Marrakech is one of the imperial cities and fourth largest in all of Morocco. With a long list of palaces, souks, landscapes, monuments and other tourist attractions in the city, planning day trips in the Ochre City can get a little hectic.
This guide helps you plan your day trips from Marrakech. It is a list of top 8 excursions that takes you exploring the region of the Red City of Morocco.
The guide is meticulously created with the help of native guides, our 17 years of experience in designing Morocco traveling packages, and feedback from our 5000+ happy travelers.
Best part?
All our Marrakech tours can be ushered with an experienced English speaking guide and luxury Mercedes Vito to make the most out of your day with comfort and luxury.
Let the travel begin!
1. Marrakech Walking Tour
Today includes walking through the old city and marveling at its historic buildings and maze-like souks. You can begin the tour at the ancient Medina. Its narrow alleyways and roads are lined with old shops selling everything from traditional handicraft items including the Moroccan carpets to exotic spices. You will see local bakeries, a perfect introduction to the native life of Marrakech. The medina is also home to two medieval and beautiful landmarks - Koutoubai Mosque and Ben Youssef Medersa. From there you will move on to Djemaa el Fna, Bahia Palace, and Museum of Marrakech. The intriguing museum has century-old photographs of the Atlas Mountains’ Berber tribes on display.
You can have your lunch in one of the cafés in the medina.
2. Essaouira
Formerly known has Magador, this city is now known by the name of Essaouira. It means “the little rampart”, a reference to the fortress walls that still enclose part of the city. This coastal town is located not 3 hours from Marrakech. You can book the Mercedes Vito to travel comfortably.
Your journey to the seaside city embarks early in the morning. Once arrived, you will explore the ancient city walls of this lively city that soak in a hundred years of history, culture, and traditions. From the ramparts, you will move on to the UNESCO protected old medina, souks, and the marvelous Moulay el Hassan square.
The city is full of great restaurants that serve delicious, lip-smacking seafood. You can pick from a variety of fishes.
You will depart from Essaouira late in the afternoon and reach Marrakech at around 7 or 8pm. The dinner will be at the hotel.
3. Atlas Mountains and the Three Valleys
Today you will spend the day resting in the lap of nature. The excursions will take you to the magnificent Atlas Mountains, where you will get a chance to encounter the Berber families that are inhabited in the High Atlas Mountains.
You will leave early from the hotel and choose to travel in the M. Vito with our native English-speaking guide. You will continue the climb to the mountains while admiring the lush views of the valleys and foliage. A camel ride is the first highlight of today’s tour. After the ride, you will continue to Imlil Valley, where you can savor the refreshing tea and delicious cake while enjoying the mountains. There are green paths surrounded by tall trees where you can take a long, serene walk or ride a mule.
Lunch will be above Ait Souka Village with a traditional Berber cuisine, tajine, fruits, and drinks. You will meet the Berber family and the guide will give you insights about their life.
Later you will be driven to the azure artificial lake and Kik Plateau before leaving for Marrakech.
4. Lunch at Kasbah Tamadot (Asni)
Today you will have lunch at the Kasbah Tamadot of Asni, overlooking the ravine. This tour is an escape from the city life, into the verdant landscapes of the Asni town. Perched at the foothills of Atlas Mountains, this small town houses the luxurious hotel, Kasbah Tamadot. Enclosed by high mountains and greenery, the Kasbah is a perfect place to rest and relax. You will enjoy fresh mountain air and scrumptious lunch at the Kanoun restaurant of the Kasbah. It serves dishes from both traditional and international cuisine to satiate your taste buds.
The beautiful setting is sure to take your breath away. The fish tagine is a dish to die for, as are the other full-course meals. With its astounding view, tantalizing menu, friendly staff, and charismatic setting, the Kasbah will make your day.
5. Ouzoud Waterfalls
On the fifth day trip, you travel to one of the most beautiful natural wonder of Morocco – the Ouzoud Waterfalls. These 360-feet high waterfalls look terrific plunging down the cliff. You can spend your day diving into its water, picnicking, or taking photographs. The place is also famous for its Barbary apes. They are friendly but, refrain from feeding them.
You can take a long walk or hike to other viewpoints around the cascades.
6. Agafay Desert
Take a glimpse of the great Sahara Desert in the Agafay. Located 1 hour from the souks of Marrakech, the desert is untouched by development. One of the lesser-traveled tourist places, Agafay Desert is a total contrast to the bustling city.
It has sand dunes, blooming wildflowers, and the manmade Lake Takerkoust. This lake on the edge of the parched desert was built in 1929 to provide Marrakech electricity. You can swim, sunbathe, jet ski, or pedal boat at the beaches alongside Agafay.
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7. Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a windy city that has earned the name of “The Gate to the Desert” or “The Moroccan Hollywood”. Located at the edge of the majestic Sahara Desert, the city is an amalgamation of the modern and the traditional Moroccan architecture. It has been a host to several film shootings. There are movie studios and Museum of Cinema that you can explore. You will recognize the place from the popular Hollywood movie, Gladiator. The site has also been used to shoot The Game of Thrones.
30 km from Ouarzazate is the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou. It comprises of thousands of mesmerizing buildings that will take you back in time. This UNESCO protected site is still inhabited by three families. With the help of our native guide, you will get fascinating insights about the location which are sure to blow your mind. You will recognize this place from the movie The Mummy.
8. Ourika Valley
The day will bring you close to Ourika Valley’s mountain-valley vibe that is both refreshing and tranquilizing. With orchards and beautiful gardens, the valley also houses makeshift café and BBQ joints to satisfy your famished stomach.