day trips in marrakech

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15 Best Day Trips from Marrakech

Marrakech is Morocco’s most famous tourist destination.

The name conjures up images of spices, souks, deserts, and riads; an exotic place of bustling markets, ancient walled streets, and ramshackle houses.

It’s an exciting, vibrant and colorful place to visit; a place where you may well be as frustrated at times as you are enthralled, but where every moment is different and life is unique, noisy and seemingly chaotic.

The city is full of history, culture and excellent Moroccan cuisine, where every turn you take opens a world of new shocks and surprises that will keep you transfixed for days.

Beyond the historic walls of Marrakech, this city in the foothills of the high Atlas Mountains is the perfect launching pad to the surrounding area.

From deserts and waterfalls to Berber villages and rocky valleys, there are many day trips to take from Marrakech.

1. Ouzoud Falls

The Ouzoud Falls are an incredibly impressive set of waterfalls that plunge from high cliffs far down into a huge basin.

The multi-layered waterfall cascades from a maximum height of 110-meters, and in an otherwise arid landscape, the location is a veritable oasis in the desert, where lush, green vegetation is found amongst the rocky confines of this canyon.

The area is famous for its olive trees; after hiking to the falls, you can relax in the shade of these trees while you feel the cooling breeze of the crashing waterfall filling the air with refreshing sprays of water.

If you are really overheated, you can even swim in the Al Abid River which the falls plunge straight into.

It’s a glorious day trip from Marrakech, and one not to be missed.

Recommended tour : Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Tour from Marrakech

2. Palm Groves of Marrakech

Known as the Palmeraie, the palm groves of Marrakech are a dense area of land that is completely devoted to the growing of palm trees.

It’s a strangely beautiful place; the palm trees are grown in the desert and are completely reliant on the ancient irrigation network that has been here for centuries to survive in this harsh climate.

The area is around 50 square miles and the palms are used to harvest dates, so expect to be given plenty to try by the local growers and sellers that you find here.

Many people will choose to join an adventurous quad bike tour to ride around the desert and the Palmeraie, a unique way to experience this beautiful and surreal landscape.

Suggested tour : Marrakech Desert & Palm Grove Quad Bike Tour

3. Sahara Desert

Marrakech is surrounded by desert, however, the really brutal and almost unbelievable landscapes of the famous Sahara Desert don’t truly begin until you are at least a few hour’s drive outside the city itself.

The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert.

It’s a place of extremes, where little water is found and sand dunes tower high on the horizon.

It’s an almost mystical place – especially locally – and a trip even to the edge of the Sahara is an enlightening experience.

Many people will choose to undertake multi-day expeditions through the desert guided by locals; however, if you are short on time, you can still travel to where the Sahara begins and admire the harsh, natural beauty before returning to Marrakech for the evening.

Multi-day tour : From Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Sahara Desert Tour

4. Agafay Desert

If you would rather stay closer to Marrakech and experience a desert closer to your accommodation, then the Agafay Desert – although not quite as famous or as sandy as the Sahara – is within easy reach of the city.

Found between the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, the Agafay makes for an excellent day trip.

You won’t find the distinctive sand dunes here that you may be imagining, but you will find a rocky, barren and seemingly lifeless terrain that is difficult to fully comprehend in its sparseness.

It’s a humbling place to visit – you may be able to tour some of the local villages and marvel at how people have managed to thrive here for thousands of years.

Suggested tour : Quad Biking Tour in Agafay Desert

5. Essaouira

Essaouira is a vibrant port city found on the Atlantic coastline of Morocco.

It’s a welcome escape from the desert and the dry climate of Marrakech, and a trip here makes for a long but rewarding day trip.

Enjoy the beautiful sea breezes along the coast, as well as the colorful culture and buildings of the city.

The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s begging to be explored, while the narrow maze of alleys and souks are as quintessentially Moroccan as you can get.

Recommended tour : Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech

Agadir is another coastal Moroccan city that’s found a good three-hour drive from Marrakech.

The city is making a name for itself in tourist circles as a sun-drenched, windswept and relaxed place to visit.

There is an ever-growing number of resorts taking advantage of the beautiful beaches and coastline, while the city itself is an interesting example of modern Moroccan culture and life – it’s large enough to easily escape the tourist trail and discover something new.

7. Casablanca

Casablanca is the only other city that could rival Marrakech in terms of international fame.

The name Casablanca has gone down in history, thanks to the movie and the romantic connotations associated with it.

The reality is probably very different to what you might expect, and it’s a good thing to only make a day trip to the city – it is a sprawling, urban mass.

It’s worth the journey to see this famous place for what it really is, to walk through the old streets and the new and experience an inseparable piece of Moroccan history.

8. The Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains make up a vast and towering range that rises sharply close to Marrakech.

The mountain range stretches through three countries and the highest peak stands over 4000-meters tall.

The Atlas Mountains are an integral part of not only local geography but local Berber history and culture.

Marrakech is an excellent location from which to launch yourself into the mountains; many of the valleys and villages can be reached on day trips from the city.

Recommended tour : Berber Villages & 3 Valleys Atlas Mountains Day Trip

9. Ourika Valley

The beautiful Ourika Valley is found 50-kilometers to the south of Marrakech in the cool shadows of the Atlas Mountains.

The valley is full of small, local villages that have stood here for centuries, while the cool climate makes it a lush and verdant place to explore, particularly during the hot summer months when Marrakech can become scorching.

There are waterfalls, a mountain backdrop, and epic scenery wherever you turn.

Available tour : Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountain Full-Day Tour

Imlil is a local Berber village that’s found high in the Atlas Mountains.

