing. The accommodation here is made up of a collection of tented camps, but when we say tent we definitely mean something very plush! The camps all pride themselves on touches of luxury throughout, and several have swimming pools and traditional dinners included in the cost.

Agafay is just under an hour from Marrakesh, tucked right at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, so it is very easily added into an itinerary between the city, mountains and with the addition of the beach at Essaouira too. We’d recommend staying here for just the one night as that’s enough to experience the magical surroundings, and if you wish to go camel riding or quad biking in the area this is an easy addition to make – just ask your specialist to include it at your desert camp.