Marrakech is great but even true lovers of the city look for other things to do after a few days. The good news is you can use the city as your base while spending time exploring the surrounding areas. Taking a day trip from Marrakech is a great way to escape the crush (and heat!) while experiencing a completely different side of Morocco. When planning your travel to Marrakech, I suggest staying for 2-3 days in the city and then planning at least one day trip.
It’s almost important to note where you can’t take a day trip. Most notably you can not take a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouan. So many people have asked me how to do this and it simply isn’t possible – the distance is too far. You also can’t take a day trip to the Sahara Desert, again it’s simply too far.
Do you want a relaxing trip or an active adventure?
Would you prefer to be alone on your experience or with a group?
How long do you want to travel in a vehicle vs being at your activity?
Do you get motion sickness in the car (see point above)?
Do you want to explore on your own or do you want the help of a guide?
What is your budget for your Marrakech day tour?
Considering these questions can help you choose the best experience for you and your family. Below I’ve listed nine different destinations you can consider for an excursion from Marrakech. They are listed in order of distance from the city.
This is one of our favorite places to go when we want to escape Marrakech. It’s under an hours drive and we love taking guests here. The drive is very scenic, you’ll get to see the Atlas mountains as you drive out and then the winding roads and villages of the mountain communities, until you reach the end of the line in Siti Fatima. Really, the road goes no further!
Be sure to eat lunch at one of the roadside and/or riverside stands. The specialty is a lamb and vegetable tajine and I refuse to order anything else when we go. These tajines are cooked in the tajine pot (instead of a pressure cooker like many restaurants do) over charcoal and you’ll be able to easily taste the difference.
If you wear good shoes you can climb up to the infamous waterfalls. There are (supposedly) seven waterfalls as you ascend the mountain – I’ve only ever made it to the first one. There is a path, it does not have hand rails and in some places may seem a bit risky but plenty of people climb it every day. I’ve seen 2 year olds and 70 year-olds making the climb! In the summer you’ll see lots of kids and young men swimming in the water and you can too. Just come prepared!
This tour includes not just the Ourika Valley but a chance to see one of the largest lakes in the region and enjoy a hike. The tour leaves from Marrakech, stops for a tea break and then heads to the Ourika Valley where you’ll take a hike to see the waterfalls. Enjoy a traditional local lunch and then head towards the Agafay Desert and Kik Plateau for stunning views.
For a more inexpensive tour, try this shared group tour to the valley. The tour includes transportation as well as a guide to get to the waterfalls. Be prepared for 1 1/2 hr hike up and wear good shoes! There are a few other stops along the way as well as lunch (at your expense – be sure to ask for the a la carte menu).
The cost of this tour is really affordable considering just a taxi to the valley would be quite a bit more each way.
This lake (and dam) was artificially built in the 1920’s under the French protectorate to provide Marrakech with hydro-electric power. The lake is fed by water runoff from the Atlas Mountains. It then served as a recreation site for Marrakechi families looking to get away for a day and enjoy the water.
There are several different things to do at Lalla Takerkoust. You’ll see families who come with picnic blankets to spend the day eating and swimming.
There are also a few resorts along the lake that have restaurants and swimming pools. Water sports like paddle boating and power boating that take place in the water. Horseback riding and quad biking are also popular activities. If you want to get in the lake, it’s advisable to double check on activities as it will depend on water levels.
With this tour you’ll get a little bit of everything – and it’s a great option for warmer months!
You’ll be picked up from your Marrakech hotel or riad and transferred to the lake where all the equipment will be ready and waiting (quad + safety equipment). Stop for lunch at a lakeside restaurant where you can enjoy a meal and take a swim in the onsite pool.
Afterwards continue through the Agafay Desert.
With this tour you’ll navigate the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and explore rural villages via horseback. Guests need not be advanced riders however some experience may be helpful. This tour includes pick up/drop off, a guide and horse. You’ll also be taken for lunch at a restaurant near Lake Lalla Takerkoust (meal is not included in price) where you can swim in the pool if you choose.
The Sahara Desert is a solid 8-10 hour drive from Marrakech and takes a minimum of 3 days (sure some do it in two but that’s crazy!) Not everyone has this much time but would still like to have the desert experience. If you’re seeking a desert day trip from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is the ideal solution.
You won’t have to go far and can still sleep in a tent, go for a camel trek and have the desert experience – minus the long drive!
Never heard of the Agafay? Read more before you decide.
You can visit this stone desert outside of Marrakech if you want to have a desert experience without the long trek to the Sahara. It’s possible to visit for the day and have a meal or book a tour that includes an overnight stay in a luxury camp.
This little village isn’t on many tourist radars but that makes it a great option of a Marrakech day trip for visitors who want to see a part of Moroccan life that few experience. One of the most interesting things about this area are the traditional salt mines in operation (during spring and summer months) where salt is harvested from the naturally saline water.
