# Scarabeo Camp Two camps of white tents in the Agafay stone desert, about an hour from Marrakesh: The Stone Camp, the original and liveliest, and Les Roches Noires, more intimate. For one or two simple, well-designed nights in the desert, on half board, by candlelight. Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/hotels/scarabeo-camp/ ## Two camps, two moods Scarabeo has pitched its white tents in the Agafay, a desert of stones and hills facing the peaks of the High Atlas. It was created by a graphic designer and a photographer, and it shows: the decor is careful and uncluttered, with African mats, Berber rugs, Moroccan lanterns and objects brought back from travels, under high canvas ceilings. In the evening, campfires and candles light the camp; in the morning, bread comes out of the earth oven. Both camps share this style and differ in atmosphere. **The Stone Camp** is the original camp. Its tents are spread across a large, hilly, candlelit field with views of the Atlas. It sits at the heart of Agafay's activities and comes alive in the evening. A small pool lies below the hill. **Les Roches Noires**, the newest camp, is built around a hill of black rock. The tents are on one side, the large pool and the dining tent on the other; the lounges, perched up high, look out over the plain. It is a little further out, about ten more minutes by road, and quieter. Sabaro recommends The Stone Camp for a first night in the desert as a couple or with friends, and Les Roches Noires for a quieter stay. ## A night off the grid The camps run on solar power. You can charge a phone; the panels cannot take a hair dryer or more power-hungry batteries. Wi-Fi only reaches the area around the office tent: the camp encourages you to disconnect. Meals follow a set menu. Dinner opens with an assortment of Moroccan salads, continues with two meat tagines served with semolina and raisins, and ends with the chef's trio of desserts. Lunch brings salads, barbecued chicken, vegetable and kefta (spiced minced-meat) skewers, and the dessert of the day. Both menus can be made vegetarian or gluten-free on request. Comfort follows the seasons. In winter, each tent has a wood stove, duvets and wool blankets; in summer, a standing fan. The pool is unheated: it cools you down from April to October. In the Agafay, temperatures swing widely between sun, shade and night, so pack layers. ## Planning activities Activities are run by outside providers, which Scarabeo books for its guests. Because the camp is remote, they must be booked ahead, and any cancellation less than 48 hours before is charged in full. The choice is wide: a 30- to 40-minute camel ride, quad or buggy with a guide, horse riding, e-mountain biking, a guided walk, a yoga class, a massage, a pottery workshop, and an hour of stargazing with an astronomer, weather permitting. Les Roches Noires adds a three-quarter-day camel trek with a picnic, and a walk followed by lunch with a local family. You can also come for lunch or dinner without staying the night, by reservation only, made at least 48 hours ahead. ## Sabaro's view **Who it suits**: couples and friends who want a night under canvas in a simple, well-designed setting, an hour from the medina. **Strengths**: two camps with distinct characters; candlelit decor; a wide choice of activities, from camel rides to astronomy. **Good to know**: electricity is solar and limited; Wi-Fi only works near the office; the camp advises against bringing a baby, as the tent walls are thin. **Our advice**: one night is enough for the experience, two to enjoy an activity without rushing. In summer, choose Les Roches Noires and its large pool, and book morning activities. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does it take from Marrakesh? About 45 minutes from the airport, 1 hour from the medina and 1 hour 15 minutes from the Palmeraie; add 10 minutes for Les Roches Noires. The final track is passable by any car. The camp books transfers run by tourist transport companies; a helicopter transfer from Marrakesh airport, a 15-minute flight, is available on request. ### What does the nightly rate include? The 2026 public rates are half board: dinner and breakfast, drinks not included. Family tents sleep up to five, with a double bed and up to three single beds. A booking is confirmed by a 25% non-refundable deposit. ### Which season is best, and is the pool heated? Autumn, winter and spring are the most pleasant seasons; the camps are open all year, including during Ramadan. The pool is unheated and best for swimming from April to October. In winter, the tents have a wood stove. ### Can we bring a baby? The camp advises against it, as the tent walls are thin and crying carries from one tent to the next. A cot is available at each camp. Children aged 4 to 10 pay a reduced rate for meals.