Standing at 1800-meters, it’s set in spectacular surroundings.

Many visitors will use Imlil as a base for getting even further into the mountains on multi-day treks, including to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the range.

But it’s perfectly fine to simply explore here for the day – see the way the Berbers have lived here and adapted their lifestyle to the mountains and even make a few small hikes into the surrounding area.

Lower down than Imli but perhaps easier to reach, Asni is the gateway into the Atlas Mountains when you travel here from Marrakech.

It’s a quaint place of mud-brick buildings and dusty streets, where you can see local life happening on the streets.

12. Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s found on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert.

It’s an ancient, fortified town that has stood guarding the trade routes through the desert for centuries.

Today, the town is more famous for the huge number of movies that have been filmed here.

You will most likely recognize the walls, towers, and streets from at least one film that you have seen.

Despite its now touristy, star-studded fame, the town is still an incredible and distinct example of Moroccan architecture and history and it’s well worth the dusty three-hour drive from Marrakech to see.

Suggested tour : Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

13. Ouarzazate

Further along the road, to the south of Ait Benhaddou, can be found the fortified town of Ouarzazate.

Like its neighbor, Ouarzazate is also used as a filming location by many studios and has featured in countless historical epics and desert-based movies.

This is really where the Sahara begins too – after the high plateau that the town is built upon disappears to the south, the sandy dunes of the desert truly begin.

Suggested tour : Ouarzazate Full-Day Tour from Marrakech with Lunch

14. Amizmiz

Found in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, just an hour’s drive from Marrakech, Amizmiz is an excellent example of a relatively untouched Moroccan Berber town.

Life here is slow.

The town is colorful but there is little of great interest to see except on a Tuesday, when the weekly market arrives as villagers from the mountains and surrounding area descend upon Amizmiz to buy and sell their produce.

It’s an incredible sight to witness.

15. Oukaïmeden

Oukaïmeden is a very high altitude resort that’s found in the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains.

At the right time of year, it makes for an incredible contrast to the lowlands and Marrakech.

No longer is there sun, heat and desert, now there is snow, wind, and cold.

It’s a famous ski resort within the country, and being only a two-hour drive from Marrakech, you can quite literally spend the day skiing before heading back to the warmer climes of the city for the night.

15 Best Day Trips from Marrakech:

• Ouzoud Falls
• Palm Groves of Marrakech
• Sahara Desert
• Agafay Desert
• The Atlas Mountains
• Ourika Valley
• Ait Benhaddou

The 5 Best Day Trips and Tours From Marrakech – [2024 Reviews]

Would you like to explore the Atlas Mountains, ride a camel through a palm grove, or haggle for pottery with a Berber tradesman? If you’re on holiday in Morocco and staying in Marrakech, you can do all these things and more.

Marrakech is a superb base from which to explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountainous terrain, and the edge of the Sahara Desert.

However, there are hundreds of tours from Marrakech to choose from, so we’ve identified 5 excellent Marrakech day trips. In my opinion, they are among the best Marrakech excursions you can find.

Read the reviews below of the best trip and tours in Marrakech and see what you think. Also see our Marrakech Travel Guide .

Best Day Trips & Tours In Marrakech

Quick answer: the 5 best-rated day trips & tours from marrakech.

• Marrakech: Day Trip With Camel Ride, Quad Bike, & Spa
• Ouirgane: Day Trip From Marrakech
• Day Trip To El Jadida From Marrakech
• Marrakech: Imlil & Atlas Valley Trip
• Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Trip From Marrakech

Day Trips From Marrakech Reviewed

#1. marrakech: day trip with camel ride, quad bike, & spa.

• Departure Point: Pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech if accessible
• Departure Time : 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 5 hours
• Includes : 1-hour camel ride, visit a Berber village, mint tea in a tent, 1½-hour quad ride, all the necessary clothes and equipment for your camel and quad rides, spa experience with hammam and massage

If you like to get great value for your money, this 3 in 1 experience is amazing. You’ll ride a camel past orange trees, explore a palm grove on a quad bike, and enjoy a luxurious hammam experience with massage.

Your adventure begins just 20-minutes-drive from the city center in the Palmeraie, a famous palm oasis on the outskirts of Marrakech that covers 54 square miles. There you’ll be given traditional Berber desert clothes to wear so you look the part. Then you’ll enjoy a 1-hour camel ride through the Palmeraie, with the snow-topped Atlas Mountains in the background.

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Next, you’ll be handed goggles and a helmet to use while riding your quad. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you spend 1½ hours darting around the palm grove.

Before returning to Marrakech, you’ll visit a typical Berber village and discover how the locals live. Enter a Berber tent and enjoy mint tea and a snack with a local family. Your guide will be happy to act as an interpreter so that you can ask any questions you want about their lifestyle.

The highlight of the tour happens upon your return to Marrakech. You’ll be taken to a traditional spa in the heart of the Medina where you’ll experience the hammam (Turkish bath) with black soap and eucalyptus scrub as well as a relaxing massage with argan oil.

Something I’d recommend is that you take a spare set of clothes, including underwear. After your camel ride and quad bike experience, you’ll be grimy.

Then after your cleansing hammam, you really won’t want to slip back into your soiled underwear and grubby clothes!

All in all, this amazing bundle of activities in one tour is one of the best day trips from Marrakech you can join. You deserve to be pampered!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2. ouirgane: day trip from marrakech.

