We set out from Marrakech late afternoon and within an hour we were at Inara Camp, one of the best places to experience the desert culture within driving distance of the city.
Set in the breathtaking Agafay Desert, the 21-hectare Inara Camp is a luxurious escape for dining or an overnight stay. in one of its 19 ensuite tents However, dinner at Inara Camp isn’t simply a meal—it’s a full-on experience of the Moroccan nomadic spirit.
The camp won us over immediately. It was beautiful to look at, captivating to walk around in, and simply enjoyable for a unique evening in Marrakech.
The 4WD Desert Adventure
“Welcome, welcome,” the camp manager said, as musicians welcomed us with songs and drum beats.
He then led us to a flat plateau where two 4WD buggies had been prepared for our adventure through the Agafay Desert. With an experienced guide, we drove over rugged dunes and rocky trails while enjoying the endless desert landscape.
As we stopped in small and sleepy villages, our guide talked about the history and geology of the desert. Then he took us to scenic viewpoints where we drew breaths while admiring the stunning terrain bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun.
Henna Painting: A Traditional Art
Upon returning to Inara Camp, a Bedouin lady was ready with her henna painting tools. Henna has been used for centuries in Moroccan culture, and it symbolizes joy, celebration, and beauty. She created intricate designs on the backs of our hands with traditional patterns. Then, while waiting for the henna to dry, we sipped Moroccan mint tea and admired the peaceful desert atmosphere.
READ ABOUT THE LOVELIEST HACIENDA IN SOUTHERN SPAIN
Authentic Bedouin Dinner
While we were having our hands painted, our private butler busied himself with dinner. He set a beautiful table lit with candles inside our luxurious safari tent. The tent had an indoor living room area and dining area, decorated with cushions, books and Moroccan lanterns.
Then he served us a selection of mezze, including smoky zaalouk, creamy hummus, and spicy harissa, served with fresh bread. The flavors were bold and aromatic — a preview of what else awaited. For the main course, we ordered a classic Moroccan lamb tagine with apricots and almonds and a vegetable couscous. Each bite was a celebration of African spices.
Tribal Musicians and Traditional Rhythms
After dinner, tribal musicians dressed in traditional Berber attire arrived to serenade us. They begin with the rhythmic beat of the drums, a powerful sound that echoed across the desert. Accompanied by hand-clapping, chants, and traditional instruments like the oud and qraqeb (Moroccan castanets), the musicians’ performance was lively and soulful, evoking a sense of connection to the land and people who call this desert home.
We were invited to join in by clapping along or learning the simple steps to a traditional dance, making the evening a truly interactive experience.
Fire Show in the Agafay Desert
Then our focus shifted outside our tent.
“Come, come,” our butler said, with a sense of urgency. Little did we know what awaited us in the darkness: a fire show that proved a mesmerizing finale to an extraordinary evening. The fire performer stepped into the glow of the fire pit and began to twirl flaming batons with skill and speed as the flames danced before us. Each movement was carefully choreographed to create suspense and awe. The performer’s graceful maneuvers and daring stunts against the backdrop of the starry desert sky were hypnotic, lighting up the night in a display of artistry.
This captivating fire performance was the final unforgettable moment in an evening full of magic in the Agafay Desert.
Read more about the 4WD Experience at Inaba Camp in Travelife Magazine
