Marrakech can be described as a desert oasis unlike every other. It is a place that is full of history romanticism, mystery and intrigue. A world away from your typical vacation The Red City will introduce your senses to new experiences at every corner. We’d be content to wander around these streets for days however, we’d miss out on the amazing experiences and sights surrounding the city. From deserts and mountain ranges to waterfalls and old villages There are excursions on a day from Marrakech that can ignite an ember in the soul of any tourist.
You could get up early to return to your home before dinner. Or, perhaps you prefer to explore within a mere hour of your front door. In any case, Marrakech is your ideal home base. In this article we’ve collected our top picks for the most enjoyable day trips out of the capital, all is waiting for curious travelers like yours.
1. Essaouira
You won’t see much or even any of the ocean in Marrakech. However, just three hours from Essaouira, the city of Essaouira and you can take in the sounds of waves hitting the sandy shores, and breathe in the fresh air and salty scent from the Atlantic. It is located directly on the water, Essaouira is not your usual beach getaway. The winds are too strong for people to lay down on the soft sands. It is known as “The Windy City of Africa’ it is a place that draws large crowds from windsurfers on its gorgeous beaches.
Instead of laying at the sea, go to Essaouira because of its fascinating distinctive culture and distinct personality. More laid-back than busy Marrakech, Essaouira is undeniably Moroccan and yet there’s nothing else as beautiful in the world. Essaouira is famous for its fortified , white and blue medina that is lined filled with vibrant boutiques, intriguing art galleries and museums are everywhere.
The town’s size is modest and is easy to navigate by the foot. All streets in the medina take you to the principal square at the water, and breathtaking views of the stunning harbour and miles of sand beaches create a stunning image. It is easy to see how the town was given the name Essaouira meaning “Little Picture” in Arabic. On the ramparts that surround the city, one can still see old canons which are remaining from times when it was an important Portuguese defense fortress. Walking along these walls is also a great method of taking in breathtaking view of both the city itself and the the ocean beyond.
2. Ourika Valley
It’s a great place to visit. Ourika Valley tends to be an ideal escape from the hot temperatures of the desert in Marrakech. It’s only an hour’s drive to the south of Marrakech It’s among the most convenient day trips from Marrakech’s city. The valley is a lush expanse of an incredible 68 kilometres under between the snowcapped High Atlas range and is lined with streams, waterfalls and beautiful Berber villages. Its name is derived from the Ourika river Ourika that flows down from the mountain tops it, supplying the valley with beautiful wildflower flora.
Tourists flock to the village of Setti Fatma, located deep in the valley, at an end to the main highway. The village is situated on the lush terraces that run along the river in the High Atlas foothills and is well-known for the seven waterfalls that grace the hills above it. The waterfalls of Setti Fatma are all reachable on foot and require varying levels of exertion, and the higher up the hills you go closer to the top, the more spectacular the waterfalls and views are. The last waterfall is quite a trek however, be sure to wear adequate footwear and plenty water because you don’t want to miss the beauty of it.
In addition to Setti Fatma, there are numerous other destinations within the Ourika Valley to explore as well. One of our top picks is the small ceramic village called Tafza that is home to the fascinating museum of artifacts as well as information about Berber culture. For a different taste of historical significance, explore the tombs, ruins and mausoleums located in the archeological site of Aghmat that was the one of Moroccos oldest cities that dates to the pre-Islamic era when it was the capital of the country. The valley’s agriculture can be incredibly vibrant as well as beautiful as you travel through all kinds of olive groves and cherries orchards during your tour of the region.
3. The Atlas Mountains & Ouzoud Waterfalls
The Atlas Mountains quite literally draw the line between Sahara Desert and the coast of Morocco. There are three mountains in all and the one that is most well-known to travelers who travel from Marrakech is known as the High Atlas, a mere 90 minutes drive away. These mountains have stunning hiking trails that traverse many of Moroccos most breathtaking scenery and landscapes in addition to the breathtaking Toubkal National Park.
Within the valleys as well as the foothills of mountains you’ll likely to find some old Berber villages that have farms and livestock herds. It’s a way of life that continues as it has done for thousands of years, leaving a tiny ecological footprint. Visit any of the villages in order to discover the details of their intriguing cultures before exploring the peaceful mountains.
Just a few kilometers away from close to the High Altas range is its counterpart to that of the Middle Atlas. Here you’ll discover the world-renowned Ouzoud Waterfalls (or Cascades d’Ouzoud) they are believed to be among the most stunning water falls found in Morocco. They fall in levels starting from the cataracts at the top into a pool that is located in the valley that is 100 meters below. It is recommended to go to the falls during a sunny afternoon to view rainbows appear in the mist. Boatmen will lead visitors to the pool for a view of the natural beauty up close near enough to experience the cooling mist that fall on your face. Around the falls are pathways that allow you to take in more of the green surroundings. You’ll think you’re just 90 minutes away from the sand Desert climate in Marrakech.
4. Casablanca
In all the talk about the ancient villages and traditions It’s easy to overlook the fact that Morocco is an ever-growing, modern nation. Casablanca is sure to bring that to mind. The city of awe is bustling, fast-paced, and full of flourishing young, vibrant business. The first impression you have of the city is likely to be the mix of styles. The city’s rich history has made it possible for Moorish French-colonial, traditional, and Moroccan structures to be positioned together in the lively downtown. However, massive modernizations are in the process of being built while the area is constantly growing and evolving.