• Departure Point : Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech where accessible
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : Expert local guide, visit to 2 well-known Berber settlements in the High Atlas Mountains, guided walking tour around Ouirgane

Are you fascinated by the Berber people and their culture? This trip takes you to 2 traditional Berber settlements where you can immerse yourself in the local community.

After being picked up from your accommodation, you’ll head for the mountains. On the way to your main destination, you’ll stop at Asni. This is a small town that has a very busy market where Berbers come to sell their produce.

Asni is a traditional town, where women wash clothes outside and dry carpets on bushes. The cafés overlooking the river are noted for their traditional tagine cooking.

The drive from Asni will take you through the beautiful landscape of the High Atlas Mountains, including Asni and Tahanouet Gorges.

Upon arrival at Ouirgane, you’ll experience a guided walking tour of the village and its environs. Because the village is in the Toubkal National Park, there’s plenty to see.

Especially note the abundant birdlife that surrounds the reservoir. Make sure you take a good-quality camera to snap the outstanding scenery and wildlife surrounding the village.

If you can, take this tour on a Thursday or a Saturday. Thursday is market day in Ouirgane, but Saturday is market day in Asni.

Market day is when you’ll see the little souks come alive with color and noise. Of all the Berber culture trips from Marrakech, this is my favorite.

#3. Day Trip To El Jadida From Marrakech

• Departure Point : Hotel pick up in Marrakech where accessible
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 1 day
• Includes : Air-conditioned minibus transportation to El Jadida, an amazing historical city on the Atlantic coast

If history appeals to you, you’ll love this tour. From 1502 to 1769, the Portuguese controlled El Jadida and turned the city into a fortress. The fortress of Mazagan is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On this tour, you’ll be driven aboard an air-conditioned vehicle to the Atlantic coast. There you’ll visit a city that is one of the favorite destinations for Moroccan holidaymakers.

Inside the Portuguese Quarter, you’ll be amazed by the colonial buildings left behind by the fleeing Portuguese, including well-preserved houses and a church.

Most of the defensive walls and towers still stand in pristine condition, complete with their original cannons. For those interested in colonial history, this is definitely one of the best tours from Marrakech.

Perhaps the most interesting Portuguese structure is the underground cistern. Originally built in 1514, it measures 110” square and features 5 rows of 5 stone pillars.

A thin layer of water covers the floor and creates constantly changing reflections. Because of the spectacular aesthetics of this building, it has featured in several movies.

When it comes time to eat, you’ll find the food on offer here is different from Marrakech. This is a great place to try local seafood where you know it hasn’t needed to travel miles from the ocean to the dinner plate.

#4. Marrakech: Imlil & Atlas Valley Trip

• Departure Time : 9:00 AM
• Includes : Transportation to Asni and Imlil aboard a modern coach with Wi-Fi

Are you especially interested in mountain scenery? Then this tour will appeal to you. Jebel Toubkal is the tallest peak in Northern Africa, and Imlil is the nearest settlement.

The road from Marrakech into the Atlas Mountains will take you through areas with stunning scenery, where you’ll see mountain streams, colored rock cliffs, and Berber villages.

You’ll stop off at Tahanaout and Asni to visit the traditional rural souks, where Berber farmers come to sell their produce.

From there, you’ll continue to Imlil village. Imlil is the basecamp for most expeditions wishing to climb Jebel Toubkal, and there are many activities there for people interested in exploring the mountainous terrain.

If you wish, you can hire a mule or a horse in Imlil and go on a trek. Alternatively, you could hike to the Kasbah of Toubkal, a hotel on the side of the mountain that provides sublime views across the valley from its rooftop terraces. You may opt to eat lunch at the kasbah at your own expense.

At an elevation of 5,900 feet, Imlil is over 4,000 feet higher than Marrakech and offers a stark contrast in climate. You could be in a different country!

While in Imlil, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Berber hospitality and drink mint tea with a local family. This is a fantastic cultural excursion from Marrakech.

#5. Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Trip From Marrakech

• Departure Time: 8:00 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Hotel pick up and scenic air-conditioned minibus ride to Ouzoud

If you love bubbling mountain streams, cascading water that sparkles in the sunlight, and impressive waterfalls, you’ve found the right tour.

The air-conditioned minibus will transport you from Marrakech into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Berber villages, olive groves, and the plains to the north.

Once you’ve arrived in Ouzoud, 90 miles north of Marrakech, you can explore on your own or hire a local guide.

A network of well-worn paths leads from the village to the green plunge pool beneath the waterfalls. The Cascades d’Ouzoud fall a total of 330 feet in a series of steps. This is North Africa’s tallest cascade waterfall and a very popular day trip destination for Moroccans.

Several cafés offer outside seating with fantastic views of the falls and the plunge pool. These cafés serve Berber tagine cuisine, which means food cooked in an earthenware pot to a traditional recipe.

This is a small group tour, the minibus holding a maximum of 17 passengers. It’s an ideal opportunity to make new friends on the drive through the scenic countryside of the Atlas Mountains foothills.

After examining hundreds of Marrakech day tours, I must say that this one is my favorite. It doesn’t offer the most planned activities, but the beautiful cascade that empties into the El-Abid River Gorge is one of the best natural views in Africa.

Marrakech Travel Guide

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

Marrakech has long been a key destination for European royalty, celebrities, and the filthy rich. Now, this outstanding imperial city has come within the reach of more humble travelers who don’t want to spend $1,000 per night on a hotel room.

If you want to experience the exotic culture and wild landscape of Africa but with the luxury of modern amenities, Marrakech is an ideal city for your vacation.

