Are you staying in Marrakech and looking to explore the surrounding area? The Red City is an ideal starting point for exploring a wide variety of landscapes: green valleys, mountain peaks, rivers, deserts and the Atlantic coast. We’ve had some wonderful surprises on our travels, and some of our most memorable excursions in Morocco.
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Marrakech, to help you make your choice.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Marrakech
Marrakech is centrally located in Morocco, making it an ideal base for touring in all directions. To simplify your visits, we recommend that you opt for guided excursions. They’re very well organized and good value for money. You don’t have to worry about logistics or driving. What’s more, you’ll be surprised by the kindness and attentiveness of the guides. On our excursions, we were truly pampered! If you choose an organized tour, be sure to bring cash. Some local guides are paid only by tips, and along the way you’ll come across small artisan stalls whose prices are more attractive than those in Marrakech.
Here are our 3 favorites:
- Explore the Ourika Valley and its waterfalls at the foot of the Atlas Mountains – see prices, availability and book
- Hot-air ballooning over Marrakech at sunrise – see prices, availability and bookings
- Visit Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and the Atlas Studios through the landscapes of the High Atlas – see prices, availability and book
WHERE TO STAY IN Marrakech
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Medina
Riad Kbour & Chou – See prices, photos and availability
In the Kasbah, an ancient fortified quarter
Riad Jonan & Spa – See prices, photos and availability
Luxury Hotel
Royal Mansour Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
1. Explore the Ourika Valley and its waterfalls
Why do we recommend this tour?
Around 1 hour’s drive from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley offers a striking contrast to the heat and bustle of the city. Nestled in the High Atlas mountains, it unfolds a landscape of cultivated terraces, Berber villages with adobe houses and rushing rivers lined with vegetation. On our excursion, we visited an old traditional Amazigh house, then stopped off at the village of Aït Sghir, with a river running through it. Here, you can eat in one of the small restaurants with their feet in the water. It’s very picturesque and colorful! Afterwards, those who wish can take the short hike to the Ourika waterfall. It’s an excursion accessible to all levels, ideal for a day out in the heart of the Atlas mountains.
What you will see
- The valley’s traditional Berber villages and their adobe houses
- Terraced gardens cultivated at altitude
- The ochre colors of mountain soil
- Cooperatives selling local crafts, including Berber pottery and carpets, spices and argan oil.
- The Aït Sghir waterfalls, accessible on foot after a hike (30min), bring good shoes, the guides are very helpful for people who are not very comfortable with walking.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to enjoy the valley, including the climb to the waterfalls. Organized tours from Marrakech often include a visit to a local craft center along the way.
>> See the excursions available in the Ourika Valley <<
2. Hot-air ballooning over Marrakech
Why do we recommend this tour?
A sunrise hot-air balloon ride around Marrakech is a breathtaking experience. Soaring high above the Palmeraie, we discovered the city from a different angle. The ochre roofs of the medina, the palm trees, the surrounding douars and, as a backdrop on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. We were won over by the smoothness of the flight and the scenery. It’s an ideal activity for couples or families, offering unforgettable memories and photos.
What you will see
- A bird’s eye view of the Marrakech palm grove and its traditional douars
- The ochre silhouette of the medina and its minarets at sunrise
- The surrounding arid plains and, on a clear day, the Atlas peaks in the background.
How much time should I allow?
The flight takes around 1 hour, but you should allow 3 to 4 hours in total with the transfer and the traditional breakfast that often follows the landing. Departure is early in the morning, before sunrise. We strongly advise you to book in advance, as places are limited.
>> View available balloon flights and book <<
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
3. Adventure in the Agafay Desert
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Agafay Desert, just 30km from Marrakech, offers a desert experience without having to travel hundreds of kilometers to the Sahara. Less spectacular than the Sahara, it consists mainly of arid, stony hills, with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Activities range from camel rides and hikes through dry wadis to quad biking through rocky tracks. You can also experience a bivouac in a Berber camp, dining in a caïdal tent and savoring a traditional méchoui accompanied by Gnaoua music. It’s also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day.
What you will see
- The arid, stony hills of Agafay, with the Atlas peaks in the background
- Lake Lalla Takerkoust
- Berber camps under caïdal tents, with dinner and gnaoua music
- Rocky trails ideal for quads and buggies
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day or a full day, depending on the activity you choose. Some tours include visits to craft centers or women’s argan oil cooperatives. Allow plenty of cash for tips and purchases. For the experience of bivouacking under the stars, opt for an overnight stay.
