The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and sunset views but consistently frustrated by slow service and mediocre breakfast.
The White Camel Lodge
$320-450/ night
Book this if You want the 'Sahara experience' without the 9-hour drive and don't mind trading silence for a DJ set.
Why People Love It
- Incredible infinity pool that drops off into the rocky desert void
- Glass-walled 'View Lodges' that let you watch the sunrise from bed
- 45-minute proximity to Marrakech makes it an easy overnight escape
Quick Take: A visually stunning desert playground that feels more like a trendy beach club than a secluded Bedouin retreat.
Reviewed by @LatinaTraveler: I woke up early to catch the sunrise and it was the best decision. Walking out of my tent to see camels grazing in the golden light was unforgettable. This place is pure magic and totally worth the drive from Marrakech.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Mountain View' in the cheaper Nomadic Tents sometimes means 'Fence View' with a side of noise from the main lodge.
- You care more about Instagram content than authentic Berber culture
- You want a party atmosphere with fire shows and Gnaoua music at dinner
- You need a 'desert' fix but refuse to sit in a car for 10 hours to reach Merzouga
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, though desert dust reappears 10 minutes after they leave.
- Bathroom hygiene: Surprisingly modern and clean; grout and tiles are well-maintained.
- Maintenance: Canvas tents show some wear/flapping noise; lodges are solid.
- Linens & towels: Crisp white linens, though towels can feel a bit 'crunchy' from line-drying in the sun.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, with occasional whiffs of diesel from the generator or quad bikes if the wind shifts.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- DJ/Live music from the main restaurant area until late evening
- Wind flapping the canvas of the Nomadic Tents
Before you book
Good to know
- Alcohol is served here (rare for some camps), but it's pricey
- There is a city tax of ~€0.52 per person/night payable on arrival
- The 'desert' here is rocky hardpack; don't bring stilettos, bring sturdy boots
What to pack
- Heavy jacket (desert temps drop 30°F+ at night, even in spring)
- Power bank (tents have outlets, but power can be spotty)
- Earplugs (essential for the music)
Room Genie
Best picks
- View Lodge (glass-walled) for actual unobstructed sunrise views and better sound insulation than tents
- Canyon Lodge for families needing extra space and a private terrace
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Nomadic Tents' if you care about the view—some face a fence/hill
- Any tent closest to the main restaurant/pool area due to noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and requesting a 'View Lodge' that is specifically NOT facing the fence/hillside. We are light sleepers, so please assign us a unit furthest from the restaurant/DJ area.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there AC and heating in the tents?
Yes, the lodges and tents have split-unit AC/heaters, which are crucial for the freezing desert nights.
Can I swim in the pool in winter?
Technically yes, but it's unheated. Unless you enjoy a polar plunge, it's for looking, not swimming, from Nov-March.
Is the food included?
Breakfast is included (though often described as 'plastic-wrapped' and basic). Dinner is usually extra unless you book a half-board package, and costs ~€85/person.
How do I get there?
It's 45-60 mins from Marrakech. Do NOT pay the hotel's €100 transfer fee. Arrange a private driver from the city for ~€40-50.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Absolutely not. Do not even brush your teeth with tap water. The hotel provides free bottled water—use it.
Are there sand dunes?
No. Agafay is a 'stone desert' (reg). It looks like a lunar landscape with rolling rocky hills, not the sandy dunes (erg) of the Sahara.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel's expensive lunch; take a 15-minute walk to 'La Pause' or 'Inara Camp' for a different vibe and better food.
- ✨
The 'Sunset Camel Ride' is a photo op, not a trek—you'll go in a circle for 20 mins, but the pics are worth it.
- ✨
Arrive at the pool before 11 AM to snag a daybed before the day-pass crowd arrives.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'nightclub' isn't a separate building; the dining room turns into a dance floor, so you can't escape the party if you're eating dinner.
💡The 'Mountain View' in entry-level tents is often blocked by a berm or fence.
💡Breakfast is surprisingly industrial—think packaged pastries rather than fresh bakery items.
💡You can hear your neighbors zipping and unzipping their tents.
💡The shower pressure is actually surprisingly good for the middle of nowhere.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The White Camel Lodge is located and what's nearby.