Photo Journal: Visiting a Berber Village and Riding Camels in the Agafay Desert
One very bumpy photoshoot while chasing Light in Morocco’s Agafay Desert with wiews of golden dunes, starry skies.
During our Honey's in Marrakech women’s retreat, we spent an unforgettable afternoon riding camels through the rocky dunes of Morocco’s Agafay Desert. Located just outside Marrakech, this moonscape scenery is not a traditional sand desert, but its golden tones and wide open views made it feel otherworldly.
Desert Rhythms
Camels have a generally friendly demeanour and a long history of being used as a traditional means of transport for nomadic cultures living in desert landscapes. Riding one offered a glimpse into a centuries-old way of life. The camel’s slow, sway, combined with the stretching desert views, was a one-of-a-kind experience.
Growing up in Florida, it’s no surprise that I haven’t spent much time in deserts. This experience was brand new to me, and even though I’m more of a water-and-gardens kind of gal, this ride through Agafay left me with a lasting impression.
I’d be remiss not to mention the ethics of animal tourism in a story like this. I typically avoid animal tourism while traveling, as it can contribute to animal exploitation. However, this ride was led by a local Berber tribe who use the camels in their daily routines. When we arrived, the camels appeared healthy, alert, and well cared for, so I joined with an open mind. While I appreciated the experience, it’s probably not something I’d choose to do again.
Shooting One-Handed: A Camel-Back Photography Challenge
Our slow-paced ride through the golden late-afternoon light gave me time to take photos while enjoying the peaceful stillness of the desert. This was also one of the most fun - and unpredictable - photography challenges I’ve had in a while!
Balancing on a moving camel with my Canon 5D Mark IV in one hand felt like the test of a true travel photographer. And I’m proud of the shots I captured.
Turns out, my childhood horseback riding lessons came in handy, and fortunately, my camel was pretty friendly. Some of the other gals weren’t so lucky and had a much more chaotic, bumpy ride.
Stargazing and Storytelling in the Agafay Desert
We ended the day with dinner at an open-air desert camp surrounded by glowing lanterns and incredible views. As night fell, the sky lit up with some of the brightest stars I’ve ever seen. We gathered around a fire pit, swapping stories from our travels—a perfect way to end a very busy day.