>> Sleeping in a camp under the stars with meals and entertainment <<
>> Quad excursions <<
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
4. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains and Imlil Valley
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Atlas Mountains, whose peaks rise to over 4000m, offer a refreshing escape just 1h/1h30 drive from Marrakech. We took the winding roads through Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides, where the traditional way of life endures. The Imlil Valley, nestled at the foot of Mount Toubkal, is criss-crossed by mule-tracks linking hamlets of stone and adobe houses. Like us, you can hike to the Irhoulidene waterfalls or simply enjoy a mint tea with a panoramic view. En route, we stopped off at a crafts center.
What you will see
- The traditional Amazigh villages of Imlil and Asni, nestled in the mountains
- Irhoulidene waterfalls, accessible on foot from the valley
- Panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak
- Handicraft centers where you can find spices, argan oil, jewelry and pottery
How much time should I allow?
A full day is recommended to enjoy the mountains and the valley. Bring hiking boots and warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures drop rapidly at altitude. Local guides are happy to share their knowledge of the valley’s fauna, alpine flora and Amazigh traditions.
>> Book your excursion to the Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains <<
5. Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and Atlas Studios
Why do we recommend this tour?
This is one of the most spectacular excursions from Marrakech. The Tizi n’Tichka road, which crosses the High Atlas at an altitude of over 2200m, is a highlight of the trip in itself. We crossed some superb landscapes before reaching Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Desert”. The Kasbah de Taourirt, former residence of the Glaoui, is well worth a visit. A few kilometers away, the Kasbah d’Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rises out of the landscape like a thousand-year-old earthen citadel. The Atlas Film Studios, where films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the 7th art.
What you will see
- The spectacular Tizi n’Tichka road and its panoramic views of the High Atlas mountains
- Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO-listed earthen citadel with imposing towers and ramparts
- The Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
- Atlas Film Studios, the backdrop for numerous international productions
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day, or two if you wish to stay overnight and explore the region in greater detail. The drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes around 3h30.
>> Book your excursion to Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou <<
>> Version including Atlas Studios <<
6. Escape to Essaouira
Why do we recommend this tour?
Essaouira, the ancient Mogador, is a 2h30 drive from Marrakech on the Atlantic coast. This white and blue medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cradled by the constant trade winds. We found that the pace here is much slower than in Marrakech: the alleyways are quiet, craftsmen work with thuya wood and art galleries follow one another. The 18th-century ramparts, built under the direction of architect Théodore Cornut, offer ocean-view promenades. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood right in the harbor, where colorful trawlers return every morning. The immense surrounding beaches are also ideal for kitesurfing, thanks to the steady winds. We think it’s one of the most beautiful towns in Morocco!
What you will see
- Essaouira’s medina, its blue and white streets and art galleries
- The ramparts, the 18th-century sqalas and their view of the Atlantic Ocean
- The bustling fishing port and its colorful trawlers
- Immense beaches, popular with kitesurfers and surfers
How much time should I allow?
A full day allows you to visit the medina, take a tour of the port and enjoy a seafood lunch. If you want to take more time, an overnight stay will allow you to enjoy the evening atmosphere, quite different from that of Marrakech. See also our detailed guide to what to do in Essaouira.
>> Book your day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech <<
7. Drive to Fez through the Sahara desert and Merzouga
Why do we recommend this tour?
More of a multi-day tour than a day trip, this is one of Morocco’s most beautiful routes. Heading southeast from Marrakech, you’ll cross the Dades Gorge, the kasbahs of the Route des Mille Kasbahs and the palm groves of the Drâa Valley, before reaching the dunes of Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara. You’ll be amazed by the spectacle of the great erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. The tour then heads north through the Ziz gorges and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, ending in Fez, Morocco’s imperial city that we loved so much.
What you will see
- The sand dunes of Merzouga (erg Chebbi), among the highest in Morocco
- The Dades gorges and the kasbahs of the Drâa valley
- The varied landscapes of the Middle Atlas and the cedar forests of Ifrane National Park
- The UNESCO-listed medina of Fez, with its souks, medersa and tanneries
How much time should I allow?
Tours generally last 3 days. A bivouac in the Sahara dunes is often included, and is a highlight of the trip.