Here you can haggle with a Berber stall keeper over the price of a hand-woven rug, ride a camel into the Sahara Desert, take a tour into the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and walk through the courtyards of a palace built for a Grand Vizier, his 4 wives, and 24 concubines.

But before you book your holiday, it’s a good idea to fully research where you’re going to stay, how you’re going to get around, local restaurants, and attractions. That’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of your visit, and I wrote this guide to will help you on your way.

Every year, tourists flock to Marrakech, arriving by airplane, train, or bus. Most international visitors opt to fly. If you are based in Casablanca during your vacation, you should note that flying from Casablanca to Marrakech is over 10 times more expensive than a train or bus journey. Inside Morocco, trains and buses are incredibly cheap.

Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) is a clean, modern airport that welcomes over 4 million passengers every year. If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll change planes in Casablanca, but there are direct flights from Paris and London.

The flight from Casablanca to Marrakech takes around 50 minutes. RAK is super convenient for tourists because it’s only 2 miles (a 15-minute taxi ride) from Marrakech city center. But if you’re staying in the Old Town, you will have a considerably longer journey.

Inside the 3 air-conditioned terminals at RAK you’ll see the usual facilities you’d expect to find in any modern international airport, including ATMs, a bureau de change, duty-free shops, retail stores, and food outlets. There’s free Wi-Fi for your convenience.

If you’re religious, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a prayer room where Muslims can retreat to perform their 5 daily prayers. For passengers with mobility problems, loaner wheelchairs are available. An airport clinic provides basic medical aid.

Getting from the airport to the city center is simple. The two recommended methods are by the hotel shuttle bus and taxis.

The shuttle bus runs every 20 to 30 minutes and stops at most of the major hotels in Marrakech. It is super cheap. Taxis take between 15 and 30 minutes to get to the city center, depending upon traffic conditions.

Avoid the taxis that hover immediately outside the terminal doors. It is better to cross the carpark to where more taxis wait. Apparently, the taxis in the prime location are affiliated with local organized crime!

Agree the price of your fare with the taxi driver before jumping inside if you want to avoid being scammed.

It is not recommended that you drive into the city center yourself. However, if you want, you can hire cars at the airport. Several car hire companies operate desks at the airport, including Hertz and Avis.

The train station is even more convenient for the city center. It’s within walking distance. Like the airport, it’s a modern building with exceptional facilities.

There you’ll find a range of stores and food outlets, including a KFC and an Ibis Hotel adjacent to the station.

In the near future, the railway will become an increasingly attractive option for visitors to Marrakech. The new 200-mph high-speed rail Tangiers-Casablanca link is to be extended to reach Marrakech.

However, for now, the train journey from Casablanca to Marrakech takes between 2½ and 3 hours, and there are 8 services every day.

If you prefer, 3 national bus companies run regular air-conditioned bus services from Casablanca to Marrakech: SATAS, CTM, and Supratours.

The road journey takes around 3¾ hours. These services terminate at the long-distance bus station, which is a 20-minute walk from the city center.

When you arrive in Marrakech, you most certainly aren’t in Kansas anymore. Here are 5 tips to help you enjoy your time in Morocco.

Tip #1: Choose the time you visit carefully

Because of the year-round sunshine and low rainfall, any time of year is a great time to visit Marrakech. However, there are probably specific things you want to see and do, which may be better at certain times of the year.

Winter is when the Atlas Mountains are covered in snow, which makes for great photo opportunities. The weather is also especially cool for Africa, making it a great time to visit if you’re not keen on the heat.

In spring, the melting snow results in amazing waterfalls at the base of the Atlas Mountains and beautiful flower displays in the many parks and gardens around the city.

Summer sees the major local festivals. However, the temperature grows hot, the streets get crowded, and there are a lot of unpleasant smells associated with heat and many people crammed into a small area.

Tip #2: Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll need to see everything in Marrakech

Perhaps you only want to ride a camel through the desert or visit the famous Atlas Mountains, but there’s lots to do and see around Marrakech.

Do your research before you go and don’t miss out on the many interesting and unique attractions. Check the section on Attractions below.

Tip #3: Book Marrakech tours in advance

Marrakech is visited by more and more tourists every year, and the number will increase as the new high-speed train service is opened.

It’s a great idea to avoid possible disappointment by booking tours in advance before you get there. That way you won’t miss out on your once-in-a-lifetime to ride a camel across the Sahara Desert.

Also, reputable tour companies offer free cancellation if you change your mind a reasonable time before the tour begins, so you won’t lose your money if you decide not to go. Check the cancellation policy with the tour operator when you book.

Tip #4: Be very cautious about hygiene

Do not drink tap water. I cannot emphasize this enough. I recommend you use bottled water to brush your teeth. Never take ice in your drinks.

Use antibacterial hand wipes or gel after handling money, handling goods in the souks, or when you are eating out. Be especially discerning about street food.

Watch for the stalls local people frequent because they are likely the safest. Peel fruit before eating it. Washing the fruit’s skin won’t always work because the water might not be clean.

Tip #5: Cover up, especially ladies

Lots of the tourist brochures show men and women lazing around swimming pools in skimpy swimwear. While that may be appropriate within the walls of your raid or hotel, it most certainly will not be accepted out on the streets.

Morocco is an Islamic nation. Yes, it’s a liberal Muslim country, but they still have stricter ideas about exposed flesh than you’re probably accustomed to. If you’re a lady and you step out of your hotel wearing a low-cut T-shirt and very short shorts, you will probably get some dirty looks.

While in Marrakech, you must sample some of the local food. Given its location on the edge of the desert and its key role in the ancient trade routes through this exotic region, you’ll find many unique and interesting dishes on the menu.

