Short answerA typical desert dinner show starts at sunset with mint tea, continues with Moroccan salads, a tagine or couscous and fruit or pastries, and is accompanied by live Berber and Gnawa music, often ending with a fire show around the camp. Expect about 3 hours on site and a warm layer for the evening.
The evening, step by step
- Arrival before sunset — mint tea and photos as the hills turn golden.
- Welcome — sometimes dates and milk, or Moroccan pastries.
- Starters — a spread of cooked Moroccan salads and bread.
- Main course — chicken or lamb tagine, or couscous; vegetarian options on request.
- Dessert — seasonal fruit, oranges with cinnamon or pastries.
- Music — Berber drums and Gnawa rhythms; guests are invited to dance.
- Fire show — a performer with fire poi or torches under the stars.
Typical menu
| Course | Examples |
|---|---|
| Starters | Zaalouk (aubergine), taktouka (pepper-tomato), carrots with cumin |
| Main | Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, beef with prunes, vegetable couscous |
| Dessert | Fruit, orange-cinnamon salad, pastries |
| Drinks | Water, soft drinks, mint tea |
Discover more dishes in our Moroccan food guide, and the difference between tanjia and tagine.
The music
Berber (Amazigh) drums and songs and the hypnotic Gnawa rhythms with the guembri bass lute are the soul of the evening. Learn more in Gnawa music explained.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy requests are usually possible if you tell us when booking.
Which option to book?
For a relaxed evening, book the Agafay desert dinner show. For adventure first, the quad, camel and dinner combo.
FAQ
How long is a desert dinner show?
About 3 hours on site, plus around 45 minutes of transfer each way from Marrakech.
Is the dinner show suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian tagines and couscous are available on request.
Is alcohol served?
It depends on the camp. Water, soft drinks and mint tea are standard.
What should I wear?
Smart-casual clothes and a warm jacket; nights are cool in the desert.
