Marrakech can be described as a desert oasis unlike others, brimming with history romanticism, mystery and intrigue. Far from the 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 the many amazing attractions and experiences which surround the city. From deserts and mountain ranges to ancient villages and waterfalls There are excursions on a day from Marrakech which will ignite fire in the hearts of every traveler.
You could rise early and return to your home before dinner. Or, perhaps you prefer to explore within a mere hour of your door. Whatever the case, Marrakech is your ideal home base. In this post we’ve put together our top suggestions for excursions from Marrakech, all waiting for eager travelers like you.
1. Essaouira
You won’t see much or even any of the ocean in Marrakech. Yet, just three hours from Essaouira, the city of Essaouira and you can take in the sound of waves crashing against sandy shores and breathe the fresh air and salty scent from the Atlantic. It is located directly on the water, Essaouira is not your typical beach destination. On most days, the wind are too strong for anyone to enjoy a relaxing day on the sands of warm sunshine. It is known as “The Windy City of Africa’ it is a place that draws huge crowds of windsurfers who flock to its stunning beaches.
Instead of laying at the sea, go to Essaouira to experience the city’s intriguing tradition and distinctive characteristic. It’s more laidback than busy Marrakech, Essaouira is undeniably Moroccan and yet there’s nothing else as beautiful in the world. Essaouira is famous by its fortified white-and-blue medina that is lined filled with colorful boutiques, captivating art galleries and museums abound.
The town’s size is modest and is easy to navigate by the foot. The medina’s roads connect to the principal square at the waterfront, and the breathtaking views of the stunning harbour and miles of sandy beaches give a breathtaking picture. It’s easy to understand how the town was given the name Essaouira meaning “Little Picture” in Arabic. The ramparts around the city, one can still see old canons remaining from times when it was an important Portuguese defense fortress. The walk along the walls is also the ideal method to take in the stunning 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 lush valley extends for more than 68 miles in between the snowcapped High Atlas range and is filled with waterfalls, streams and charming Berber villages. Its name is derived from the Ourika, the river Ourika which flows from the mountain tops it, supplying the valley with abundant wildflowers.
Tourists flock to the village of Setti Fatma, located deep in the valley near close to the end of the road. The village lies on the lush terraces that run along the river in the High Atlas foothills and is known for its seven waterfalls that grace the hillsides above. The waterfalls of Setti Fatma are all reachable on foot and require varying levels of exertion, and the higher up in the hills you climb closer to the top, the more spectacular the views and waterfalls are. The last waterfall could be quite a walk make sure you have appropriate footwear and plenty of water as you’ll want to miss the view.
Apart from Setti Fatma, there are many other locations within the Ourika Valley to explore as well. One of our favorites is the tiny clay village in Tafza that is home to an amazing museum that houses artifacts and information on Berber culture. If you want to experience a bit more historical significance, explore the remains, tombs and mausoleums located in the archeological site of Aghmat that was the one of Moroccos oldest cities that dates back to pre-Islamic times , when it was the capital city of the country. The valley’s agriculture is similarly vibrant and beautiful as you travel through all kinds of olive groves and the cherry orchards in your explorations 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 tourists who travel from Marrakech are the High Atlas, a mere 90 minutes drive away. The mountains provide stunning hiking trails that lead you through the Moroccos most stunning landscapes and views and the stunning Toubkal National Park.
Within the valleys as well as in the foothills of mountains you’ll likely to come across ancient Berber villages, with farms and livestock herds. It’s a way of life that continues like it has been for thousands of years, leaving a tiny ecological footprint. Visit any of the villages in order to find out how they have developed their unique history before exploring the serene mountains.
Nearby to near the High Altas range is its cousin that is that of the Middle Atlas. Here you’ll discover the world-renowned Ouzoud Waterfalls (or Cascades d’Ouzoud) that are considered as the most beautiful 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 below 100m. Be sure to go to the falls on a bright afternoon to witness rainbows appear in the mist. Boatmen will guide visitors in the central pool for a view of the natural beauty up close and close enough to you can feel cool mists that fall on your face. The area around the falls is lined with paths that allow you to take in more of the green landscape, and you’ll be able to believe that you’re only 90 minutes away from the beautiful dry desert of Marrakech.
4. Casablanca
In all the talk about old-fashioned villages and the traditional culture It’s easy to overlook the fact that Morocco is an ever-growing, modern nation. Casablanca will swiftly bring that to mind. The city of awe is vibrant, fast-paced and full of flourishing young, vibrant business. The first impression you get of the city is sure 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 alongside each other in the bustling downtown. However, massive modernizations are always in progress as is the town always growing and evolving.