However, do note there are three kinds of eating outlet to try the local cuisine: your own hotel, the glamorous restaurants that offer a culinary experience, and the street stalls for the crazy, adventurous tourist. Both options have much to offer.

If you’re staying in a riad, there is a good chance there is a restaurant inside the same building. These small and intimate restaurants are often high quality and inexpensive.

Even if you’re in a budget hotel, you will find the attached restaurant a safe and reliable option. And if you’re lucky enough to be lording it in one of Marrakech’s grand 5-star hotels, you’ll have a French chef and the finest cooks you can find in Morocco…for a price.

In a city frequented by millionaires, celebrities, and royalty, it’s no surprise to find that there are many gourmet restaurants. If you are not frightened by a high tab, Pepe Nero can be found near Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

For top prices, you will receive high-quality food, both European and Moroccan. But I prefer Le Fondouk near the Marrakech Museum. This atmospheric restaurant is found in the heart of the souks. You can dine on the rooftop terrace and enjoy great views across the Medina or stay out of the sun and eat indoors.

I’m going to suggest you try street food while visiting Marrakech, but please be cautious. Remember again that you’re not in Kansas and heed the warnings given in “tips” above.

You’ll find some of the most authentic Moroccan food served in street stalls. However, avoid those only frequented by large crowds of tourists and head for those where you see locals eat.

Wherever you eat, there are various local dishes you should try. Perhaps the most internationally well-known is couscous.

You’ll find this semolina dish served with meat stews and vegetables garnished with a raisin preserve. A popular snack from the street stalls is b’stilla, which is a pie baked with thin layers of pastry and traditionally stuffed with almonds, eggs, and pigeon.

And for something light, a traditional soup called harira is popular with the locals, especially during Ramadan. It is made from chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes, with added noodles. It is served in small bowls or cups on the streets.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous and crazy, snail soup is considered a delicacy in Marrakech and is sold around Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

The locals believe it has restorative and digestive benefits. The distinctive brown snails are served still in the shell and immersed in a flavorsome broth.

Personally, I’d avoid this particular local favorite because snails are difficult to clean and prepare for food use.

For those who, like me, have a sweet tooth, try chebakia. This is a popular sesame cookie, fried and served coated with honey.

And you can wash that down with freshly squeezed orange juice. Orange trees grow everywhere around Marrakech, and they’re the most delicious and juicy oranges you’ve ever tasted.

While it is not only possible but easy to purchase alcohol in Marrakech, please do remember that Morocco is an Islamic nation.

That means that drinking alcohol is a discreet business done in relatively private locations, like inside your hotel room and in certain licensed bars and clubs.

You should never take alcohol out onto the streets. Not only would it be dangerous for you, but it would be deeply disrespectful to the local people.

Also, you will find that alcohol is unexpectedly expensive wherever it’s served. And where it is served, the waiting staff will probably request you sit in an area well away from the windows.

They are not being rude to you; they are concerned about offending passersby.

Having said that, you will find that Marrakech does have a good selection of venues for nighttime entertainment, such as casinos, nightclubs, and cocktail bars.

An area of the city renowned for its lively nightlife is Hivernage. There you will find the Royal Theatre, which stages concerts in an amphitheater.

For a truly Moroccan experience, consider visiting Le Comtoir Darna restaurant. There you can watch live belly dancing, fire-eaters, and other extraordinary acts while you enjoy traditional Moroccan or European food.

If you want something European in flavor, check out the Oh La La Show at the Lotus Club, where there are live dancers and a lineup of club DJs.

Like Le Comtoir Darna, this venue is really a restaurant but with a live show added in. The food offered not only includes Moroccan and European, but they also boast Japanese food on the menu!

But if you want to live the high life, you could head over to the famous La Mamounia Hotel near Jemaa El-Fnaa Square where you will find the sophisticated Le Bar Churchill.

Of course, you probably won’t get in without a lounge suit or cocktail dress. It is strictly smart dress only, and they do turn away would-be customers who arrive wearing sneakers and T-shirts.

At least you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel since it’s pricy for a room.

Inside the bar, you’ll love the ambient jazz music and theme, black velvet chairs, and padded leather walls. However, note that the bar is only open Wednesday through Saturday.

If you’re based in the Medina (the Old City), this isn’t a big problem because you can easily walk to many of the most popular attractions.

However, there will be times you want to go somewhere outside the immediate area, or when you’re in a hurry. The easiest thing then is to hail a taxi. There are 3 kinds of taxi in Marrakech: caleche, grand taxis, and petit taxis.

In Marrakech, a caleche is not a lady’s perfume from Hermes. It is a horse-drawn vehicle and one of the best ways to enjoy the sights around the city. If you hail one, note that there are set prices for popular tourist loops, but you will have to negotiate the price for other locations. Set a price before climbing into the cab to avoid being scammed.

Grand taxis are large old Mercedes cars capable of carrying up to 6 passengers. These keep to specific routes and charge a fixed fare.

They congregate at taxi ranks outside the main Post Office in the New Town, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the Central Bus Station.

Petit taxis are smaller, of course, and charge higher rates. You’ll see them all over the city, they are most often beige, and you can flag them down.

But they’ll go anywhere you want…for a price. Make sure you agree the cost of your fare before climbing in.

The local buses are cheap, and there are lots, but they get crowded. If you climb aboard, you pay the bus driver directly.

The N o 1 service links the Medina to the New Town, N o 8 goes to the train station, and N o 11 and N o 19 will transport you to the airport. The Central Bus Station is situated on the northwestern side of the Medina.

