Day Trips from Marrakech
You can enjoy day trips from Marrakech to the surrounding areas, including Imlil Valley, Agafay Desert, Essaouira, Ouzoud Waterfall, Ourika Valley, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and Ouarzazate.
Day Trips from Marrakech
- Morocco
Overview
Marrakech is known for its strategic location, being the closest tourist city to the most famous tourist destinations. If you want to take a break from the city and go on a one-day tour to explore the top tourist spots, Saharan Tours has got you covered. We offer many excursions, tours, transportation, and activities for Marrakech tourists.
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing clients with an authentic and enjoyable travel experience. You can enjoy a day tour of the city’s surrounding areas, including Imlil Valley, Agafay Desert, Essaouira, Azoud Waterfall, Ourika Valley, Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and Ouarzazate.
1 Day
Daily Tour
Year-round
English, Spanish, French
Marrakech
Marrakech
Highlights of Day Tours from Marrakech
- Stunning landscapes and traditional Berber villages.
- Hike to the Ourika Waterfalls for a refreshing experience.
- Spectacular Ouzoud waterfall views.
- Access to great trekking routes, including Toubkal National Park.
- Lush greenery, river valleys, and captivating views.
- Scenic views of mountains and traditional villages.
- Chance to see Barbary macaques.
- Boat rides are available on the Ouzoud Waterfall.
- Charming coastal town with historic medina.
- Beautiful beaches and scenic views in Essaouira.
1) Day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls
Your day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls starts at 8:00 am from the nearest parking lot to your accommodation (usually the famous Jemaa el Fna Square). Head east on a journey lasting about 3 hours through vast agricultural land and deep into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Around 11 am, you will reach the waterfalls. Ouzoud Waterfalls are among Morocco’s highest and most beautiful waterfalls, with a height of about 110 meters.
After arriving, you will have about 5 hours to enjoy your experience exploring the area surrounding the waterfalls, which is rich in picturesque nature, where trees and green spaces are spread, and there are small villages that offer visitors a traditional Moroccan experience. Visitors can also enjoy walking on nature trails and watching the monkeys in the area.
At 4 pm, the return trip to Marrakech begins via the same road. At 7 pm, you arrive at Jemaa el Fna Square, and the end of our mission.
2) Day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Your day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou begins at 7:30 am from the nearest parking lot to your accommodation (usually the famous Jemaa el Fna square). Head east for about 3 hours and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the picturesque Tizi n Tichka Pass (2260m). Stop for panoramic photos along the way, then reach the village of Ait Benhaddou, home to one of Morocco’s most essential and famous historical and fortified kasbahs.
The Kasbah is a prominent historical and cultural site that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is characterized by its traditional architectural design dating back centuries, as it was built from mud and wood to serve as a fortress, a place of residence, and protection. The Kasbah consists of several buildings closely packed together and connected by narrow alleys, creating a unique architectural scene. Kasbah Ait Benhaddou has been and still is a favorite destination for filmmakers, as many famous films and series have been filmed there, such as “Gladiator,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Game of Thrones.”
After lunch, you will resume your journey to Ouarzazate, a city of cinematic attractions, to visit the famous Atlas Studio and take external photos of the Kasbah Taourirt. After that, we will start the return trip to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
3) Day trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley
Your day trip from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley starts at 9:00 am from the nearest parking lot to your accommodation (usually the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square). Head south and penetrate the High Atlas Mountains through the exceptional Ourika Valley. The journey takes about two hours.
Upon arrival in the Ourika Valley, you can walk the nature trails that lead to the waterfalls with the help of a local guide. The path requires a little effort but is very enjoyable due to the beautiful surrounding nature. Therefore, it is advisable to wear sports shoes or hiking shoes, as the path to the waterfalls is not paved and can be slippery.
After returning from the waterfalls, you can rest and have lunch in one of the traditional restaurants scattered along the valley. These restaurants specialize in preparing the local tagine.
A visit to the Ourika Valley is not just a destination; it is a gateway to an exceptional world where the beauty of nature prevails. From the cascading waterfalls to the breathtaking landscapes, the valley’s magic captivates every traveler, promising an unforgettable adventure that will be etched in the heart forever. Get ready to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary in the enchanting Ourika Valley.
After an unforgettable and enjoyable experience in the picturesque valley landscape, the return journey to Marrakech begins, where the mission ends.
4) Day trip from Marrakech to Imlil Valley and Agafay desert
Your day trip from Marrakech to Imlil Valley and Agafay Desert begins at 9:00 am from the nearest parking lot to your accommodation (usually the famous Jemaa el Fna Square). Head south and into the High Atlas Mountains through the picturesque Imlil Valley to the Berber village of Imlil, where you can take a walking tour to visit the town and some waterfalls.
