The 7 Best Day Trips from Marrakech (Distances and Tips)

Marrakech is a wonderful base, but some of Morocco’s most memorable sights are just a few hours away: thundering waterfalls, green Berber valleys, snow-capped peaks, a stony desert and a breezy Atlantic port. Here are the best day trips from Marrakech, how far each one is, and how to make the most of your day.

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1. Ouzoud waterfalls

Distance: about 150 km, around 3 hours each way.

The highest waterfalls in Morocco plunge around 110 metres in several tiers into a red-rock gorge in the Middle Atlas. A loop trail of a few kilometres leads down past olive groves, mills and cafés to the pools at the bottom, where small boats take visitors close to the spray, and back up the other side. Allow two to four hours on site, start early and wear good shoes, as the path is steep in places and some stream crossings are on rocks. Spring is when the falls are at their most powerful.

You will almost certainly meet the Barbary macaques that live around the falls. They are wild animals: enjoy watching them, keep children close and do not feed them, as it makes them aggressive and unhealthy.

2. Ourika Valley

Distance: about 60 km, around 1 hour each way.

The closest escape into the High Atlas. The road follows the Ourika River through green terraces and Berber villages, with riverside cafés where you can eat a tagine with your feet almost in the water. At the end of the valley, the village of Setti Fatma is the starting point for a short but rocky hike to a series of waterfalls. On the way, many tours stop at an argan oil cooperative and a traditional Berber house.

3. Imlil and Toubkal National Park

Distance: about 65 km, around 1.5 hours each way.

Imlil is the gateway to Toubkal National Park and Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167 metres the highest peak in North Africa. You do not need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it: easy to moderate day hikes lead through walnut groves and earthen villages to viewpoints and mountain passes, with lunch in a local home. Summiting Toubkal itself takes two days. In winter, the peaks are snow-capped and the air is cold, so bring warm layers.

4. Agafay Desert

Distance: about 40 km, around 45 minutes each way.

If you do not have time for the Sahara, the Agafay is a beautiful taste of the desert. It is a stony desert of rolling hills rather than sand dunes, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Spend an afternoon riding camels or quad bikes, then stay for sunset and dinner at one of the desert camps. Some camps also offer overnight stays under the stars.

5. Essaouira

Distance: about 190 km, around 2.5 to 3 hours each way.

The relaxed Atlantic port of Essaouira, with its whitewashed medina, ramparts, blue fishing boats and fresh grilled fish at the harbour, makes a perfect change of scene from Marrakech. On the way you will pass argan trees, sometimes with goats in their branches. A day trip is possible, but Essaouira deserves a night or two: read our Essaouira travel guide.

6. Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

Distance: about 190 km, around 4 hours each way.

A long but spectacular day over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate. It is a lot of driving for one day, so if you can, stay a night or continue on to the Sahara. Read our Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou guide.

7. Lalla Takerkoust lake

Distance: about 40 km, around 45 minutes each way.

A reservoir lake at the foot of the Atlas, popular for lunch with a view, kayaking and sunset. It combines well with an afternoon in the Agafay Desert.

How to book your day trip

The easiest option is a guided tour with hotel pickup. Shared tours are the cheapest; private tours let you set your own pace and stops. You can compare reviews and book tours to all the places above on GetYourGuide. If you prefer to drive yourself, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars: roads are good, but mountain routes are slow and winding.

Do it like a Moroccan: local tips

• Leave early. Most tours pick up between 7 and 8 a.m. You beat the heat, the crowds and the traffic.
• Bring cash. Cafés, local guides, boat rides and cooperatives often only accept dirhams.
• Dress for the mountains. Even on a hot day in Marrakech, it can be much cooler in the Atlas.
• Check what is included. Ask whether lunch, local guides and entry fees are part of the tour price.
• Stay connected. Coverage is good on main roads, and a Morocco eSIM from Airalo keeps you online without roaming charges.

Still choosing a base? Read where to stay in Marrakech and our Marrakech travel guide.

Cover photo: Michal Vrba on Unsplash