A particularly great way to get around Marrakech is by bicycle. These are easy to hire, and you can cycle through parts of the Medina that are blocked to road vehicles.

Because of its many world-famous attractions, Marrakech has a long history of tourism. Today, you will find more than 400 hotels in the city. These may be divided into three kinds: the opulent, the standard, and the traditional.

If you have money to spend and want to stay in the same hotel as Mick Jagger, Prince Charles, and Winston Churchill, you could spend a few nights in La Mamounia Hotel, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the old city.

This luxury hotel and casino was used as a setting for the movie Sex & The City 2 . Looking around the establishment, it’s easy to understand how it became so popular.

The interior feels more like a palace than a hotel. There is a selection of other eminent hotels in the same area where you can brush shoulders with celebrities, royalty, and millionaires.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, there are many standard tourist hotels, with the usual facilities you’d expect to find in any other major city.

For example, you could stay in the Amani Hotel for less than $50 per night. From your room balcony, you could admire the snow-capped (in winter) Atlas Mountains.

Your room would have an attached bathroom, satellite TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, and tea & coffee facilities.

But my personal favorite is the traditional accommodation—a riad in the Medina (the Old City). In Morocco, a riad is a large traditional home built around a central courtyard.

Many of these old courtyard houses have been converted into hotels, like large B&Bs offering between 7 and 15 rooms. But because they were originally local people’s homes, when you stay in a riad, you are steeped in the local culture and traditions of Marrakech.

The courtyards often feature a fountain or pool and may have a restaurant. A few riads boast rooftop terraces where you can admire a view across the city while drinking mint tea.

Riads vary in price from the more luxurious neighboring the key tourist attractions to more basic hostels on the edge of the city. One I think is truly beautiful and rich in culture is Riad Kaiss in the old town.

This tiny riad only offers 8 rooms, but each is an art masterpiece. Inside the carefully restored old house, you can see colorful Islamic tile decorations and abstract carvings on the antique fire surrounds and columns.

Riad Kaiss is one of those within walking distance of the main museums and monuments in the heart of Marrakech.

Before they visit Marrakech, many assume it is a desert city because of its strong associations with the Sahara Desert and the Berber people. Indeed, Marrakech is a great doorway into the Sahara for those who wish to take a camel ride into the desert.

Actually, Marrakech enjoys a semi-arid climate because of its position just to the north of the Atlas Mountains. This means Marrakech experiences a whole 11” of rain each year, a Biblical flood compared to other cities in the region. Quarzazate only sees 4½” of rain annually and Zagora a minuscule 2½”. Those two cities have hot desert climates.

The average daily temperature in Marrakech ranges from 54 0 F in January up to 83 0 F in July. The sunniest month is July, with an average of 10¾ hours, and the most rain falls during November when the average rainfall is 1½”.

Despite the midsummer heat, many tourists choose to visit Marrakech in summer. This is in part due to the popular festivals held during this time, like the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival held every July.

However, if you’re anything like me, the heat and crowds of the summer will distract you from fully appreciating the beauty of this incredible city. Plus, the city stink hits its peak in July.

If you come during winter, the climate is like spring in many parts of the world. This is also when the Atlas Mountains look their best, capped with snow like a scene from a picture postcard. In fact, if you’re lucky, you can even go skiing in Marrakech in midwinter.

There’s so much to do and see in Marrakech that I can’t possibly list all the attractions here. Instead, I’ll mention a few of the highlights to give you a taste of the city.

The main attractions can be divided into cultural attractions, sites of outstanding natural beauty, and major cultural events.

Because Marrakech has served as the capital city of Morocco for much of its long and rich history, there are many interesting buildings to see and visit.

You’ll find palaces, fortresses, and fascinating museums. For me, the most impressive structure of them all is the city wall that gives Marrakech its popular nickname—the red city.

I feel humbled by the orange-red walls that stand 19 feet high and stretch for 12 miles around the city. They were built in the 12 th century.

At that time, the largest empire in the world was China. I’ve visited the walls around Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, which were built around the same time. Although Xi’an’s walls are higher, they only stretch for 8¾ miles, which means that Marrakech’s walls in some way surpassed those of the greatest superpower of their time.

When visiting the walls, head for one of the 19 gateways. In my opinion, they are the most interesting part of the structure.

I’d recommend Bab Agnaou gate as it is arguably the most beautiful. Near the palace of its day, it served as the royal entrance to the city.

The horseshoe arch is decorated with alternating sections of stone and brick, and framing the gate are three panels with beautiful inscriptions taken from the Qur’an.

Because each successive ruler has left their own mark upon the city over the passage of centuries, there are 3 palaces and many mansions dotted around the Medina.

You can’t actually enter the current Royal Palace, though you can skulk around the front door and admire the outer wall. But you can visit the much more impressive El Bahia Palace.

The Bahia Palace is an elaborate and extensive complex of buildings set in 2 acres of formal gardens. Built to house the Grand Vizier of Marrakech, his 4 wives, 24 concubines, and all their many kids, this isn’t your average-sized family home.

If you’ve seen photographs of a beautiful courtyard in Marrakech with ornate arches and colorful tile decor, it was probably inside El Bahia. The palace was designed to be the greatest of its age, encapsulating all the best elements of Moroccan and Islamic architecture.

At the heart of the Medina (the Old City) you can find Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. If you want to see the kind of traditional street entertainment you’ve seen in films set in North Africa, like snake-charming and jugglers, then this is where you need to be.

