Day Trips From Marrakech

This day trip is to a lovely city with a great beach. In the morning, we pick you up from your riad or hotel and then drive (3 hours) to discover Essaouira, the Portuguese fortress on the Atlantic Ocean. In Essaouira you will have three hours to explore the old city and have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. After lunch we will return you with smiles on your faces to your riad in Marrakech.

After an early start from your riad, we will drive over the Atlas Mountains via the Tichka pass at the breathtaking altitude of 2260m. Along our trip, there will be plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenic vistas. By afternoon we will arrive at the Kasbah Ait Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most famous and historic places in Morocco. Depending on your mood, lunch will be before or after your visit to the Kasbah. There, you will explore the ancient streets and earthen buildings and see where many popular movies have been filmed. Next we will visit the Atlas Film studio (Lawrence of Arabia, Patton, The Jewel of the Nile, The Living Daylights, The Mummy, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, etc.) and then take a short (5 minute) drive to the Kasbah of Taourirt, the most impressive fortification in Morocco. After Ouarzazate we will return you to your riad in Marrakech.

In the shadow of the snow capped High Atlas peaks, lies this amazingly lush valley, home to the endangered Barbary Macaque. Hiking in this valley is a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We will pick you up from your riad in the morning and drive 1 hour to the valley. On our way we will stop at the traditional Berber village of Setti Fatma where you can witness the centuries old tradition of pressing olive oil. Next we will enjoy a scenic hike through the olive trees and past 7 stunning cascades. After burning off those calories, you will enjoy a much deserved lunch in a unique restaurant “in the river”. Once you are happy inside and out, we return you to your riad.

The Ouzoud waterfalls are one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in all of North Africa. These 110 meter high cascades provide a superb destination for a peaceful and refreshing day trip from Marrakech. We will pick you up in the morning from your riad and drive 3 hours until we reach the top of the waterfall. It will feel great to take a 3 hour hike to the base of the falls. After working up an appetite, you will dine with a view of the cascades. After a bit of rest and relaxation among the shady olive trees, you complete your circuit back to the top of the falls and we return to your riad.