>> See available tours to the Sahara from Marrakech <<
8. Discover the Ouzoud waterfalls
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Ouzoud waterfalls are among the most beautiful in North Africa. Located around 3 hours from Marrakech, in the foothills of the Middle Atlas mountains, they plunge more than 110m into the Oued El Abid gorge, forming deep-green natural basins. You’ll be impressed by the power and height of the falls, all the more spectacular in spring when the water is abundant. Barbary apes populate the surrounding cliffs and are happy to approach visitors. You can walk down to the foot of the falls on specially prepared paths, then take a boat out to the waterfalls. We recommend this excursion, but be sure to check the season in which you take it. In midsummer, there’s less water and the cascades may be less impressive.
What you will see
- The Ouzoud waterfalls, over 110m high and one of the most imposing in Morocco
- Natural basins at the foot of the waterfalls, accessible by footpaths
- The Barbary apes that inhabit the surrounding cliffs and olive groves
- The Oued El Abid gorges and traditional water mills
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day from Marrakech. The descent to the foot of the falls and the stroll along the edge of the basins represent around 2 to 3 hours of walking on prepared paths. Restaurants and cafés overlook the site for a lunch break with a view.
>> See the excursions available at Cascades d’Ouzoud <<
9. Reaching Agadir and the Atlantic coast
Why do we recommend this tour?
Agadir is about a 2.5-hour drive south from Marrakech, on the Atlantic coast. The town is famous for its long golden sandy beaches, sunny climate almost all year round and lively port. In our opinion, it’s a very different destination from Marrakech: more modern, sea-focused and water sports-oriented. We enjoyed strolling along the corniche and the souk El Had market. In addition, the ruins of the Kasbah d’Agadir, rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake that devastated the city, offer a panoramic view of the bay and a touching testimony to the city’s history.
What you will see
- Agadir’s long beach and seafront promenade
- The Agadir Kasbah and its panoramic view of the bay from the cable car
- The marina and the modern city center
- Souk El Had, one of Morocco’s largest covered markets
How much time should I allow?
A full day is the minimum to discover Agadir’s main sites. If you want to enjoy the beach and the nightlife, you might also consider staying overnight. See our complete guide to what to do in Agadir to prepare your visit.
>> See available excursions to Agadir <<
10. Climbing to the summit of Mount Toubkal
Why do we recommend this tour?
Culminating at 4167m, Mount Toubkal is the highest point in North Africa. Its ascent, accessible to hikers in good physical condition with no particular mountaineering experience, is one of the most popular treks on the African continent. We recommend this excursion to travellers looking for an authentic physical adventure, far removed from the usual tourist circuits. Departure is from Imlil, about 1h40 from Marrakech, from where you reach the Moroccan Alpine Club hut before tackling the summit in the early morning. On a clear day, the view from the summit takes in the whole of the High Atlas, and sometimes the Atlantic coast in the distance.
What you will see
- The summit of Mount Toubkal at 4167m, the highest point in North Africa
- The mineral landscapes of the High Atlas at altitude
- The village of Imlil and the Berber douars on the way to the refuge
- An exceptional panorama of the entire mountain range
How much time should I allow?
A minimum of 2 days is required: a first day to reach Imlil and climb to the refuge at 3207m, then a second day to reach the summit and descend. A local guide is strongly recommended for a safe ascent. Opt for an excursion to be well accompanied.
>> See available Mount Toubkal treks and ascents <<
Other excursions from Marrakech
If you have extra time or are looking for adventure activities close to Marrakech, we’ve got some additional ideas for you:
Quad biking in the Palmeraie
The area around Marrakech is ideal for quad biking. Excursions take you through palm groves, dry wadis and plateaus, offering thrills and spills in a variety of settings. You can also opt for buggies in the Agafay Desert. These activities allow you to explore areas inaccessible to conventional vehicles, while remaining close to the city.
>> Book a quad bike ride in the Palmeraie <<
Discover Casablanca
A 3-hour drive from Marrakech, Casablanca is Morocco’s economic capital and largest city. The atmosphere here is resolutely urban and modern, a far cry from the medina atmosphere of Marrakech. We were impressed by the Hassan II Mosque, whose 210m minaret dominates the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and one of the few open to non-Muslims. The Art Deco district of the city center is also worth a stroll, as is the Corniche along the seafront. It’s an excursion that will particularly appeal to travelers curious to discover a more contemporary facet of Morocco.
>>> See available excursions to Casablanca <<<
Looking for more ideas for your stay? Check out our complete guide to what to do in Marrakech.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