It’s also a great place to find stalls selling the street food mentioned above and freshly squeezed orange juice. The square comes alive every evening. Note that if you pause to take photographs of entertainers in the square then you will be expected to contribute money to their pot.

One of the most interesting cultural experiences you can have in Marrakech is a visit to one of the souks. These colorful markets, with tiny and varied stalls in a maze of alleyways, are the main shopping attraction in the city.

This is where you have the opportunity to haggle with a Berber tradesman to buy a “flying carpet” for the lowest price. You’ll find the souks north of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

Outside the city, there are several nearby sites of outstanding natural beauty. The most obvious is the Atlas Mountains since they loom over the city.

Daytrips into the foothills are very popular, and the Ouzoud waterfalls are especially beautiful. A little further off, you can visit the most famous desert in the world. If you ever dreamed of riding a camel across the sand dunes, this is your opportunity.

Every July sees the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech Folklore Festival, and Fantasia Horse-Stunt Event.

These combined events are composed of many separate performances spread throughout the city but focused on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the ruined Badi Palace, and the area outside the city walls near Bab Jdid Gate.

Folk singers, dancers, fire-swallowers, and snake charmers perform traditional routines within the walls of the Badi Palace, while horse riders in traditional clothes gallop around in front of the city walls, showing off their equestrian skills.

And for something you’ll probably never see in the 50 States of the Union, sometime around the end of August every year the local Berber people hold the Imilchil Marriage Feast.

This is a huge event where up to 30,000 mountain dwellers gather for a 3-day festival around the tomb of the Oldman in Imilchil, a village in the Atlas Mountains.

During the festival, young women dress up in traditional clothes and silver jewelry then dance to attract a fiancé.

Traditionally, unmarried people form engagements at the festival which are then followed up in their home villages by discussions between the families and arrangements for a later wedding.

The festival is a grand celebration of Berber culture, music, dance, and love.

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Variety of sights.

World Travel Guides chose the Marrakech: Day Trip With Camel Ride, Quad Bike, & Spa as our Editor's Choice for day trips and tours.

Richard Moore

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Marrakech

Day trips from marrakech.

• Marrakech to Ourika
• Marrakech to Essaouira
• Marrakech to Ouzoud
• Marrakech to Imlil
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys & Waterfalls - Camel Ride Marrakech

2. Agafay Desert Package, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Dinner Show

3. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast

4. Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech - All inclusive -

5. Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech with Boat Ride

6. Day Trip To Casablanca from Marrakech

7. Dinner Show in Agafay Desert with Quad Bike & Camels

8. Essaouira Full Day Tour from Marrakech With Hotel Pickup

9. Private Marrakech Day Trip from Casablanca with Free Camel Ride

10. Ouarzazate One Day Trip from Marrakech

11. Marrakech: Atlas Mountains, Berber Villages, Agafay & Camel Ride

12. Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Magical Sunset Dinner with a Show

13. Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech

14. Magical dinner show and camel ride with sunset in Agafay desert

15. Private Marrakech excursion, camel ride or quad from Casablanca

16. Marrakech Day Trip to Agafay Desert, Atlas Mountains & Camel Ride

17. Ouzoud Falls Day Trip from Marrakech

18. Marrakech Day Trip From Agadir

19. Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride and Dinner from Marrakech

20. Ourika Valley Day Trip From Marrakech

21. Essaouira day trip from Marrakech

22. Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys Day Tour from Marrakech - All inclusive -

23. Atlas Mountains, 3 Valleys & Agafay Desert from Marrakech-DayTour

24. Private Full Day Trip from Marrakech To Essaouira Mogador

25. Agafay Desert - Quad Camel and Dinner show

26. Hot air balloon flight in the desert with camel ride

27. Marrakech Day Trip including Lunch, Camel Ride from Casablanca

28. Full Day Trip To Ouarzazate & Ait ben haddou From Marrakech.

29. Private Full-Day Tour to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

30. Hot Air Balloon Classic Flight in Marrakech

What travellers are saying.

• Derick C 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day Tour to Atlas Mountains The tour was very well paced with good intervals between stops. The views were great and far better than I had expected. Our driver Hassan negotiated the winding Atlas Mountain passes and bends expertly and we felt safe with his driving. Our guide Lahcen was friendly and guided the group very well. Overall, a great day and well priced. Read more Review of: Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys & Waterfalls - Camel ride Marrakech Written 9 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Activities in Marrakech

Latest reviews

Es el segundo año que voy, esta vez en pareja. Me encanta el lugar, este año hicieron algunos cambios y han sido a mejor. Un lugar para desconectar. Muy tranquilo pero con todas las comodidades. Nuestro guía Rabie, estuvo muy pendiente de nosotros, super amable y atento a cualquier necesidad. Todo el servicio en general es amable.

• 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour 8.00 06/04/2024 Yadira Indianapolis , The United States I travelled with my partner

Take your guide everywhere with you

Agafay Desert Overnight Stay

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech in favour of the tranquil Agafay Desert -  enjoy a traditional dinner and show and then sleep under the stars ! 

3 Day Sahara Desert Tour

Palm Grove Quad Biking and Camel Riding Tour

Bath and Massage in a Traditional Hammam Spa

Transfers in Marrakech

Private Tour of Marrakech

Marrakech Palm Grove Quad Bike Tour

Private 8 Day Tour of Morocco

Essaouira Day Trip

2 Day Zagora Desert Trip

Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

Agafay Desert Quad Biking

Desert Camel Ride with Dinner

Dinner and Fantasy Show in Chez Ali

Marrakech Food Tour

Anima Garden Ticket

Marrakech Palm Grove Camel Ride

Desert Buggy Tour

4 Day Merzouga Desert Trip

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Marrakech

Day trips from marrakech.