However, don’t forget to admire the places in Casablanca that have endured the years for example, the Hassan II Mosque, which is the most ancient mosque in Morocco and it is the culmination of more than 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 city’s historic art-deco homes. Casablanca is a center of art and culture where there is everything from sculptures and paintings to music and dance.
In terms of culture Don’t forget the culinary scene in Casablanca – our best suggestion is to go for a meal at one of the numerous waterfront eateries on La Corniche for dinner with the sea view. The coastline is the center of Moroccan surfing and there are great schools to consider getting involved with the locals by taking a look. Because Casablanca is not a major tourist city and is not filled with tourist traps. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the streets in a French style knowing you’ll get the same experience as everyone else who lives in the city. This applies to everything from restaurants and cafes to galleries and boutiques.
5. Ait-Ben-Haddou
Ait-Ben-Haddou is an UNESCO World Heritage Site right at the edge of Sahara Desert, where this city of ruins is surrounded by palm trees and olive groves. The trip here is three and a half hours from Marrakech in the mountains that make up Ouarzazate through twisting roads. It’s not surprising that its rough remnants were used as a backdrop for the slave-like city of Yunkai on Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones television series However, it’s not the only reason most people go to see it.
In the 17th century, Ait-Ben-Haddou was one of the most prominent fortified towns and a major trade stop on the way to Marrakech across the Sahara. It was constructed to last, and was situated on the slope of a hill, with thick exterior walls, which were 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, which was the city’s main source of income as it vanished. Since then, harsh weather has had a devastating effect on the clay structures, and left the town in ruins. In the 1940s, around 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 has a lingering appeal for those who want to walk through those labyrinths, and think about the life that at one time lived in the city. In addition, it’s an amazing illustration of the traditional pise architecture and 17th-century urban planning with a variety of fortified castles and citadels. There are plans to completely bring back Ait-Ben-Haddou in its previous glory and grandeur and there is hope that the town could be revived in the future years.
6. Agafay Desert
Just 40 kilometers south of Marrakech on the Route d’Amizmiz, the Agafay Desert is an ideal day trip from the bustle of the city. It’s a lot easier to access than the more well-known Sahara and is a great place to get in a car or the bus and be there within less then an hour. The Agafay is a favorite among travelers and locals alike, and is the perfect place to do everything from horseback riding and camel trekking, to quad biking, and even plain old hiking.
The thing that draws tourists, of course to travelers is the seemingly endless dunes and hills that cover this portion of the region during the dry summer months. With an ever present snowy High Atlas, the landscape appears like the lunar landscape. The desert is dry to support any kind of growth, the region’s “wet season,” also known as spring, is a time when a wealth of life-giving plants emerge out of the dry soil. As the wildflowers begin to bloom and the landscape transforms and is stunning for a brief period.
If you’ve always wanted an afternoon of sun-bathing during your stay in the hot Moroccan summer heat, head to the man-made Lake Takerkoust, right at the desert’s edge for a dip and sunbathing on the shores. The lake has been built to blend in with the surrounding landscape and aids in increasing the beauty of the Agafay. If you forget to pack a picnic lunch there are numerous restaurants near the lake, which are perfect time break to explore. Or , if you prefer to stay in, there’s some Berber villages located in the mountain’s foothills which you can visit for a meal cooked by the family.
7. Oukaimeden
Skiing is likely to be one of the first thoughts that pop into your head when you think of holidays to Morocco (unless you’re particularly enthused to off-the-beaten-track destinations for snow sports). But, just 45-minute drive from Marrakech and around 3000 m high to Oukaimeden, in Atlas Mountains, is Africa’s highest resort for skiing – Oukaimeden. With only a handful of slopes starting from the summit at Jebel Attar and more than 20 total it is possible to take a day to enjoy the beauty that is Oukaimeden and the Atlas Mountains from a whole new view.
There’s no reason for that you bring ski equipment for a trip to 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 also less expensive (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 someone in your group is new to the slopes 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 could take a while getting comfortable with skiing on ‘virgin snow’. However, in time it’ll feel like effortless sailing. We assure you that it will be fun and secure. We suggest visiting during the winter season to enjoy the greatest snowfall. After you’ve completed your adventures in the snow during the day there’s plenty of eateries offering hearty meals that will fuel you for the drive to home.
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