Day Trips from Marrakech

Marrakech has a wealth of possibilities for day trips of all kinds. The Atlas Mountains, the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic Coast, and more are all within relatively easy reach. Many proposed day trips do actually take up a full day, so be prepared for a long day if you want to see some of the more far-flung areas. Here’s a brief introduction to some of the more commonly proposed day trips by car. For those interested in organized group tours, numerous travel agencies can arrange for day excursions by coach, sometimes offering substantial savings by pre-arranged group rates. And if history, not nature, is what you crave, you will certainly not want to miss a visit to the kasbah Telouet, the fortified former residence of the powerful Glaoui family.

You can easily arrange excursions to most of these places through your hotel or riad. Alternatively, you may arrange with a taxi driver to take you around for the day. To keep things simple, booking a whole day excursion through an official office is certainly a good bet. In all cases, check prices and itineraries carefully. If you are dealing with a driver or tour guide, consider taking a small dictionary or guide to help you communicate your wishes and negotiate your desired itinerary. And as always in today’s uncertain times, remember to check travel advisories before visiting any destination, and keep in touch with your home country consulate or embassy while you are away.

2. The Atlas Mountains

The very nature of these mountains makes a visit one of our top recommendations when you’re looking for an escape from the city. Fresh air, wide open spaces, and some of Morocco’s most incredible scenery make the journey more than worth the traffic heading out of town. In less than an hour, one leaves the hustle of Marrakech behind and enters a totally different world. The road crosses the vast plateaux or follows a narrow river valley before climbing into the mountains. On your day trip, you could visit a small jaunt into the mountains, or if you have the time and want to truly get away, you could take a longer hike guided by a local. The Ouika Valley is also a beautiful spot to visit. The main road stops in Asni, but Tahanouste and Setti Fadma further on are the starting points of many walks and treks up the valley, either as simple day hikes or for full-on multi-day treks. Prepare yourself for a great variety of scenery with dramatic mountain peaks, verdant river valleys, sparkling waterfalls, and gushing streams wherever you look. Shepherds’ huts and small villages, surrounded by fertile terraces, can be seen clinging to the steep mountainsides. Villages scatter the tops of the valley and are often surrounded by apple blossom in the spring and spiky pink oleander in the summer. Used to their visitors, almost all the women in the village seem to be selling mint tea to refresh hot and thirsty travelers in summer and warming mint tea for the winter months.

2.1. Overview of the Atlas Mountains

Day trips from Marrakech: The surrounding countryside of Marrakech offers a number of spectacular destinations that can be visited in a single day. In exploring distant landscapes, some of these visits will even take the traveler quite far into the High Atlas Mountains. In appreciation of these fast and easy excursions, typical Marrakech city itineraries usually offer a couple of hours through them. It is supposed that those who pause in these mountains will not venture very far into the countryside after all. In the popular cultural imagination, though, these mountains can be seen as one of the most striking landscapes in Morocco. The Atlas Mountains are where the climatic and cultural border between Marrakech and what many people regard as ‘authentic’ Morocco lies.

Indeed, some tourists from different exotic places sometimes appear only interested in these landscapes, overlooking at first the great achievements of Islamic civilization accomplished in cities and the important historical monuments they enclose. In treating the High Atlas Mountains merely as beautiful Moroccan scenery, they miss the mountains’ great value and variety by as much as in refusing to visit them at all. Only a few kilometers south of Marrakech, practically at the very end of the city’s unpaved dirt lanes, begin the foothills of the High Atlas. Marked by wheat fields and the occasional orange grove, stepped down the mountain’s sun-exposed southern face, these fields of young grain are wet in the early spring when the last snows of the Atlas range await the dissolving warmth.

2.2. Popular Hiking Trails

Beginners will enjoy hiking to Takerkoust Lake, which passes through many Berber villages. If you want more of a challenge, then head to Setti Fatma in the Ourika Valley, which leads to seven waterfalls. The final waterfall, Cascade Setti Fatma, is the most popular to visit. The Ouirgane Valley trek is another fantastic day trip from Marrakech. Highlights include Ouirgane village, Azzadene Valley, and Tassa Ouirgane with its river, fields, and green mountains. The trail to see the ancient Tin Mal Mosque is a must for history enthusiasts. The 12th-century mosque was built by the Almohad leader. The mosque is a rare historic monument in the High Atlas region, accessible from Marrakech. This route takes three hours to walk and offers artistic and cultural tours. Its mountain trails provide breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and Sharwand. Another cultural walk, which offers beautiful views of the High Atlas Mountains in the spectacular area of Azzaden Valley, is about 3 to 4 hours and passes through several small towns. Half-day mountain walks to a local Berber house.

2.3. Cultural Experiences with Berber Communities

Exploring the Atlas Mountains is the perfect way to experience the authentic culture of the Berber people, the original inhabitants of the region. The Berbers inhabit a vast area including Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Algeria, Niger, and Mauritania. In Morocco, Berbers are both rural and city dwellers. They have light skin, European features, and speak their own language. The Berber language can only be spoken, not written. Many Berbers are bilingual, able to communicate in both their native tongue and in Arabic.

