15 Best Day Trips From Marrakech
Marrakech (also spelled Marrakech) is a famous destination when visiting Morocco as it offers many attractions and the chance to experience Moroccan culture and customs. If you spend more than a few days in the city, you will certainly start to think about all the things to see in Morocco outside of Marrakech. What makes day trips so worthy is that they showcase the diversity of the country. The forums day trips from Marrakech take you everywhere from desert and mountains to coast, the following trips are well worth the time and effort
1. Ouzoud Falls
To escape the city hassler and experience a surprisingly lush and green side of Morocco, head to the magnificent Ouzoud Falls. This impressive waterfall in the Middle Atlas Mountains is one of the most common day trips from Marrakech, for good reason. Fed by the El-Abid River, the Ouzoud Falls drop a total of 110 meters (360 feet) over several levels. Besides enjoying the view of these impressive waterfalls located in the El-Abid canyon, you can take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls or swim in the cool river.
Getting there: Most visitors take a guided tour to visit the waterfalls. it’s a 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Marrakech.
2. Essaouira
Located on the Atlantic coast, the seaside city of Essaouira is one of the best side excursions from Marrakech. The advantage of visiting Essaouira is that you can see a completely different take on urban life in Morocco. It doesn’t bother that Essaouira is full of scenic spots and exudes an unexpected bohemian vibe. While it is easy to get distracted by the city’s waterfront, it is best to head towards the medina and the port, where you will see the important city walls, still lined with defensive guns, which overlook the city. ‘ocean. Then there are the blue fishing boats that fill the harbour and the many restaurants serving fresh seafood. At the very least, you’ll enjoy the relaxed vibe of this seaside location before heading back to the big city.
Getting there: The best way to fit into a day trip to Essaouira is with a guided tour. Driving from Marrakech takes around 2.5 hours.
3. Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
A few days tours to Marrakech delight visitors to Morocco like a trip to see the twin destinations of Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou. These two locations in the southeast of the city are iconic attractions due to their long history of hosting international film and television productions, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator and The Mummy. Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed 11th-century fortified village made of red mud bricks, is probably the more immediately recognizable of the two and captivating to walk. The town is known as the Hollywood of Africa, and most trips focus on a visit to Atlas Studios to see familiar sets from movies shot there.
Getting there: Getting to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate by car takes around 3.5 hours, but the journey is well worth it. but, many visitors find taking an organized tour the best way to see it all in one day.
4. Agafay Desert
Exploring the deserts of Morocco is generally a priority for travellers. The Agafay desert ranks among the best places to visit in Morocco from Marrakech. Because it allows the option of a day trip to the desert, which you cannot do with the Sahara. While the Agafay Desert might not offer the dunes of the Sahara, a tour here load with raw landscapes and immersive adventures. Whether quad biking, camel riding or sipping traditional tea in a Berber village is more your speed, this day trip from Marrakech offers a truly otherworldly experience.
5. Ourika Valley
A few minutes from Marrakech are the sublime landscapes of the Ourika valley. Hidden in the foothills at the start of the Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley is hometown to small villages and bordered by magnificent cherry and almond orchards. Berbers still live in the valley as their ancestors did centuries ago, and trips here often focus on Berber life today. Depending on the day, you might find a local market, and visiting local collectives selling argan oil, a popular Moroccan cosmetic, is also common. There is also the beautiful river and mountain scenery to enjoy, including the pretty waterfalls of Setti Fatma, from which several hiking trails start through the mountains.
Getting there: It is possible to drive from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley in less than an hour. However, most people choose to take a guided tour because it is generally more affordable and straightforward.
Book Tour to Ourika Valley
6. Imlil
It’s obvious to see why Imlil the small Berber village is one of the best places to visit in Morocco, once you realise that it is surrounded by the High Atlas Mountains. Imlil enjoys some of the best mountain scenery in Morocco, including views of Mount Toubkal, the country’s highest peak. Mount Toubkal and the surrounding mountains offer spectacular views, all of which can be enjoyed from Imlil below. While you can’t hike to the top in a day, you can take small hiking trails to nearby local villages, take in the views, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. And when you’re already at an elevation of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), some visitors will find these hikes more than enough..
Getting there:If you want to fully experience Imlil, choose a hike in the Atlas Mountains that focuses only on the area rather than a hike that simply stops along the way. Driving to Imlil takes a little over an hour.
7. High Atlas Mountains
Because they cover such a large part of the country, the Atlas Mountains are likely to appear on most trips to Morocco in one form or another. As for the high mountains near Marrakech, we are specifically referring to the High Atlas Mountains, the highest part of this long mountain range. Across the mountains, there are many valleys to explore which are home to hiking trails and small Berber villages. Places like Ourika and Imlil are the most famous destinations, but there are great options like the town of Asni and the Mizane and Zat valleys. With the right day trip, it is possible to combine several valleys and towns and experience how varied this region can be.
