Said ESSADOUQ
After a few days in the bustle of the Medina, there's nothing like a day in the great outdoors. Less than three hours' drive from Marrakech lie landscapes of incredible diversity: Berber mountains, stony desert, waterfalls and the ocean. Here is our selection of the best excursions from Marrakech, so you can choose according to what you love.
The Ourika Valley: nature an hour from the city
About an hour's drive away, the Ourika Valley winds along the foot of the High Atlas. Here you'll find Berber villages clinging to the slopes, argan oil cooperatives and, at Setti Fatma, a series of waterfalls reached by an easy to moderate hike. Lunch on a tajine by the river is all part of the ritual.
Ideal for: families and anyone wanting a first taste of the mountains without too much driving.
Imlil and the High Atlas: at the foot of Toubkal
About an hour and a half from Marrakech, the village of Imlil is the starting point for treks to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4,167 m). Even without aiming for the summit, a walk of a few hours among walnut trees, cultivated terraces and mud-brick villages offers spectacular views. Mint tea in a local family's home is often the best memory of the day.
Ideal for: walkers and lovers of wide open spaces. Bring good shoes and a warm layer, even in spring.
The Agafay Desert: the desert on Marrakech's doorstep
Less than an hour's drive away, the Agafay Desert is not a desert of sand dunes but a stony plateau of rolling hills, with the snow-capped Atlas as a backdrop in winter. A camel ride, quad biking, buggy driving or simply dinner in a tent at sunset: it's the perfect excursion for half a day or an evening.
Ideal for: couples, short stays and those who don't have time to go all the way to the Sahara.
The Ouzoud Falls: the highest in Morocco
About two and a half hours to the north-east, the Ouzoud Falls plunge some hundred metres into lush green surroundings. A path lined with olive trees leads down to the foot of the falls, where you're very likely to spot Barbary macaques. A boat ride at the base of the falls rounds off the visit.
Ideal for: nature and photography lovers. Allow a full day.
Essaouira: the ocean and the windy city
Around two and a half to three hours' drive away, Essaouira is the perfect counterpoint to Marrakech: a white-and-blue Medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lively fishing harbour, ramparts facing the Atlantic and a bohemian atmosphere. On the way, stop at an argan cooperative, and don't miss the grilled fish at the harbour.
Ideal for: escaping the summer heat and enjoying a more relaxed day.
At a glance
- Agafay: under 1 hr's drive, half a day or an evening, desert atmosphere and sunset
- Ourika: about 1 hr, full day, easy mountain scenery and Berber villages
- Imlil: about 1 hr 30, full day, hiking in the High Atlas
- Ouzoud: about 2 hrs 30, full day, waterfalls and nature
- Essaouira: 2 hrs 30 to 3 hrs, full day, ocean and coastal Medina
Arranging your excursion from the riad
At Riad El Noujoum, we arrange private or small-group excursions with our partner drivers and guides. Located in the Kasbah and accessible by car, the riad lets you set off straight from the door, without having to cross the Medina with your belongings. On your return, a traditional hammam is the best way to round off the day.
Read also: When to visit Marrakech? · Visiting the Kasbah of Marrakech
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