Berbers are also very hospitable people. They are known to extend this hospitality by inviting guests into their homes. When visiting a Berber family, it’s customary to bring along some gifts as a token of appreciation. There’s no need to go overboard, as any small meaningful item is always appreciated. Note that when receiving tea, it’s important to use one’s right hand when accepting tea from the teapot. If invited to the dinner table, in addition to using the right hand, leave the left hand on the guest’s lap. After drinking tea, should it be necessary to excuse oneself, the guest is expected to position one of the peels of sugar in an empty glass and turn it upside down. The host will then understand, knowing the guest needs to relieve themselves and will act accordingly. If there is a desire for a second helping, it’s important to accept, even if just a partial portion, as it is very generous and the food is likely expensive, as lamb is the customary meal.

3. Essaouira

Lying right on the coast of the Atlantic, the town is known for its narrow streets, stairways, and terraces, relaxed approach, and completely whitewashed architecture, typical of the towns built by the Portuguese. Its whitewashed architecture has led to it being chosen for filming many period films, and it has its own annual music festival worth visiting. This beautiful small town served as the setting for a number of movies, notably American and English ones.

Essaouira is a lovely drive to the coast, of some two and a half hours normally, as the road has been newly resurfaced. On the way, you will see lots of goats climbing the only argan trees in existence, with a high mountain range in the back. The contrast of the green patches of argan trees on an almost completely barren rocky landscape is a stunning sight.

3.1. Historical Significance of Essaouira

The history of Essaouira is connected to several key moments in Morocco’s history. Before it became a port, the Phoenicians and Carthaginians settled at the location, while the Romans may also have had a presence. The Berber Almohads used the small island as a location to transport Christian prisoners after the victories in the war against the Romans in the 7th century. When the Portuguese started looking for ways to extend their influence in the region, they found in 1506 an excellent possibility, especially after securing the location from a military perspective: a world-renowned port that remained protected the whole twelve months of the year. Impressed, they set in 1507 the first stone of a fortress that would defend the new location against the inevitable reaction of the Saadians and the ever-increasing attacks of the Saadians, bit by bit. Eager to control the newly established route, the Portuguese started the battle of Diu with their Ottoman ally in their continued attempts to make an entry into the Red Sea, which led to the isolation and lack of control of the fort since the local support was given to their own interests in the Indian Ocean.

3.2. Beaches and Coastal Activities

A short day trip from Marrakech can lead to sunny and sandy beaches, hills, snow-capped mountains, and chestnut-covered Alps, the gorges, and similarly impressive desert areas. The historical town of Essaouira elegantly sits between the wonderful Moroccan shore and the spreading argan groves. This historically beautiful white and blue painted mix of Portuguese, Berber, and French architecture by the shore is encountered while traveling in Morocco. Recently reborn as an important cultural center, the modern street arts and musical festivals held there enhance the artistic medium of the city, while the prosperous traditions of the sardine and argan farming communities persist in capitalizing on this inspiring juxtaposition of history, natural beauty, and contemporary zest.

Located on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, Essaouira is the perfect calming contrast to Marrakech. Essaouira is one of the five most essential ports for sailors. The influence, which is mainly in art and architecture, still finds a resemblance in Essaouira. Surprisingly, this town includes historical monuments that are well preserved, making Essaouira a whitewashed town. The seven bastions of the town also add strength to its beauty; the map of the town resembles a fortified island with a characteristic harbor.

3.3. Local Cuisine and Markets

Marrakech is not just well-known for sightseeing, its history, and its markets. It is also famous for its great local cuisine that has been continuously influenced by different cultures, especially during the French protectorate. Marrakech is divided into two parts: the modern European city and the old town called Medina. The new town holds shopping malls, famous international fashion brands, and fast food restaurants, without losing sight of that special local atmosphere. The Medina boasts unlimited markets with numerous souks, especially famous for food, metal, leather, souvenirs, etc. It is recommended that around Jamee El Fna Square, you grab a number of different kinds of typical food, especially the deep-fried dishes.

There are two kinds of typical dishes: the tajines and the msemen. This bread is similar to the Indian fried bread in terms of shape. The main difference is that the Indian bread is certainly spicier than msemen; the fried flour is crispy outside but soft and layered inside. Believe it, spread softly with pistachio jam onto the fresh msemen; this is the best way to taste it. Donkey meat is available in Marrakech, but one really has to be careful. Almost all lamb dishes, like sausage and sweetbreads, look similar to donkey meat. Except that it is specially marked, suggesting that this is donkey meat. So if you can get donkey meat, ask for it only from the recommended restaurants.

4. Ouzoud Waterfalls

To reach Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech, it’s worth leaving the busy streets and dizzying markets for a day trip to South Morocco’s grand waterfall region. We recommend you hire a car or taxi to get to Ouzoud. The falls and their surrounding village are situated in a wide valley, opening out into the territory of the Berber tribe of Shlalas who pasture their flocks between here and the bluish-brown mountains behind. Away from the creaking turbines of carpet shops and snake charmers, Ouzoud – the Berber word for ‘olive’ – is a calm haven of peace, perfect for a leisurely one-day amble or a refreshing break from the stifling summer heat. The most dramatic feature is the waterfalls, which plunge over three dramatic red sandstone cliffs that jut across half of the basin. All around are countless millenary olive trees shading incipient wild carob, pine, fig, and pomegranate woods. Many visitors choose to stay the night, and you will find campsites tucked away on the hike down to the waterfalls. The best view of the falls is attained by walking downwards along a well-worn trail to the left of the falls. You cross back and forth across the river by about five rustic bridges, and at the bottom, you will be greeted with an incredible view spanning all of the three falls and their 110 meters of fall.

