Marrakech is an ideal base for exploring: in a single day you can reach the High Atlas mountains, spectacular waterfalls, a stony desert or the Atlantic Ocean. Once you have explored the city with our 3-day itinerary, here are the 6 best day trips from Marrakech, with driving times and our tips.
1. The Ourika valley (about 1 hour)
The closest Atlas valley: Berber villages, terraced gardens, argan cooperatives and, at the end of the road, the village of Setti Fatma and its waterfalls, reached by a short walk. Lunch by the river. All the details on our Ourika valley excursion.
2. Imlil and the Toubkal villages (about 1.5 hours)
At the foot of North Africa’s highest peak, Imlil is the starting point for easy walks to villages such as Aroumd, with superb views of the snowy summits. To go further, read our guide to hiking the High Atlas and climbing Toubkal.
3. The Ouzoud waterfalls (about 2.5 to 3 hours)
The Ouzoud waterfalls are among the highest in Morocco, dropping about 110 metres into a cirque of red rock. Paths lead down to the pool, where you can take a boat ride, and Barbary macaques live in the surrounding olive trees. Wear good shoes: there are plenty of steps.
4. The Agafay desert (about 45 minutes)
No big dunes here, but a stony desert of golden hills with the Atlas range as a backdrop. Come in the late afternoon for a camel or quad ride, the sunset and dinner under the stars at a camp. Ideal if you don’t have time to reach the Sahara.
5. Aït Ben Haddou via the Tichka pass (about 3.5 to 4 hours)
A long but magnificent day: the road crosses the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 metres), then reaches the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site and the setting of many films. Discover our visit of the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. If you can, spend a night there or continue to the desert with our 3-day Merzouga desert tour.
6. Essaouira and the Atlantic coast (about 2.5 to 3 hours)
The ramparts, fishing port and sea air of Essaouira are a complete change from Marrakech. On the way, stop at an argan cooperative. Our guide what to do in Essaouira tells you everything, and our Marrakech & Essaouira 5-day trip gives you two nights there.
Which day trip to choose?
| Day trip | Driving time (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ourika valley | 1 h | Nature, families |
| Imlil | 1.5 h | Hiking, mountains |
| Ouzoud waterfalls | 2.5-3 h | Scenery, summer swim |
| Agafay desert | 45 min | Sunset, dinner |
| Aït Ben Haddou | 3.5-4 h | Kasbahs, film sets |
| Essaouira | 2.5-3 h | Ocean, medina |
Our tips
- Leave early in the morning, especially for Ouzoud, Aït Ben Haddou and Essaouira.
- A private driver lets you choose your own stops and pace.
- In summer, favour the Atlas and the coast, cooler than the Marrakech plain.
- Before you leave, browse the Marrakech souks for your souvenirs.
We organise all these day trips with a driver from Marrakech, on their own or as part of a tour. You can also add a quad ride in the palm grove. Ask for your free quote.
