Marrakech is surrounded by two deserts: Agafay in the south and Jbilets in the north. Update (October 2026): since 2020, all our rides start from our oasis in the Agafay desert, and we no longer operate in the Jbilets. This comparison remains a good guide to the two deserts. So how do they compare? We put the two spots in the ring, and here’s the result of the match:
1- The location
| The Jbilets desert is located north of the red city, less than 30 minutes from the center, just a short drive from the city.
What is great is that this desert is along the famous palmeraie of Marrakech. Because also of all the authentic villages along the tracks, you’ll enjoy full of different environments. The Agafay desert is located south of Marrakech, about 45 minutes drive. It is further away, but the Agafay desert will offer you breathtaking views of the Atlas and its snow-capped mountains in winter. |
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2- The landscapes
The Jbilets Desert is composed of ancient sediments deposited in the primary era, then folded, faulted and recrystallized, of dominant gray to yellowish color. This desert area becomes even green in winter, it’s impressive and totally unique!
So do not expect a “classic” sand dune desert, it is rather a rock desert: sharp rocks that stand on the way and offer a striking contrast with the expanses of the palm grove of Marrakech and the peaks of the High Atlas which overhang it. A fascinating lunar scenery that you will only see once in a lifetime, and totally off the beaten track!!
Agafay Desert is a desert of pale yellow to red stones in some places, having dune forms. It looks more like the idea of ​​a desert, but with its specificities of course!
It is a very hilly desert area, where you can cross the bed of a river and therefore a little greenery, abandoned villages and offers a breathtaking view of the snowy mountains of the Atlas in winter. Note that the light is beautiful at the end of the day, a show you will never forget!
3- Playground for ATV ride
The desert Jbilets is a perfect playground for ATV: pass through river beds (oueds), stone deserts (“reg”) and lush palm groves. It was our playground for many years, until we moved all our rides to Agafay in 2020.
The desert of Agafay is where all our rides take place today, for half a day or a full day. Our quads seat two, so beginners and families can also ride as passengers. You can explore a multitude of trails for all levels through local villages, lush canyons and an expanse of arid hills. you will not have time to get bored thanks to the amount of trails to explore. On the full-day ride, lunch is included.
4- What to do in the surroundings
In Agafay, you can also try a buggy ride, a camel ride, or combine activities with our half-day quad + camel combo with lunch. A hot air balloon flight at sunrise is another unforgettable way to see the region.
To end the day in style, our dinners under the stars are served in our oasis, and our 36-hour buggy tour includes a night in a luxury desert camp.
5- The price
If you’re on a budget, our half-day quad ride in Agafay is the most affordable option, with transfer from Marrakech included ☺
VERDICT:
At the end of the match, Agafay wins, and it’s where you’ll find us today! Choose a half-day ride if you’re short on time, or a full day to explore further (why not combined with a camel ride?).
In both cases, we recommend that you book as soon as possible to make sure you choose the best place and date for you. You can see the availability of our activities in real time and book directly online on our website.