4.1. Getting to Ouzoud Waterfalls

Ouzoud Waterfall is the pride of the Atlas Mountain region. Located in a rural alleyway two and a half hours away from Marrakech, this hidden gem is situated between the Berrrechid and Rbiaa Rivers. One can also find anything and everything from monkeys to olive orchards nearby the waterfall. Moreover, it is a popular place for expatriate families. There is no direct route from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls, so you would need to go through smaller towns and villages along the way. No matter which path you take, just remember that you need to reach the N8 road on which the waterfalls are located. You have the option of driving a car around the road, hiring a taxi, renting a grand taxi, or taking a bus to the location. The taxis and buses travel on a daily basis, so reaching the waterfalls would not be an issue at all.

4.2. Activities at the Waterfalls

The main activity at a waterfall is just enjoying the view and chilling out. Yes, the thunder of the water can be loud at times, but the weather is always cool and the sound of the water can be relaxing, depending on how one perceives it. The rocky steps need to be negotiated to get to the different levels. Some are just a few meters above the base pool while others are over a dozen meters. To swim, one must generally clamber over and along the mini cliffs to get to the deep ends of the pools. For comfort and safety, it’s best to get a local guide. They’re still pretty rustic with no facilities to speak of. What one usually does is carry a picnic, buy the great bread from the ladies at the entrance, and share a meal on the ground. They usually have some foodstuff to sell, so it’s also possible to take a meal without having to carry everything. These pockets of mountain magic being so accessible are crowded with locals and day-trip tourists. And guess what, it is also popular with monkeys! Yep, these cunning primates have grown to be quite adept at targeting food brought by the trekkers and other visitors, even though they look rather forlorn perched on a rocky ledge so far below the crowds. It could be argued that by buying and giving them food we’re creating a problem and that we should refrain from doing so. And yet, in a place that’s so poor and desolate, and an escapade that’s highly recommended, some food is a minor price to pay for a great day trip from bustling Marrakech!

4.3. Wildlife and Nature

Les Terres d’Amanar are an ecological park adjoining Toubkal National Park. The park preserves the endangered macaques, reintroduces Barbary deer, and has poetically named hills like Lovers’ Hill and the emblem of the park, Horse’s Head Hill. There’s a telepherique, a cable car from the grounds of the park to the zip lines, high ropes, and trekking. You can also follow a self-guided Miyawaki forest and learn about the nursery and restoration project. Oukaimeden is mainly known as Morocco’s ski resort, but it’s a trekker’s paradise year-round. From a car park at 2,600m, it’s an easy walk to a prehistoric rock carvings site with views of Djebel Toubkal. Walk in the red rock gullies above the car park and you’ll find dolmens, circles of standing stones, and a warrior figure with a dagger and shield. Hike to summit the 3,200m Tizi-n-Ouaddi pass and enjoy some of the High Atlas’ Western Rare Flowers. In snow season, family sledding is popular, and a 5km piste means beginners and children can try skiing and snowboarding. There are two ski lifts, a couple of restaurants, and for the duration, mountain ski rental.

5. Ait Benhaddou

Although there is not usually a great urgency to leave Marrakech, after a day or two, the urge to explore is unavoidable. There are a few day trips to consider. If you leave the city in the morning for Ouarzazate, you can visit Ait Benhaddou on the way. The villagers from this kasbah have retained the earthen architecture of their homes and the cathedral-like clay mosque. They are very expert at guarding; all buildings are prohibited as the community has been declared a World Heritage Site. There is no need for footwear as the streets are muddy or cobbled and the terrain is rather rough. But as a welcome reward for their trouble, the children will be willing to offer tours of the kasbah and the chance to view stunning vistas of an area that is the same desert crossroads as it was back in the 13th century for gullible tourists.

The kasbah is one of 35 in the valley, which formed an integral part of a crucial north-south trading route that linked the polar opposites of West Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. In the spring, there are saffron fields to admire on the way, as well as the lost and tantalizing shimmering mirages that highlight the wealth this area has been producing for millennia. On the way back to Marrakech, it is worth visiting the Atlas Movie Studios, which have provided the backdrop for hundreds of films since the fort was repaired after promises from the King of Morocco, who wanted to make the arid area into a ‘Hollywood’ of the desert. The studio has set a number of Hollywood standards.

5.1. History and Architecture of Ait Benhaddou

Driving 250 km southeast of Ouarzazate, one comes to the village of Ait Ben Haddou in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. This mud-brick “ksar” (fortified town), a traditional pre-Saharan habitat of the southern Atlas, is a fine example of southern Moroccan architecture. Located in the modern-day Tamatert community, this UNESCO World Heritage site was once an important stop for caravans passing through the Sahara, connecting North Africa with Sub-Saharan Africa. There is an estimated 400 meters of color art on site, most of which features texts from Islamic theology. Inside the ksar are a number of people still living there, although a growing fraction of the population prefers to stay on the other side of the river due to the lack of electricity and access to clean water from the river inside the ksar.

Ait Ben Haddou is now a popular tourist attraction; however, there is also severe damage to some of the old buildings, which are falling into disrepair as a result of the lack of maintenance. It is possible to visit the old buildings, but the site is not safe. Traditional Berber life has also been affected by the crowd of tourists with parallel trade activities. In 1970, only five families lived in the ksar, but eight of the original families still live next door to the kasbah. In 1987, the partly abandoned kasbah was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most important heritage sites in southern Morocco.