After lunch, your journey continues to the Agafay Desert via Moulay Ibrahim and the Takerkoust Dam. While Agafay may not have towering dunes, it does have its unique charm with its rocky terrain, arid landscapes, and vast expanses of desert. Visitors can participate in various activities, such as camel riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the desert environment while enjoying the gentle swaying of a camel.
Additionally, quad biking provides an exhilarating way to explore the desert terrain, offering adrenaline-filled adventures as you navigate rocky paths and open spaces. The journey back to Marrakech then begins where the mission ends.
5) Day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
Your day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira starts at 9:00 am from the nearest parking lot to your accommodation (usually the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square). Head west for about 3 hours of driving through vast expanses of agricultural land. As you approach Essaouira, you will notice the abundance of argan trees. These unique and rare trees grow mainly in southwestern Morocco, specifically in the Souss region and the surrounding areas of the High Atlas.
These trees form an essential part of Morocco’s natural and cultural heritage. They extract argan oil, which is known for its health and beauty benefits. The argan tree is highly protected in Morocco, with the “Argan Biosphere Reserve” area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Preserving this tree is an environmental priority in Morocco due to its vital role in preventing desertification and supporting biodiversity.
After arriving in Essaouira (the capital of the winds) around 11 am. You will have enough time, about 5 hours, to visit and wander the alleys of the old city of the Medina, sample fresh seafood dishes, and try some activities along the beach, such as camel, horse, or quad bike rides. The return trip to Marrakech starts at around 16:30 via the same route.
Price Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
- Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
- Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation
- Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
- Car Fuel
Price Excludes
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Tipping
- Local guides (Optionel)
- Accommodations
- Extra activities
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What Our Clients Says?
Our travelers are at the heart of everything we do. See what our happy clients have to say about their experience with Saharan Tours!
We had an amazing experience with Saharan Tours company and would highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Morocco. Our itinerary was perfectly balanced. Allowing us to explore Morocco's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Highlights included wandering the colorful streets of chefchaouin, exploring the history of medinas of Fes and Marrakech. And enjoying the magical night under the stars in the Sahara desert.
Our driver/ guide Said was fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing Morocco's history and traditions. The accommodations were comfortable and authentic. And the transportation was smooth and reliable.What I liked the most were the 2 nights I spent in the Sahara Desert, it's a completely different world, we had a full day in the desert and also had the chance to experience ATVs riding.
If you're looking for a well organized memorable Moroccan adventure. Saharan Tours is an excellent choice. 5/5 Stars exceptional service and authentic experience.
We had wonderful trip to Morocco. Thanks to Said and Ibrahim with Saharan Tours.
Said accommodate all our requests and built a great itinerary for us. Including Riads, hotels, desert camp for our stay. Our transportation from destination to destination, and guided tours in each place.
Ibrahim drove us everywhere during 10 day trip, tirelessly helping us with everything. We are ever so grateful to him for his help. Especially because he had to be away from his family during the month of Ramadan.
The guides that company had for us were great (Fes and Marrakech medinas) Many many thanks and we recommend Saharan Tours to everyone thinking of a trip to Morocco.
My friend and I chose a private driver for 2 day/ 1 night in the Sahara desert from Marrakech. Our driver, Said, was so great. He was very knowledgeable, professional and kind.
This was during Ramadan so our trip may have been different otherwise. Not that we'd know as it was our first time in Morocco. Somethings were closed for Ramadan but I think also it was nice because there were less people around. We still got to see all sites and eat at great food stops. Said, our driver even bought us a box of dates from a village he went to school in. Very thoughtful. We felt safe with him and the car was clean and comfortable.
And yes. The drive was long ( took us 10 hrs each way) but you see so many things and make a few stops ( whatever you want!). It was easy and beautiful and I would recommend it to anyone. Once at the tent, if you don't take the camels to the spot then you get to take the 4×4 car and ride over the dunes. That is what we did and it was so fun. The camp was so cool and the views are what it's all about.
Personally. The one night tour was ideal ( and we were short on time ). This was the perfect trip with a trustworthy company. Thanks Said!!!!!
Our long overdue holiday to Morocco was amazing. From the first contact with Said to a 10 day trip with Youssef.
All communication/ Emails to Said were replied to quickly and I understood exactly what we were getting. I never felt like anything was a problem or a hassle.
Our driver Youssef was the best. We couldn't have asked for a better person to share our experience with and we will always remember him and feel we have a connection to Morocco through him. His local knowledge and general warmth made our long days together fun. Our 10 day trip from Casablanca to Casablanca and everywhere in between captured so many different experiences. And a special highlight was the New Year's event in the Sahara desert.
I can't recommend Saharan Tours company enough. I just hope one day we can go back with all the family for some more.
