What Is a Buggy?
A buggy — also called a side-by-side or UTV (utility terrain vehicle) — is an open-framed off-road vehicle with two to four seats arranged side by side (rather than in a row like a car). Our buggies are powered by 1000cc engines, giving them considerably more power than the 250cc to 400cc quads used in standard tours. Unlike a quad, a buggy uses a steering wheel rather than handlebars, has a roll cage for added protection, and fits two passengers comfortably in bucket seats with safety harnesses. It looks and feels somewhat like a miniature off-road rally car — and it is every bit as exciting as that sounds.
Buggy vs Quad: Key Differences
The most obvious difference is seating: a buggy seats two (or more) side by side, so couples or friends can share the experience simultaneously rather than one following behind the other. A quad is solo by default (though small children can ride pillion). Buggies are also substantially more powerful — the 1000cc engine launches the vehicle with far more urgency across open desert terrain. Control-wise, a steering wheel is more intuitive to many people than quad handlebars, particularly for those who have driven a car but never ridden a motorbike. The buggy's roll cage and harness also add a structural layer of safety that gives many riders more confidence on rougher tracks.
Want to try a 1000cc buggy in the desert? Message us to check availability and book your session with hotel pickup.
Book a Buggy TourBuggy Tours in the Agafay Desert
Agafay is the premier buggy destination near Marrakech. The open rocky plateau, wide gravel tracks, and natural undulations of the terrain are ideal for the vehicle's power and suspension. Buggy sessions in Agafay typically last 1 to 2 hours and cover significantly more ground than a comparable quad tour, thanks to the higher speeds. You can combine a buggy session with a camel ride and dinner to make a full evening or half-day experience — browse our Agafay excursions for current combined packages.
Buggy Tours in the Palmeraie
The Palmeraie offers a flatter, more enclosed setting for buggy tours — perfect for those who want the power and novelty of the vehicle without the wide-open desert scale of Agafay. Palm grove tracks wind between date palms and Berber gardens, creating a more intimate and shadier riding experience. The Palmeraie is also closer to the city centre, making it an easy option for visitors with less time. Buggy tours here are particularly popular for groups who want something active and fun without a long transfer.
Who Are Buggy Tours Best For?
Buggies are ideal for couples who want to share the driving experience, friends or families who prefer a car-like vehicle to a motorbike-style quad, or anyone who finds the idea of handlebars slightly intimidating but is comfortable behind a steering wheel. The vehicle's power also appeals strongly to thrill-seekers looking for maximum excitement. There is no age minimum for passengers; drivers should be 18 or over. No driving licence is required for off-road use on our private tracks.
Safety, Equipment, and What Is Included
Every buggy tour includes helmets for all occupants, a safety briefing from your guide, and the guide riding alongside the group throughout the session. The buggy's roll cage and harnesses provide structural protection. Our buggies are serviced regularly and checked before every session. Most of our packages include hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech. Sessions in Agafay typically include an activity combination — check our ATV, quad, and camel packages for combined options starting from around €55 per person.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty — desert buggies throw up significant amounts of fine red earth, particularly in drier months. Sunglasses and a cap are useful even when the sun is behind you. Tie back long hair and remove any loose accessories before getting in. If you have any back or neck concerns, let us know in advance and we will advise on the most appropriate session length and terrain. Most importantly, bring enthusiasm — buggy tours consistently rank among our most exhilarating desert activity options, and the grins at the end never lie.