5.2. Film Industry Connection

Those seeking stardust in the souks head to La Mamounia hotel, a Moroccan institution with gardens that have been graced by guests including Sir Winston Churchill and the Beckhams. A chic restaurant-bar and luxurious nature spa nestle within its walls, but once a year the luxe pad plays host to a more festive crowd. Each spring since its founding, the Marrakech Film Festival has been a major event on the world film festival circuit. With a proven reputation for showcasing daring, original work in order to find new talent, more than 70 films from 25 countries are screened each year.

Founded, Atlas Studios produces 200 million minutes of film every year, testament to its growing reputation as the Hollywood of both the East and West. Moroccan cities have provided ready-made film sets for nearly 400 movies, and it’s not hard to see why since they range from snow-capped Atlas Mountains to scorching Saharan deserts. Such Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters have had at least one scene filmed here, with Bollywood shoots such as a massive hit in India.

5.3. Visiting Tips

Marrakech is a city with a rich Moorish heritage, which means that whether you are North, South, East or West of the town, you are always likely to see both the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and Marrakech in the same view. No matter from which direction you take off in search of a destination, a day-trip from Marrakech is incomplete without a discussion of how to find and then travel to and from it. Some secluded spots are well and truly off the tourist maps and finding them during planning is often done simply by looking at a real world map for the first time and tracing your finger in a radius around Marrakech. With very limited French language education, my decision was somewhat less contrived but meant a thoroughly enjoyable trek among the local populace lucky enough to be living at about 1000 meters amongst the cherry blossoms of Tihdouine.

The Menara Gardens produce no flowers. However, a lake around a green Menzeh does and in the correct season, that is to say, late spring when the cherry blossom drought is broken and the pink and white flowers attract the same day-trip visitors in search of colorful landscapes and remote geographical locations. Given the close proximity of the gardens to the city of Marrakech, it is clear that the Menara Gardens represent the easiest day-trip to find; it is also a day-trip that provides a nice distinct complement to, versus a duplication of, the Ochre Town itself.

6. Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is a few kilometers from Setti Fatma. This small settlement, tucked away in the foothills of the endlessly high Atlas, is the stop for treks into the surrounding mountains. The sizzling scenic drive from Setti Fatma doesn’t go alone; musicians and street sellers will surely help you arrive in the village full of local dance, music, crafts, and food. This village is highly appreciated and frequented by Moroccans, who come here to escape the heat of the city and have picnics in the shade of the mountains. There is a weekly tour on Monday where Berbers from some local villages come to the market to sell fruits, vegetables, household supplies, animals, crafts, and take care of administrative procedures. Surrounded by comforting countryside, deep and dry valleys, and seven typical hillside villages distributed over an evergreen area, Ourika Valley has been the image of Morocco for the last centuries. You will only find assimilable buildings of unchanged mountain architecture, constructed with stones, packed clay, and a mixture of wood and straw. The weaving of wool and repairs of needed articles are done in a minimum time. Their Tijmelt, an ancient clothing and textile mill, still exists. Nature and tradition make optional trekking in Morocco. This great area of original beauty will be easily reachable from Marrakech to come over and enjoy the positive possibilities it offers.

6.1. Overview of Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is a valley that is a bit different from the rest in that it is part of the ‘first line’ of the Atlas Mountains. For that reason, it has become a top choice for visitors looking for a swift taste of the Atlas Mountains. The Ourika River is the lifeblood of this enormous, scenic valley. You have lush greenery all around you, and you get lofty beliefs hailed from places that look anything but rich and luscious. On your way to Ourika Valley and back, you will come across many villages of the Berber inhabitants; you will have the chance to see the inhabitants making a traditional tagine in the Berber way, the bread being baked in the community ovens, and many other details about the lives of the Berber women and men in the area. Also, once you reach Setti Fatma, you will have the chance to enjoy a nice walk with plenty of places to relax and enjoy the surroundings! Ourika Valley is also home to a gorgeous set of seven waterfalls. If you decide to climb the peaks that you will pass along the road, you will have a chance to see these stunning waterfalls. If you decide to do this, make sure you have good footwear because the most challenging part of the walk is if you decide to keep climbing to see all seven waterfalls. Also, if you decide to climb all the way, the scenery you can enjoy will be the best. You can go to Ourika Valley by bus, with the bus leaving from the Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech. The price for a one-way ticket is 7 euros.

6.2. Visiting Local Souks

On the edge of the main square, you will find the Grain Market, where you can mingle with shoppers making the hunt for fresh hay for animals, chickpeas, and lentils in basic grinding machines powered by mules. Turn left and then right after the gate to enter the Honey Market. After a walk through the first hall of honey, find your way to a large courtyard surrounded by small shops mostly selling dates. One of the specialties of the Honey Market is the selling of hives for bees. If you take a few pictures, please be discreet. To the right of the Honey Market is the location of the wedding suuq on Sunday, which is worth a visit if you are in Marrakech at the weekend.

The tanners’ suuq offers more than just smelly old men working with animal skins, as advertising would want you to believe. There is a thriving market with numerous tiny shops catering to the workers in the tanning pits. Sheepskins in an amazing variety of colors are for sale, as is a seemingly endless supply of leather goods at suspiciously cheap prices. If you love walking around the Medina, the Carpet Suuq is an interesting destination. Instead of the average touting, you will find a handy tool to remove mud from shoes and a rather curious old clock tower in its center.