Not far from the village is the Tinmel Mosque, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of only two mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter. The famous Koutoubia is modeled after this 11th century building.
If you’re seeking an excursion from Marrakech that is equal parts history, food and culture look no further – oh and there’s plenty of nature thrown in too! This guided tour departs from your Marrakech hotel or riad and visits Ourigane as well as several other small villages in the area.
A small hike (one hour each way) will lead you through villages until you arrive at the Tin Mal mosque where you can enter and learn about this building and its history. Afterwards you’ll enjoy lunch with a local family before returning to Marrakech.
Surrounding Marrakech in the High Atlas are many small Amazigh (Berber) villages. Set into the hillsides and valleys the people who call them home have lived this way for generations. Traditional clay structures are mixed with modern built homes. Surrounding the villages you’ll often find fields and orchards; life here is largely subsistent with excess being sold in Marrakech and beyond.
There are more and more Atlas mountains day trips being offered to visit these communities and experience local life. While you can go alone, it’s often better to go with a local as you may discover not only do people not speak French, many also have limited Arabic as they use the local Amazigh language to converse.
Another added benefit of visiting this area is that the temperatures are cooler – often much cooler – than in Marrakech; making it ideal for day trips during warmer months.
There are many tours that will drive you through these villages however on this tour you’ll get to experience the village. This private tour picks you up from your accommodation in the morning, stops at a local market and then takes you to the village of Imlil where you can take short hike or mule ride to a family home. There you’ll be treated to rural hospitality and an amazing meal.
Book an add-on experience of a bread baking or weaving class when you take this tour as well.
If you want a tour that mixes in a little sightseeing by car and by foot than consider this tour. As a part of a small group you’ll ride through several of the valleys, viewing villages. The tour includes a 90 minute guided hike and a full lunch. If you’ll be taking a tour on specific days a stop in one of the local markets is also possible. (Markets are held on a different day of the week in different cities – this is why it is dependent). This tour is a great chance to see both beautiful scenery and rural culture.
Head north instead of south to the Middle Atlas Mountains on a day trip to Ouzoud waterfall. It’s one of the biggest in the country. There are lots of small restaurants overlooking the falls where you can enjoy lunch or bring your own for a picnic by the water. Barbary macques call this area home and there are several hiking trails nearby to add to the activities.
If you’re wondering how far is Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech, know it’s quite far; at least a three hour drive. However, you’ll be able to witness some of the rural beauty of Morocco along the way.
To have the most control over your Marrakech to Ouzoud day trip you may want to consider booking a private tour such as this one. You’ll have the ability to stop and go when you want and enjoy the falls at your own pace.
If you don’t mind sharing your transportation with other travelers than this shared option can save you quite a bit of money while still delivering you to the falls to enjoy.
One of the biggest surprises people have when learning about Morocco is the variety of climates. Whenever I tell someone that we can go skiing in winter months they automatically assume that I mean sand skiing but no, it’s snow skiing!
Oukaimden is under two hours drive from Marrakech and reaches to one of the highest points in the country – Mount Toubkal. This is a great winter day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. You can very easily go for the day, rent skis and enjoy the hill. There is also sledding for younger kids and newer skiers. This hill is not suitable for those with limited skiing experience.
To get to Oukaimden there are limited public transportation options (you could hire a driver or take a shared taxi), but if you’d rather not have the hassle this may be a good package for you to consider.
This tour includes transportation as well as the lift passes. The guide will assist you with getting equipment and lunch (at your own cost). Don’t expect the best quality equipment and come prepared with appropriate clothing as that’s not for rent.
If you want to do some hiking, any time of year, we recommend you get in touch with Toubkal Treks. I have not hiked Mt. Toubkal however we do know the guides and staff who work with this company and trust them. It is never advisable to consider hiking in the area without a guide, especially in winter months.
Currently the shortest hike is 2 days, 1 night however if you wanted to simply take a shorter day long hike in the area I’d recommend getting in touch and I’m certain they could arrange this for you.
This seaside village can be visited as a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech in a single (albeit long) day. Winter months can be cold and rainy with a constant breeze but in the summer, spring, and fall you’ll really fall in love. There’s very little hassle or pressure in the markets and souks. The food is lovely and people really laid back.
The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira is approximately 3 hours. You could rent a car and do the drive yourself but for the price and hassle it may not be worth it. You also could take the Supratour bus from Marrakech though especially in high season seats may be very limited.
I’ve listed two Essaouira tours below that you may want to consider; one that is transportation only and another that includes a guided tour.
Gateway2Morocco (a MarocMama partner) also offers day trip tours to Essaouira. You may want to check their listings and use code MMA7 at checkout for 7% off any trips you book with them.
