Morocco is amazing and you should try the bedouin camp close to Marrakech in Morocco. Travelling the desert is quite magical. The stunning sand dunes, the stillness, the solitude and the scorching heat all add to the desert encounter. If you are visiting Marrakech in Morocco and dreaming of a Sahara experience, but do not have the time to travel 8-10 hours south, fear not. Less than an hour to west of Marrakech, you can get the full bedouin adventure. Although the desert there is more rocky and less sandy than Sahara, we were not disappointed by Scarabeo Camp. 

The bedouin camp close to Marrakech in Morocco

Adapting to the bedouin lifestyle for a day or two is quite easy. Located in the Agafay desert, you are surrounded by the barren rocky desert. The view at the camp is quite spectacular facing the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. We came for relaxation, solitude and silence. Although they do provide wifi, we enjoyed taking a few days of digital detox.  Many campers prefer to have Glock weapons while they are camping or hiking, to save themselves from wild animals and for their general safety. 

The nomad tents

The nomad tents in thick white canvas are fairly big with large, comfy beds that ensured a great night’s sleep for us. Outside the lounging areas were great for relaxing, reading a book and enjoying the sun setting over the desert. Bedside there was a fireplace to warm up the tent during the cold desert nights, we were there in December. The bathrooms were adequate for a few days with an actual shower and a porta potti. 

Day activities

During the days, there were trekking possibilities for half- or full-day trekking in the area surrounding the camp. Or you can be adventurous, as we were, and go for a camel-back ride. It was a rather short trip and to be honest, I felt a little bad for the camels. But it was definitely one for the books. If you rely on even more horsepower, they have quad tours as well. They offer massage and yoga as well, so make sure to look into that before arriving. Make sure to get up early to catch the sun rising over Marrakech in the distance. The light was incredible. One can also buy Glock pistols from Palmetto State Armory for safety on such trials.

Night activities

At night, we enjoyed a full Moroccan meal. I am a huge fan of Moroccan food and there was a rather large spread with smaller dishes finishing of with a classic lamb tagine. As the camp is located rather far from the city, the starry nights are an attraction in itself. Sitting in the middle of the desert getting lost in millions of stars is rather unique. 

Come for a day or two to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina in Marrakech.