Getting there: Reaching the High Atlas Mountains typically takes 1 to 2 hours by car. However, a guided mountain tour is the best way to see many different places without the stress of finding your way.
8. Marrakech Palmeraie
Do you want to escape the city without really leaving the city limits? Next, head to the Palmeraie de Marrakech, the city’s beautiful palm groves that provide the perfect setting for all kinds of fun and enjoyable outdoor activities. This verdant green space in the far north of the city is a spectacular oasis that provides a dreamy backdrop for thrilling adventures like camel rides and quad biking. While nearby hotels and golf courses may look like a gimmick to attract tourists, this plantation of thousands of palm trees dates back to the 12th century and continues to provide the city with lumber and dates.
Getting there: Marrakech’s palm groves are only a ten-minute ride from the city centre, but if you want to try a variety of activities, it’s best to plan them ahead with a visit.
Book Tour to La Palmeraie
9. Agadir
Another great seaside destination is the sunny city of Agadir. This port city offers a fantastic mix of beaches, interesting historical monuments and resorts pleasures where you will feel pampered. You can easily spend your time here sunbathing or surfing if that’s what your vacation is missing. Alternatively, you can head to the spas, golf courses, and bars if you just want to relax. But there is also a lot to see in Agadir, from the beautiful seaside promenade to the spectacular remains of the ancient hilltop fortress in the city. No matter what you choose to do, the ambience of the 60s and 70s makes Agadir a unique place to visit in Morocco.
Getting there: How to get there: It takes around 3-3.5 hours to drive from Marrakech to Agadir,.
10. Oukaïmeden
At the end of the spectrum are the alpine hills of Oukaïmeden. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, this ski resort is one of the best in Morocco, maybe even Africa. Oukaïmeden has elevations of around 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) and has six ski lifts and pistes suitable for everyone from beginners to those ready for its advanced pistes. While it may not be as polished or modern as western ski resorts, these features help make skiing here a special and memorable experience. The ski season is best in January and February, while spring opens up mountain hiking trails.
Getting there: The trip from Marrakech to Oukaïmedenn generally takes a little less than 2 hours.
11. Imouzzer and Paradise Valley
A trip to Imouzzer shows how far the Atlas Mountains stretch across the country. Practically isolated until the 1930s, Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane, a small Berber town north of Agadir, is a remote and peaceful place to visit off the beaten track. Besides walking around town and tasting local products made with honey and argan oil, the best choice here is to see the waterfalls. This magnificent waterfall is a bit outside of the city centre and offers a very nice view. When visiting Imouzzer, be sure to extend a bit to Paradise Valley, a fun photo of natural rock pools fed by other small waterfalls.
Getting there: It takes over 3 hours to get to Imouzzer, with Paradise Valley about 20 minutes away
12. Casablanca
Along with Marrakech, Casablanca is easily one of Morocco’s best-known destinations and can be comfortably explored with a well-planned day trip. Casablanca extends north of Marrakech on the coast and is the country’s largest city, performing primarily as a commercial and industrial centre. There are a handful of exceptional sites to see, beginning with the city’s medina which feels even more chaotic and labyrinthine than that of Marrakech. Then there is Place Mohammed V, a square in the most modern and open French colonial part of the city. The main attraction, however, is the huge Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world. Having been built in 1993, it is not very old, but its scale and design are truly impressive
13. Ouirgane Valley
Our final option for a day trip to the High Atlas Mountains is the soft and airy Ouirgane Valley. Located more west than the other valleys, Ouirgane is a little more off the tourist trail than Imlil or Ourika and better for that. The people of Marrakech often seek the valley to escape the heat.
14. Tinmal Mosque
A lesser-known destination that is definitely worth exploring on a day trip from Marrakech is the historic Tinmal Mosque (also spelt Tin Mal or Tinmel). This secluded religious monument set in a dry but picturesque valley sits in the ruins of a medieval fortress among the High Atlas Mountains. The mosque was built in the late 12th century and is one of the few mosques in the country that non-Muslims can visit, essentially because it is no more a fully functional place of worship. A visit includes exploring the ancient remains and admiring all the well-preserved details around its inner courtyard. Note that you may need to contact the mosque guard by phone to be allowed entry if the site is not open; you will find the number displayed on the front door.
Getting there:The drive across the Atlas mountains to reach Tinmal Mosque takes around 2.5-3 hours and includes the scenic of Tizi-n-Test.
15. Lalla Takerkoust Lake
It might seem strange to include an artificial lake and dam on this type of list, but Lake Lalla Takerkoust is surely worth a visit because of its scenery, including the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. This man-made lake is a popular weekend spot for city dwellers. The lake offers the possibility of practising all kinds of water sports such as swimming and pedal boating, while outside the water there are picnic areas and outdoor activities such as quad biking and horse riding.
Getting there: Lake Lalla Takerkoust is just 45 minutes drive from the centre of Marrakech. Some tours also include a stop at the lake as part of their itineraries.
Book Tour to Lalla Takerkoust Lake