Things to do · Marrakech
Marrakech sits within easy reach of the High Atlas, the Atlantic coast and the edge of the Sahara, making it Morocco's best base for day trips. From Berber valleys and roaring waterfalls to film-set kasbahs and a fortified port, here are twelve excursions you can comfortably do and return from in a single day.
12 experiences
An hour south of the city, the Ourika Valley follows a river up into the High Atlas through Berber villages, terraced fields and roadside argan stalls. The trail at Setti Fatma climbs past a series of seven cascades, and the valley is cooler than the city in summer.
A rocky, dune-free desert of pale hills around 40 minutes from Marrakech, the Agafay offers camel and quad rides, sunset dinners and stargazing camps with the Atlas as a backdrop. It is the closest desert-style landscape to the city, no long Sahara drive required.
Roughly two and a half hours west on the Atlantic, the windswept port of Essaouira pairs a UNESCO-listed medina with ramparts, a working fishing harbour and fresh grilled seafood. Argan cooperatives and gnaoua music add to the easygoing coastal atmosphere.
A UNESCO World Heritage ksar of red earthen kasbahs rising above the Ounila River, Aït Ben Haddou has starred in films from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator. The drive crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass, often combined with nearby Ouarzazate.
About 150 km northeast, the Ouzoud Falls drop roughly 110 metres in tiers into a green gorge, the highest waterfalls in Morocco. Paths lead down past olive groves to boat rides at the base, and wild Barbary macaques are often seen on the way.
A classic loop linking the Ourika, Asni and Oukaimeden valleys, the Three Valleys tour samples contrasting High Atlas scenery in a day. Stops typically include a Berber home for mint tea, an argan cooperative and a riverside lunch.
At around 1,740 metres, the village of Imlil is the main trailhead for Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak. Day visitors can hike to the Kasbah du Toubkal, the village of Aroumd or a mule trail toward the Sidi Chamharouch shrine.
At the head of the Ourika Valley, the village of Setti Fatma is the launch point for the famous seven waterfalls hike. The scramble up the rocks is steep in places, rewarded by riverside cafes set among the cascades and walnut trees.
Off the old caravan road over the Atlas, the Telouet Kasbah was the seat of the Glaoui clan who controlled the southern passes. Behind a crumbling exterior, restored salons reveal lavish zellige, carved cedar and painted ceilings.
A reservoir backed by the Atlas about 40 km from the city, Lalla Takerkoust is a relaxed spot for lakeside lunches, kayaking, jet skiing and quad biking. It pairs easily with the Agafay Desert on a half-day or full-day outing.
At around 2,600 metres, Oukaimeden is Morocco's best-known ski resort and the highest in Africa, with lifts running when snow allows in winter. Out of season it draws hikers and is known for prehistoric rock carvings on the surrounding slopes.
A market town in the Atlas foothills on the road to Imlil, Asni is busiest during its lively Saturday souk. It makes a scenic stop for walnut and cherry orchards, valley views and an introduction to rural Berber life close to Marrakech.
The Ourika Valley and Agafay Desert are the easiest and closest, each under an hour away, making them ideal if time is short. For dramatic scenery, the Ouzoud Waterfalls and Aït Ben Haddou are popular though they involve longer drives of two to three hours each way.
Essaouira is about two and a half hours west on a flat coastal road. Aït Ben Haddou is around three to four hours via the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass, so an early start is recommended for both.
Yes. Oukaimeden, about a two-hour drive into the High Atlas, is Africa's highest ski resort and operates lifts in winter when there is enough snow, typically between December and March. Outside the snow season it is a hiking and rock-art destination.
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