6.3. Hiking and Nature Trails

The Jbilets are probably the most accessible area for those seeking to escape the city for greener pastures. The limestone plateau is interspersed with areas of grasses and rocks and pinnacles of bizarre shapes. Throughout spring, Jbilets reveal banks of bright green grasses and wildflowers carpeting the landscape beneath the peaks. While the green oak forests that once prevailed here have, in the main, been cut down, the remnant enclaves still manage to grant a little shade amongst the otherwise barren landscape. The hills surrounding Setti Fatma – and the eponymous village itself, for that matter – provide ample hiking and relief for travelers looking to escape the chaos of Marrakech, or simply for a respite from a very touristy day trip. The hills offer ample opportunities for hikes from 45 minutes to up to three hours in length, as well as being a popular spot for rock climbing. The rivers around Setti Fatma are not just beautiful; they also serve as the pathway for the trek to the seven Setti Fatma waterfalls. In addition to the right kind of infrastructure and level of guidance, the local industry of the village relies on the popularity of nature walking and climbing that can be done in the immediate locale.

7. Agafay Desert

The Agafay Desert is a unique, mountainous stony desert located on the outskirts of Marrakech. This lunar landscape is home to the local Marrakechi Berber population and offers a refreshing alternative to the day trips focused on the Atlas Mountains. Although it is not a traditional desert as it is not sandy, the Agafay Desert is a picturesque stony desert that offers breathtaking views of the region all around. It is perfect for those who do not have enough time for a longer Sahara trip or for families traveling with young children. A full-day or even half-day trip to the Agafay Desert is an excellent excuse to explore the beautiful Marrakech countryside away from the bustling sounds of the city. You go through the verdant Ourika Valley with its many Berber villages, set against the imposing backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. On the way, you’ll have the opportunity to make several photo stops to capture these beautiful landscapes forever.

No matter how close you are to Marrakech, it’s still an adventure: pretending you’re in the real desert, hopping from rock to rock, feeling the desert calm as you admire the nomad tents. During your Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains day tour from Marrakech, you’ll have the chance to visit the Lalla Takerkoust Dam – a big blue-colored lake acclaimed by tourists as the ‘inland sea of Marrakech’. Built in the 1920s in the High Atlas foothills, it offers picture-perfect scenery and tranquility to many visitors. A few minutes’ drive later, you will come across a quaint village called Amizmiz, close to the summit of Djebel Amizmiz, previously known as the ‘Mountain of Death’. Before the French Protectorate period, the summit was considered a favorite spot for public hangings. We’ll stop for lunch at a beautiful restaurant in the mountains and if you’re with kids, they’ll have the pleasure of tasting barbecued “soucisse” before resuming our journey.

7.1. Activities in the Agafay Desert

The Agafay Desert is one of the closest desert areas to Marrakech and, despite lacking the majesty of the Sahara, it is still a beautiful and secluded desert area. The Agafay Desert is known for its arid hills, rocky landscapes, and isolated Berber kasbahs. It is perfect for sunset camel treks, quad biking, yoga, and stargazing in the evenings, as there are no artificial lights disturbing the brightness of the stars. Some 40 minutes outside the city center, the only pity is that the Agafay Desert is a hidden gem and has yet to reveal its full potential.

The fact that the Agafay Desert and Marrakech are not far from each other makes a balloon ride over the desert an extra special adventure. Imagine taking off in the tranquility of the desert and floating effortlessly over the landscape, enjoying all the freedom and natural beauty with your head in the clouds. Certainly, it is the most atmospheric, exhilarating, and tranquil thing to do in Marrakech and the open air. The views are especially stunning around sunrise and sunset. After the flight, you are received as desert travelers in a typical ritual, sitting on carpets and enjoying the tranquility and a tea ceremony.

7.2. Camel Riding and Quad Biking

Neither of these activities is particularly meant to show the real Morocco. However, if you have already done that in the desert or the High Atlas, these activities could be added to a list of fun things to do in Morocco, as well as being an appreciated way to get a tan for those who do not wish to fry on the beaches of Agadir. Day trips for both camels (the problem is more that the animals may have little shade for themselves, as well as for you to avoid sunstroke) and quad bikes (without a guide, if you decide to go by yourselves, don’t forget water, a map, a compass, a mobile phone with charged batteries, and at least a hat to protect yourself from the sun) are organized by many agencies and can be managed at any time in a day or two. The Palmeraie, only a 20-minute car ride from Marrakech city center, has a few hotels in the area and can be a nice place to sleep in where everything can be organized quite easily.

A camel ride is organized at the end of the morning or at the beginning of the evening, being the times when it is cooler for the tourists and the animal. A ride of around a couple of hours can be arranged at Jnane Tamsna or other hotels in the area. It is a comfortable and safe way to test yourself at camel riding and discover a potentially amazing experience. Be prepared to see mostly palm trees on flat terrain, but if you’re lucky, you might see some storks making their nests! Quad biking can be arranged in a couple of hours at Terres D’Ammanar. The agency will bring you to the base, outfit you with overalls and helmets, and after around one hour on quad bikes and a break, you will be driven back to your hotel. If you decide to take a taxi to reach the base, be prepared to point out where, as the GPS system here sometimes has problems.

