Our first experience of Morocco was mainly the areas outside of Marrakech - we explored anything and everything in between the red city and the Sahara desert. Since the trip to the Sahara is quite a long distance from Marrakech, the next best thing and by no means inferior to the Sahara (just different) is the Agafay desert - also known as The stone desert.
Only a short drive from Marrakech you can still find the eternal views of dusty hills and desert landscape but with an incredible mountain range in the background. It’s amazing and it’s right on the doorstep of Marrakech. Due to its proximity, there’s no excuse not to visit! Staying at Inara camp was our first experience of the Agafay and so we thought we’d tell you all about this very special camp.
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The Camp
Set amidst 21 hectares of desert, Inara camp is around a 1hr drive from Marrakech medina or Menara airport. The camp is made up of three parts. The top area has their restaurant ‘Le Soukoune’ which is open to all guests who aren’t staying at the camp. This area also holds their ‘event camp’ which is full of tents for any large parties, weddings and let’s not forget the pool in this area!
It’s important to note that you’re in the desert. So there are little quirks here and there that remind you that you’re ‘not on land’ Inara Camp has great wifi, but it can go in and out. They have great solutions for the cold and heat however, you might sometimes feel cold or hot.
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The Rooms
If you do decide to stay the night (we recommend doing this at least once) each of the 18 tents includes a king bed, a living room, and a private bathroom which includes a shower and a real toilet. I say real because some of the camps have interesting situations.
It’s fine if you’re used to camping but if you’re not - you won’t like it! That’s why Inara is excellent as they deliver when it comes to the bathroom for those who appreciate this. All the rooms overlook the desert with barely any view disruption.
They have 3 different types of tents to choose from - Discovery tents, emotion tents, and the Inara suite tents. The discovery tents are the smallest of the range with the emotion tent being next up in size - which is where we stayed. The emotion tent comes with a wood fire and now a new air cooler (for the warmer months!) The wood fire is a must in winter. Whilst you’re at dinner the staff go around to all the rooms to light the fire to make the room warm for your return.
It’s a cold place in the winter so this is a nice touch over a heater. It’s also lovely to fall asleep to the sound of a crackling fire. The largest tent of them all is the Inara Suite tent. You can sleep up to 3 people in these and you’ll have access to a very large terrace overlooking the desert.
The interiors, by Vincent Jaquet, combine local traditions with a keen contemporary decorator’s eye. Each of the 18 tents includes a king bed, a living room, and an en-suite bathroom, complete with a hot shower, as well as a woodburning stove to stay warm during chilly desert nights.
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Food and Dining
When you book a night at a desert camp in Marrakech dinner and breakfast are usually included. The only thing you have to think about and pay for extra is lunch and any extra teas you drink (you will drink extra tea) Both dinner and breakfast are always an absolute feast and they cater to dietary needs. It is always best to notify them in advance of any dietary requirements.
Dinner usually involves tagine and it’s delicious. Wine is served but is an extra cost. In Morocco, they serve ‘grey wine’ which is a very light rose. They serve local wine which is amazing and worth trying if you drink.
Breakfast is another experience. Meals are prepared by the hotel’s chef from locally sourced ingredients and served in the camp’s open-air dining lounge.
Activities
The camp offers a whole range of different activities you can arrange in advance. Camel riding (of course), quad/buggy riding, hiking, picnics in the desert, horse riding, bike riding, yoga, massages, and more. Inara offers those not staying at the camp to visit for any meal of the day! Breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Here's a summary of the activities available:
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| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Camel Riding | Explore the desert on a traditional camel ride. |
| Quad/Buggy Riding | Experience the thrill of off-road driving in the desert. |
| Horse Riding | Enjoy a horse ride. |
| Hiking | Discover the desert landscape on foot. |
| Picnics in the Desert | Enjoy a meal amidst the stunning desert scenery. |
| Bike Riding | Explore the area on two wheels. |
| Yoga & Massages | Relax and rejuvenate with yoga sessions and massage treatments. |
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