The bustling red terracotta colored city of Marrakech is dotted with magnificent views of the High Atlas Mountains and surrounded by lush valleys and a desert-like palmeraie. Marrakech is the perfect city to use as a base for Day Trips. Often referred to as the Paris of Morocco, the city of Marrakech is well appointed in Morocco’s south. Marrakech is just three hours from Morocco’s Atlantic coast and the Essaouira Medina, an hour from the Ourika Valley and a full days drive from the Sahara Desert. Consider taking a one week holiday in Marrakech as to allow for these various Moroccan Day Trips.
Marrakech is the perfect city to use as a base for Day Trips.
Ourika Valley & Ait Ashok
A favorite weekend getaway for Marrakech’s is the Ourika Valley. This quaint region is appreciated by locals for its valley’s, streams and the seven Setti Fatma waterfalls. Ourika is perfect for long walks, hiking, visiting Berber villages and is filled with palm tree plantations, fruit trees, tiny hamlets, summer homes and roadside cafes. Travelers can enjoy tea and break bread with a Berber family on this day trip from Marrakech.
For those looking to experience off the beaten path, Ourika considers exploring the charming Berber village of Ait Ashok. Nestled in a secret location inside the Ourika Valley and not frequented by many travelers, it offers unforgettable views, authentic encounters, and an unclose experience to meet local villagers of Tizi Oucheg.
Ourigane Valley
Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains of Toubkal National Park, this region is a must-see for travelers interested in a low key, a nontouristic day trip from Marrakech. Ourigane Valley is ideal for relaxing and hiking. It’s various flora and fauna makes for the ideal location to sip mint tea with a view. The Ourigane VAlley also home to one of Morocco’s oldest Jewish Zaouia sites, the shrine of Rabbi Abraham Ben Hammou. Ourigane boasts fresh Atlas air and small properties for longer stays such as the classic La Roseraie famous for its 30 hectares of rose gardens and stables and the new, contemporary Hotel L’Amandier.
High Atlas Toubkal & Imlil
The High Atlas Toubkal Mountains are the second highest in Africa second to Kilamanjaro and the highest peak in North Africa. Toubkal and the village of Imlil offer scenic activities for hikers on a day trip from Marrakech. A day hike at Mount Toubkal allows for trekkers to explore the region’s varied peaks and have lunch in a Berber village or at Kasbah Toubkal with views. The village of Imlil is small and windy with local shops selling Berber silver jewelry and Moroccan goods. Filled with street cafes and guests houses, Imlil is a good refuge for hikers.
Cascades D’Ouzoud Waterfalls
The Ouzoud falls, just a few hours from Marrakech boasts three tiered beautiful waterfalls and a lush valley. Ouzoud offers many trekking options. Visitors can take a wooden paddle boat trip at the bottom of the falls or a cold dip in the falls which makes for a charming experience. Outdoor cafe stands to conjure up the atmosphere with fresh cold orange juice and Moroccan snacks. A favorite of Marrakech’s, picnicking at Ouzoud is also popular in spring and summer months. For Morocco travelers who have more than a day trip from Marrakech available, an overnight stay can be arranged at a Berber guest house. The Berber guest houses in Ouzoud are secluded with spectacular views, local cuisine, and Moroccan hospitality.
Oukaïmeden
Oukaïmeden is Africa’s highest peak for skiing and a Morocco premiere ski resort. Oukaïmeden village is perched on Jebel Attar and just an hour from Marrakech. Adventure seekers and skiers can enjoy Oukaïmeden’s windy slopes and chair lift to ferry them across the Atlas. Local cuisine is available at many of the Ski houses nearby, year round. Offseason Oukaïmeden makes for the perfect getaway given its cooler temperatures and remote Atlas Mountain scenery. The region of Oukaïmeden is also known for its history of prehistoric rock carvings. The local museum in Oukaïmeden provides more information on this and visitors can also explore with their Moroccan guide to discover rock carvings in the surrounding area.
Essaouira Medina
This former Portuguese fished village once called Mogador is just three hours from Marrakech located on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast. Essaouira has lovely whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses that create a scenic backdrop of coastal romance. Essaouira’s seaside medieval medina offers mouth-watering seafood, thuya workshops, and art galleries. A hippy colony with chic restaurants that cater to foodies, Essaouira is ideal for contemporary gastro-fare and a great place to enjoy sunset cocktails. The Essaouira medina is only 8 kilometers from the Ounara winery and a Fromagerie where travelers can learn cheese making or enjoy a five-course menu of cheese-inspired dishes. The Essaouira medina as a Moroccan day trip from Marrakech is a laid back option for couples, small groups, and families.
Moroccan Day Trips from Marrakech are Family friendly and can be enjoyed as a private or group option.