7.3. Stargazing Experiences

Enveloped in the darkest spot of Africa, the Agafay Desert is a breathtaking destination to contemplate Mother Nature and her star-lit sky. On a clear night, gazing up from your glamping site, you will be treated to spectacular views of the planets, stars in our Milky Way, satellites, as well as meteoroids and shooting stars. The remote stones scattered over the ground give an impression of gray waves, enhancing the feeling of being alone in the world. It appears you can look far into the universe, and you might see the thin layer of the atmosphere but be unable to see anything besides Earth and the infinite number of stars. Adding an extra day to your trip to experience the Agafay Desert at night, leaving in the late afternoon is when I recommend you head to the desert. Meeting with our local partners, we will drive into the desert with a 4WD. Beholding the views and breath of the desert, allow the unexpected beauty of nature to fill you with wonder. Enter the solitude of the desert, untouched physically and mentally from the modern-day world. Enjoy the peace, the quietness, and the sand-yellow color bouncing off the sunset, adding radiance to the mountains and stone desert. After reaching your destination, dinner will be prepared by our local partners over a 4WD. Build a campfire in a private location in the desert to enjoy the unique stargazing experience. Sleep comfortably under the blanket of stars, lulled to sleep in your glamping tent. In the morning, after enjoying breakfast, you will experience the exploratory drive to take the 4WD back to reach the needed refreshments in Marrakech.

8. Imlil

Imlil, situated in the High Atlas Mountains, is only 65 kilometers outside Marrakech and is located at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. Imlil is cool during the summer months, and the number of trekkers and international visitors climbs to this area every year. Here, the majority of treks begin, and usually, information is readily available in Imlil. There are a number of delightful shops where you can buy food – they have ice cream too! Visit the ancient Jewish community and the fresh mountain air. The village is located in beautiful, tranquil grounds. This peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the bustling city of Marrakech. Luckily for you, a trip to the Atlas Mountains takes only a short time, and you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for calm and fresh air instead. The people of the village Imlil are Berbers. In the area, you will find Toubkal Mountain, the highest in North Africa. It stands at 4,167 meters. It is popular with tourists and trekkers who visit the area, whether they are on guided tours or exploring independently. The people of Imlil make you feel welcome, and they are glad to see you, unlike in other places in the High Atlas that have developed a bit of a bad reputation for being pushy with tourists. Don’t expect to be pressured when you are inside the shops either. It can be a relief to enjoy some of the local culture and crafts.

8.1. Accessing Imlil from Marrakech

It is here where one can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan mountain village and the daily goings-on, as well as more traditional Moroccan food, which is generally not available at the Mountain Refuge places higher up. The starting point for Imlil is 60 km from Marrakech. Grand Taxis are recommended here for 60-70 dirhams, and whereas the trip up from Gueliz will most probably be no hard experience, the trip down can be a hair-raiser as you will be sharing the taxi with 6-8 Moroccans, plus a number of chickens firmly in the hands of some of your fellow passengers. These trips usually make 10 dirhams each for the driver, but sometimes a bigger tip is expected. Petit taxis go not only to Imlil (closer to Imlil) but also to little settlements on the way to Imlil, and can be flagged down in the street (you can easily distinguish them as they are red, and no great bargains tend to be made out of short trips). They cost slightly less but tend to be slower. Once in Imlil, if you have booked a guide, he will be waiting at the stand of Grand Taxis by the car park, with the possibility that your baggage may be already loaded onto the mule.

8.2. Toubkal National Park

Just 75 minutes driving from Marrakech, the stunning Toubkal National Park is one of the best day trips from Marrakech for those who love the mountains. The park is popular in the summer for hikers who want to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco, but it also offers a range of day hikes that are far less strenuous. The small town of Imlil is an excellent base for exploring Toubkal, and it’s a particularly good choice because you won’t need a guide to walk the popular trails from there. Built into the hills a few kilometers up a dirt road which you can access by taxi straight from Marrakech, it’s a picturesque little place in its own right, with a central square for picnicking and an interesting weekly market. If you want to hike in the park but are not exactly energetic on vacation, the circuit through Berber villages (4-6 hours, depending on pace and where you start/finish) is very easy and very rewarding, and it has some terrific scenery. For the more adventurous, Mount Toubkal is Morocco’s highest peak. At 13,670 feet, it is not a technical climb and novices can reach the summit too with a guide. It takes two days to reach the peak and return to Imlil, with most hikers spending the night at the Refuge du Toubkal before attempting the summit before dawn, when the weather is generally clearer and cooler. On a well-marked trail, it is feasible to hike around the small Toubkal massif in 5 or 6 hours, through a dramatic series of high passes. You’ll need a lightweight backpack with water, some warm clothes, and good hiking boots, but there are no technical aspects to the walk and experienced hikers can easily manage on their own.

8.3. Cultural Interaction with Locals

Cultural interaction with locals can be the highlight of your vacation to Morocco. However, respect the local customs and never take photographs of anyone without their consent. In rural areas, it is best to ask a family member, for they are the main authority to give permission. It is best to stay in a group and let a local guide you through the village. Some residents resent tourists invading their privacy. It is usual to pay a small fee per person for a guided tour of a village. When someone asks for a tip, consider if it is reasonable or appropriate or if the person is not a “service provider”. Always ask before photographing people, unless at an event. Then, take a few pictures, show them to the people, and ask for permission to take more. It is polite to tip them, but you should not feel forced to give them extra money. Politely state the situation, and do not give in to the request. There are cases where the beggar is presented by the proprietor of that specific establishment, and you are meant to oblige.

9. Day Trip Planning Tips

There’s nothing quite like the open countryside that surrounds Marrakech, and it doesn’t take long to leave the red city far behind. While most decide on a still-long day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira or Ouarzazate, almost equally interesting spots like the Tiz n’Tichka Pass, Imlil at the foothills of the High Atlas, or the Oukaimeden Ski Resort sure promise countless leisure or adventure opportunities. In this chapter, we share tips and ideas for day trips with the Marrakech Express from the central districts of the red city to several of the underlying attractions.