If you’re just looking for an easy way to get to Essaouira from Marrakech and don’t want to deal with the bus schedules, consider booking this day trip. The only thing included is the transportation so you’ll be on your own to explore the city.
You can use my handy complete guide to Essaouira or weekend in Essaouira guide to plan your time!
This tour combines both the transfer to and from Marrakech as well as a guided tour in Essaouira and time for you to explore on your own. This combination makes it a solid day tour of Essaouira; giving you a little bit of everything. The tour also includes a stop to see argan being made – take with a grain of salt and if you plan to purchase make sure to read my post all about argan.
Ouarzazate is the furthest day trip from Marrakech to really consider. It’s approximately a 4 hour drive each way completely up and over the High Atlas Mountains. Many people stop here en route to the Sahara but if you don’t have time for that trip than this desert day trip from Marrakech is one you can consider.
The most common reason people want to visit is to the see the impressive Ait ben Haddou fortified village. This is key to any visit. There are several other kasbahs as well as beautiful desert scenery surrounding the area. Don’t miss out on Telout kasbah which is also very impressive.
The base price of this tour can’t be beat for the distance traveled. Head over the High Atlas Mountains until you reach the city of Ouarzazate on the other side. You’ll visit both the famous Ait ben Haddou as well as Kasbah Taourit, the once home of Pacha Glaoui. There are multiple stops for snacks, lunch and pictures. You also can take an optional camel ride during the trip. Arrive back in Marrakech in the evening.
If sharing just isn’t for you then book this private tour to Ouarzazate. You’ll be able to do all of the things of the previous tour however at your own pace and stops exactly when you need them. Lunch is included in your tour price.
It can be very difficult driving through the mountains (single lanes, lots of twists and turns). Driving in Morocco isn’t for the faint hearted that’s for sure! I would feel more comfortable doing it in summer vs winter though.
Love your posts on Morocco. My three girlfriends and I are teachers and are planning to go to Morocco in mid June. We will be doing a road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara, taking somewhere between two and three days. What should we see with that limited time frame? Where would be a good place to spend the night (or a second night)? And with the heat, should we spend more than one night in the Sahara?
You’ll probably be ok still in June, it will be getting warmer for sure but not unbearable yet. I’d say to stop in Ouarzazate/Ait ben Haddou as well as possibly an overnight in Skoura. The Roses (Dades) Valley is beautiful and a stop at the Todra Gorge as well. Have you driven in Morocco before? If not I might do a bit more research into it and I’d consider hiring a driver if you’re not super comfortable with mountain passes especially. Also keep in mind the times shown on Google Maps for example are much shorter than in reality so you’ll want to add in quite a bit more driving time.
What is Marrakech like at the end of March? There are 5 of us girls planning to stay for 1 week. Your itineraries are very helpful!
Would u recommend that we book our day trip before getting to Marrakech or once we get there?
It’s a nice time of year to visit. The weather is usually really good. I would advise you to make bookings ahead as that is the beginning of the spring tourism season and things may be booked. Early booking means you’ll get a better choice for the dates and activities you want.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Marrakech and would like to take an over night excursion to Ait ben Haddou. We would like to be able to see it in the morning and evening light. Any information and tips you have for us is much appreciated.
Hi Ellen, You could book a tour (the company I mention in this post can arrange an overnight trip). I think your plan to do an overnight there is really a good idea. There are several hotels close to Ait ben haddou so you could see in both lights.
My girlfriend and I are visiting in November, do you think it’s worth it to go to Essaouira due to weather? Thanks.
November is still a lovely time in Morocco! It will be a little cooler, you might not want to swim in the ocean but I would totally go!
Amanda, We’re heading to Marocco for a road trip over our Winter Holidays, why does it take 3 days to drive 8-10 hours? I’ve got to figure this out so I can see how far I’ll get in a day.
I’ll probably be perusing your website for all of its tips, and I’ll probably have more questions for you.
Also, it was wonderful meeting you at TBEX.
Hi Corrine. Is it possible to do it in 10 hours, yes you can get from Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara in 10 hours but it’s extremely long and nearly every company will stop places along the way to see things (which is actually great, I enjoyed the stops more than the actual desert). In winter it also depends on the roads, as it does snow in the High Atlas the roads can be closed or just take much longer to pass through, and there’s just one road. 3 days isn’t total driving time but if you drive out 10 hours you’ll get to the desert at dark and likely won’t be there in time to do the camel ride to the tents, and then turn around and drive back? Most schedules are; Day 1 drive about 3/4 of the way with stops along the way and stay overnight, Day 2 drive the rest of the way do the camel ride to the tents have dinner music etc, Day 3 return to Marrakech. It’s an extremely long 3 days and were I to do it again I would do it in at least 4. Feel free to email anything else!