Marrakech is a wonderful base for exploring southern Morocco. Within two to three hours you can reach snowy mountains, Berber villages, a stony desert, a kasbah from the movies and the Atlantic coast. These are the day trips we recommend most, all best enjoyed with a private driver who can stop wherever you like.
At a glance. Closest: Agafay desert (about 45 minutes) · Most popular: the Atlas Mountains · Longest: Essaouira and Ait Ben Haddou (about 3–4 hours each way) · Best season: spring and autumn; Essaouira is perfect in summer.
1. The High Atlas and Imlil
About 90 minutes from Marrakech, the village of Imlil sits at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak (4,167 m). Walk with a local mountain guide through walnut groves and terraced fields to the villages of the Ait Mizane valley, then enjoy a tagine on a terrace with views of the peaks. This day is included in our 11-day, 12-day and 14-day tours and in our Imperial Cities tour.
2. The Ourika Valley
Greener and closer than Imlil, the Ourika Valley follows a river lined with small restaurants and gardens. Visit a Berber house, an argan cooperative and the waterfalls of Setti Fatma – a gentle and family-friendly day out.
3. The Agafay desert
Only 45 minutes from the city, the Agafay is a stony desert of rolling hills with the Atlas on the horizon. Ride a camel or a quad at sunset, have dinner in a luxury desert camp and be back in Marrakech the same evening – or stay the night. It is a beautiful taste of the desert, although the real Sahara dunes are at Erg Chebbi. Read more in how to plan a Sahara desert trip.
4. Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Cross the High Atlas by the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village seen in Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and the film studios of Ouarzazate. It is a long day – about four hours each way – so if you have time, we recommend continuing into the south on a desert tour instead.
5. Essaouira
About three hours west, Essaouira is a relaxed Atlantic town with a whitewashed medina, ramparts and a busy fishing harbour. On the way, stop at an argan cooperative – and look out for goats climbing the argan trees. Essaouira is perfect in summer, when the ocean breeze keeps it cool, and it is part of our 13-day and 14-day tours.
6. The Ouzoud waterfalls
About two and a half hours north-east of Marrakech, the Ouzoud falls drop around 110 metres into a green gorge. Walk down to the pools, take a short boat ride under the spray and look for the Barbary macaques that live in the olive trees around the falls.
7. A sunrise hot-air balloon flight
Not quite a day trip, but one of the most memorable mornings you can have: lift off before dawn and float over the plains and villages as the sun rises over the Atlas, followed by breakfast in a Berber tent. You are back at your riad by mid-morning. Balloon flights are included in our VIP All-Inclusive package. Discover more in 12 unique experiences in Morocco.
Which day trip should you choose?
- First time in Morocco: the High Atlas and Imlil – the best contrast with the city.
- Families: the Ourika Valley or the Agafay desert at sunset.
- Short on time: the Agafay desert or a balloon flight.
- Summer: Essaouira, where it is often 10 °C cooler than Marrakech.
- Film and history lovers: Ait Ben Haddou – ideally as part of a longer desert tour.
Add a day trip to your private tour
All our day trips are private, with your own driver and local guides, and can be added to any itinerary. Our 7-day tour crosses the Atlas to the Sahara, and our Imperial Cities tour includes a day in the Atlas villages. See the best things to do in Marrakech or ask us for a tailor-made plan – we reply the same day, often within an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
For most travellers, a day in the High Atlas around Imlil, with a village walk and lunch with mountain views, is the best contrast to the city.
Can you visit the Sahara on a day trip from Marrakech?
No. The great dunes of Erg Chebbi are around 9–10 hours away by road. The Agafay desert near Marrakech is a stony desert, not sand dunes. To see the Sahara, plan at least three days – see our 7-day tour.
How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
About three hours by road, making it a long but rewarding day trip – or better, an overnight stay.
Are day trips from Marrakech private?
Yes. All our day trips are private, with your own driver and, in the mountains, a local guide.
Continue reading: 15 best things to do in Morocco and the best time to visit Morocco.