Essaouira on the seaside and Ouarzazate with its lovely Taourirt Labyrinth are far and away the most popular destinations for a day trip from Marrakech. Even other destinations, either in the mountains of the High Atlas or in the endless plains between Marrakech and the Sahara, are generally visited on tour groups only. If you decide to take a rental car or a grand taxi for the day, however, the Ourigane Valley, the point where the N’Fiss River meets the hillsides of Jbel Toubkal, the Oukaimeden Ski Resort, or the Tiz n’Tichka Pass will delight you with breathtaking landscapes or countless leisure opportunities at an altitude that generally promises a pleasant refreshment at any time of the year.

9.1. Best Time to Visit

The best time to plan day trips from Marrakech is during the cooler months, from September to April. The heat of summer makes the bumpy, dusty drives unbearable, and once at the final destination, chances are you won’t enjoy intense outdoor activities such as hiking, quad biking, or sightseeing. These months signal moderate temperatures throughout the day and into the evenings, allowing outdoor relaxation and walking. Obviously, the High Atlas Mountains are the coldest, including Ouirgane, Imlil, or Asni, but a light jacket is still sufficient daytime cover. The desert regions are harsh in climate, so plan your ride out there for the cooler months, where temperatures do not exceed 25 degrees. You can safely enjoy the surrounding oasis and date palm walks around Skoura, the valley of roses at Kelaat M’Gouna, or the ancient fortress of Ait Benhaddou outside Ouarzazate, with daytime temperatures that are only livable in jumpers and jeans from September to April.

9.2. Transportation Options

You will be spoiled for choice on ways to see Marrakech and its surrounding areas. Public buses and trains service many areas of interest, and while they may not be as relaxing or offer itinerary flexibility as a car or driver, they are much more cost-effective options. If hanging out with the camellia bush and shy herbivores for too long makes you twitchy, consider joining a group tour or getting your own guide. Petit and grand taxis are so-called because of their passenger limits, and, unlike grand taxis, the petits are allowed to operate within city boundaries. They either charge a per person rate or can be rented at an hourly fee for use up to four people. Always agree on a price before setting off! Car rentals – the main guesthouses and hotels can make arrangements for you. Traffic is a crazy, assaulting cornucopia of speed and sound and should only be attempted by the truly tenacious. In addition to the usual international chains, vehicles can be hired from local agencies. Bicycles and mopeds are for rent in the city for those seeking a more active pleasure. The bikes can be uncomfortable, but have been mentioned with fondness by those travelers who clenched their way through city traffic. Keep an eye out for traffic signals with working components. Pedestrians and animals don’t rank with runners up in the priority stakes, so take great care when walking and when traveling through the rural areas.

9.3. What to Pack

You should pack light for this trip. Take water bottles, good hiking boots or shoes with a good grip, and take a walking stick if you have a lot of need for one. Pack a shawl, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep cool and avoid exposure to the harsh sun. Pack a camera and/or video camera to take photos of the beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Also, take a spare battery or film for your camera. You may also want to pack a snack or two for the trip, but don’t overload yourself. We will travel via 4×4 or the local souk. Most of all, don’t forget to bring a big smile because our guides are serious about making sure that you have an absolutely marvelous time! If there is ever anything that you have forgotten, didn’t know you needed, or simply can’t do without, we will certainly let you know so that you can purchase these items before departing.

10. Safety Considerations

Marrakech is safe for solo and female travelers. I have visited it on numerous occasions in summer and winter and never felt unsafe. I recommend you dress conservatively, but this does not mean that you have to be covered from head to toe. In fact, many tourists do that. In the hot weather, you can wear open shoes or flat shoes and long trousers, but allow yourself to wear short-sleeved tops. Of course, if you are a non-Muslim woman, don’t wear things that would be considered inappropriate, like skimpy dresses. I do not mean to generalize. I would recommend you avoid sitting or standing alone in wide, non-crowded areas, and remember to inform your hotel or tour operator if you are keen to explore Marrakech on your own so that they can give you safety advice. If you want to ask for something or take a picture, use your camera instead of a mobile phone. Always be aware of who is in your surroundings and keep your handbag on the side furthest from the street to avoid motorbike thieves. Small handbag theft is common in Morocco. Remember that tap water should be avoided. Whenever you visit restaurants or are given water at hotels or tour companies, always ask for bottled water, which is cheap both in stores and restaurants. Always carry a small bottle of sanitizer, as it is very common that the bottles from which they pour your drinks or you are given your food menu are wet and dirty. Finally, always keep your health at the top of your travel list, so avoid street food, tap water, and people who offer you hashish or other suspicious items. It is better to avoid people who offer these things since sometimes they might be working for the authorities, especially if you look like a tourist.

10.1. Travel Safety Tips

Traveling safely and avoiding all kinds of hassle is a top priority for every tourist. Thus, it is the duty of each tourist to focus on security. In this regard, some tips that warrant attention include minding one’s manners, with courtesy and respect at all times, especially in relation to national customs and traditions that should be respected. Visitors are also advised to choose taxis with only a small decal of a meter, bearing in mind that apart from the cost, the use of limousines is illegal. Finally, smoking in public is totally against the country’s customs and laws, regardless of the facilities and amenities that the country provides. Travelers are also advised not to keep their valuable belongings in the rear of their cars and to use remote banking and telephone banking instead of cashing checks. The use of only licensed guides is the way to go when sightseeing. There are some experienced solicitors who take tourists to specific stores that they know and collect a commission from the owner of the facility. One should avoid such people as they may end up paying a much higher price in such stores. Nuclear plants and airports are both considered security zones, and taking a photo from a reconnaissance flight is not allowed. Finally, pickpockets are often waiting for new victims around market areas, historical monuments, and other public meeting places.