Don’t forget to take note of the areas of Casablanca which have endured the tests of time for example, the Hassan II Mosque, which is the most ancient mosque in Morocco and the result of the efforts of over 1000 skilled artisans. If you are looking for a more modern style of art, make sure to visit the one (or five) of the numerous art galleries in the old villas of the art deco era. Casablanca is a thriving center for culture and art , where you will find all kinds of art, from sculpture and paintings to music and dance.
In terms of culture be sure to check out the culinary scene in Casablanca – our most popular suggestion is to head down into one of the numerous waterfront restaurants along La Corniche for dinner with an ocean view. This is the most important part of Moroccan surfing and there are excellent surf schools for those who are interested in getting involved with the locals by trying it out. Because Casablanca is not a major tourist city It’s not awash with tourist traps. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the streets in a French style knowing you’re enjoying the same experience as everyone else who lives in the city. This applies to all kinds of restaurants and cafes to the galleries and boutiques.
5. Ait-Ben-Haddou
Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site right at the edge of Sahara Desert, where this city of ruins is protected by palm trees and olive groves. The drive here is 3 and a half hours from Marrakech deep into the mountains that make up Ouarzazate through curving roads. Unsurprisingly, its rough remnants were used as a backdrop for the slave-like city of Yunkai on The Game of Thrones television series however, that’s not the reason the majority of people visit it.
In the 17th century, Ait-Ben-Haddou was one of the most prominent fortified villages , and was a key trading point on the way from Marrakech across the Sahara. It was constructed to last, and was situated on an elevated hill, with strong wall that was simple to defend, and a fortress on the highest point. However, the city was unable to hold up against the shrinking of the once-popular trade route that was the city’s main source of revenue when it vanished. Since then, harsh weather has had a devastating effect on the clay structures, and left the town in ruins. By 1940, there were ninety families were still there. There are now only five.
The streets of the old are narrow and filled with high steps and the once robust walls are now falling apart, however, the old city is a draw for people who are able to wander through the labyrinths, and think about the lifestyles that previously lived in that city. It is, above all, an outstanding illustration of the traditional pise architecture and 17th-century city planning with a variety of fortified castles and citadels. There are plans to rebuild Ait-Ben-Haddou in its previous splendor and grandeur There is a chance that the town could be rebuilt in the time to come.
6. Agafay Desert
Just 40 kilometers south of Marrakech on the Route d’Amizmiz, the Agafay Desert is one of the great excursions from Marrakech. It’s a lot easier to access than the more well-known Sahara and is a great place to take a taxi or take buses to reach it within less than 1 hour. The Agafay is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, and is a great place to do everything from horseback riding and camel trekking, to quad biking and simple hiking.
What draws people, naturally to travelers is the seemingly endless desert dunes and hills which cover this region of the region in the summer months when it is dry. With perpetual snow-capped High Atlas, the landscape appears like moonscapes. The desert is dry to support any kind of expansion, the “wet season,” also known as spring, is a time when a wealth of nature-based life sprouting from the drained soil. As the wildflowers begin to bloom and the landscape transforms and offers stunning beauty for a short time.
If you’ve been longing for an afternoon of sun-bathing while you’re in the hot Moroccan hot, make sure to visit the artificial Lake Takerkoust, right at the desert’s edge to enjoy a swim and sunbathing on the shores. The lake was carefully built to blend in with the surrounding landscape and aids in increasing the natural beauty of Agafay. If you forget to pack a picnic there are numerous restaurants near the lake, which are perfect stop from exploring. Or , if you prefer to stay in, there’s an abundance of Berber villages located in the mountains’ foothills which you can visit for a meal cooked by the family.
7. Oukaimeden
Skiing is most likely one of the first things you think of when you’re considering a vacation to Morocco (unless you’re particularly interested into snow sports off the beaten track). But, just 45 minute drive from Marrakech and 3000 m high to Oukaimeden, in Atlas Mountains, is Africa’s highest resort for skiing – Oukaimeden. With just a few runs starting from the summit at Jebel Attar as well as about 20 in total you could easily enjoy the stunning scenery in The Atlas Mountains from a whole new view.
It’s not like everyone expects you to take ski gear to spend a vacation in the desert. In Oukaimeden you can hire skis and boots at less than you’ll find at an European ski resort, and lift-passes are cheaper than ever (but should you not want to lifts, if they’re not for you, there’s always an possibility of riding a donkey up to the highest point). If anyone in your group is an inexperienced skier and would like to learn, there are lessons too.
Beware, the slopes in Oukaimeden aren’t as groomed and maintained as the ones you’d be familiar with in the Nordics or the European Alps, and it may take some time getting used to skiing on “virgin snow’. But eventually, it’ll feel like effortless sailing. We assure you that it will be enjoyable and totally secure. We suggest visiting during the winter season to enjoy the most snowfall. After you’ve completed your wintery adventure during the day there’s an array of restaurants offering hearty meals that will fuel you for your journey back to home.