10.2. Health Precautions

Vaccinations are important for your well-being during any trip. During this trip, known or possible infections that travelers should be aware of are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Make sure your basic vaccines are up to date. Since there is a risk of serious infections from mosquito bites, we recommend travelers avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and protecting themselves while outside. All the sites we advise on this trip are at reasonable altitudes, mainly around desert areas. You might consider dry skin, lip balm, as well as sun protection questions during or after traveling. Preventing dehydration by using enough fluids is also important. Please consult your travel doctor for advice.

We suggest that all visitors to Morocco, whether vaccinated or not, get the most current information about areas or activities of risk. As the information provided will largely depend on your own current state of health, medical history of the traveler(s), and detailed information regarding the travel (length, type of accommodation, hygiene, kinds of activities, etc.) and on the areas and activities of risk, please consult your travel doctor.

In this stage of time, with COVID-19 infections, it’s very important to adhere to the precautions for contact avoidance with other people, because there might be a risk that your country will not allow you to return home when you come back. Please consult your country regarding cruising and leaving for the country you would like to visit. As Morocco lifts their conditions frequently, you may want to contact them in another way.

11. Cultural Etiquette

Should you be invited to any Moroccan home, whether a dar in the country, a shopkeeper’s house in the medina, or a wealthy family’s home in the new ville, remember the following rules. When you enter the home, look for the area near the door strewn with herbs such as rosemary, wormwood, or lavender, or a can with burning incense, and pass your hands above them and then move your hands to your forehead, a gesture to bring blessings on your head. This custom has shamanic and pre-Islamic Berber origins, symbolizing a return to earth, of smell, and a blessing to the head. Expect the family of the house to offer you salty milk and a piece of bread dipped in olive oil, which is the traditional substitute for the dried lumps of curd offered to the nomads that you would be unwilling to eat if you did not need to become involved. These rules are fundamental, as they say a great deal about the religious and traditional ideas that are extremely tense issues in the country. Do not grab food when facing a moment of hunger; you are more likely to disgrace yourself than to be able to satisfy your hunger. If, on the other hand, you are offered a meal with the family, do not ask for the accos, which distributes food in a specific order in front of the guests. If possible, unless you are told otherwise, sit beside the householders and be very careful not to burn yourself if you eat without utensils, take the food with the bread, and suck dates and olives without risking getting ill. When you are seated, wait until the host has invited you to eat before reaching for the bread that is on the table, take one bite at a time, and do not finish or leave it on the table until the final signal to avoid wasting food. Praise the quality of the food and the good fortune of the house, and if there is no tablecloth, roll a piece of bread on the face of the faris, who is not invited to participate out of simplicity, and give him the bread. Always remember to eat only with your right hand, and try not to bring it to your face. At the end of the meal, go to the faris to wash your hands personally, since the resources of the luxuries of half of Marrakech are put at the disposal of the faris, who is keeping the others from knowing these riches. However, remember that by inviting you to share the food, they give you a particular sign of esteem.

11.1. Respecting Local Customs

Holidays need to be about everyone having fun, and one way to avoid offense and make friends while you’re away is to respect the people whose country you are visiting and the customs they’re used to. Here are some tips for being polite on your visit to Morocco: When asking for directions in Marrakech, the shorter way for “Muslims” or “Mosque” is simply “Friday”. Dress modestly and respect Moroccan customs. Women should wear long skirts and long-sleeved tops. If it’s hot, bring a scarf to cover up in more conservative areas of Marrakech and other towns. It may be worth wearing long trousers to ward off unwanted pests in the evenings too. Moroccan men still expect to be treated with respect. In rural areas, couples are often more discreet and respectful of each other in public. It is considered improper to kiss and cuddle in public, and very offensive to do so in religious places such as mosques. Thank you for respecting our local customs.

11.2. Language and Communication

In Morocco, the official language is Arabic. However, in Marrakech, most people also speak French and many speak English, too. Now, the official language may be Arabic, but many people in Marrakech also know Darija, a colloquial Arabic used in everyday life; Amazigh is spoken by the Berbers. Knowing some basic phrases in these languages can help you communicate better and show the Moroccans that you are committed to their culture. To start with, Marhba means welcome. You can respond to this with Marhba biikoum. If someone thanks you, say afwan, which means you’re welcome, while you are welcome is Ahlan wa sahlan. To say hello in the morning, say Sabah el kheir. In the afternoon, say Msa el kheir, and in the evening, Layla saïda.

To say how are you, you say Labas? On the other hand, you should use La bes to tell people that you are okay. If you want something, you can say Kayen chi… when you’re speaking to a man and Kayna chi… when speaking to a woman. The word bhale means OK. If you need to use the bathroom, you may ask where the bathroom is. To order food, say la jebnah wi la zit. If the food cooked contains meat, use chla. The word for sugar is sukra, milk is halib, and hot is barmil. So, to ask for a small, hot sweet tea with milk and no sugar, you would ask for makka sba3a zwina barmil wi sukra; to ask for a bottle of water, say litra taniya. Finally, to ask for help or for directions, simply use the word madd or m’allem.