• Marrakech to Ourika
• Marrakech to Essaouira
• Marrakech to Ouzoud
• Marrakech to Imlil
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

31. Marrakech: Atlas Mountains 4 Valleys & Waterfall short Camel ride

32. Ait ben haddou and Ouarzazate day trip

33. Sunset Dinner Show and Camel Ride or Quad biking in Agafay Desert

34. 1 Day Guided Tour in Marrakech from Agadir

35. Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys & Waterfalls - Villages Marrakech Day Trip

36. Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys & Waterfalls Day Trip Marrakech

37. Sunset & Dinner in Desert Agafay Marrakech with Camels

38. Hot Air Balloon Rides in Marrakesh: Sunrise, Desert, Atlas ...

39. Full Package Agafay Desert, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Dinner show

40. Private day trip from Marrakech to Ourika valley

41. Private Full Day Sightseeing Marrakech Tour by Car

42. Marrakech Day Excursion from Agadir or Taghazout

43. From Marrakech Full-Day Tour to Agadir

44. Explore the Best of Ourika Valley: Waterfall and Camel Ride.

45. From Marrakech: Full-Day Tour to Ouzoud Waterfalls with Boat Trip

46. Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike and Boat Trip

47. Marrakech: Hot air balloon flight with 2 hours of quad biking

48. Marrakech High Atlas mountains 3 Valleys waterfalls & Camel Ride

49. Marrakech: Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Day Trip with Boat Ride

50. Casablanca luxury day tour

51. Marrakech: 1 Day Tour-Best of the Atlas Mountains &Three Valleys

52. Private Atlas Mountains and 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech - All inclusive -

53. From Marrakech : Full Day Trip To Essaouira

54. Private Day Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira City

55. Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountain and Waterfalls Tour from Marrakech

56. AGAFAY DESERT: Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner Show

57. Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech & Waterfalls

58. Ait ben Haddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech : Private guided tour

59. Agafay desert Family Package: Quad Bike & Camel Ride, Dinner Show

60. Day Trip To Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys & Berber Villages from Marrakech

What travellers are saying.

Marrakech Day Trips

The 5 Best Morocco Day Trips from Marrakech

The Marrakech Day Trips are great opportunities to visit the best attractions surrounding Marrakech and get away from the packed streets and the city noise to the coastal city of Essaouira, the gorgeous Ouzoud waterfalls, Ourika Valley, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, or to Imlil village.

Here are the best & Most Do Marrakech Day Trips

(85 Reviews)

Ait Ben Haddou

(112 Reviews)

Ouzoud Waterfalls

(96 Reviews)

Ourika Valley

(53 Reviews)

Imlil Valley

(23 Reviews)

What do the Day Trips from Marrakech include?

Unlike the Marrakech desert tours , these day trips from Marrakech have the same includes and excludes as well as the prices that depend on the number of travelers in your group.

Related Morocco Tours you may be interested in

• Morocco Desert Tours from Marrakech
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• Best Desert in Morocco
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10 Marrakech Excursions Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

Whether you’re looking for day trips or longer Marrakech excursions, here are some ideas to keep on your radar when planning your trip!

When I was planning our Morocco itinerary , I just knew I didn’t want to spend long in Marrakech . One of the full days we had, I actually started looking up day trips option because I didn’t particularly want to go shopping or spend time dealing with another hectic medina. As I was researching, I realized our itinerary actually included a lot of popular Marrakech excursions, though we were bouncing around the country rather than basing ourselves from one city.

Hence this guide was born. I know a lot of you guys would much rather stay in one city for longer than follow the hectic itinerary we did. If you’re planning on using Marrakech as a base and want some time away, here are my picks for the best day trips and longer excursions!

6 Day Trips from Marrakech

First up some easy day trips from Marrakech! Obviously, you could extend these to weekend trips or even longer, but they’re still very easy to book a tour for the day and come back to your Marrakech accommodation at night. I ordered them from closest to Marrakech to furthest away.

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

• 1 hour away
• How to See: Book a tour

This is, of course, one of the Marrakech excursions I haven’t done, but it looks quite fun! I enjoyed my hot air balloon ride in Kissimmee , so I can’t imagine what it would be like over the Moroccan landscapes. The whole experience is about 6 hours in total, including pick up and drop off. The most basic package, like this tour , includes a light breakfast, about an hour in the hot air balloon, a bigger breakfast, and a small camel ride.

If you want something more luxurious, book this private ride . You’ll have breakfast on your hot air balloon, which sounds quite romantic. You could also do this private ride , where you’ll do a lighter breakfast of pastries and juice and then go to a local Berber home for mint tea and fresh bread.

2. Ourika Valley

I didn’t hear about Ourika Valley until after my trip, so it’s definitely somewhere I’d like to visit should I go back to Marrakech. Apparently it’s really gorgeous in the late winter, early spring when all these flowers come into bloom!

They valley, of course, sits all along Ourika River within the High Atlas Range. You can easily see many of the waterfalls in the valley and take in some gorgeous views. Most tours will also take you to a Berber home so you can learn more about this traditional way of life.

Here are some tour options you may like:

• Ourika Valley Day Trip
• Private Ourika Valley Trip
• Ourika Valley Hike
• Day Trip to Ourika Valley & Camel Ride

Other Atlas Mountain Excursions

The Atlas Mountains are huge , so there are a lot of ways to see different areas. They’re 1,600mi/2,500km long and go through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia if you want an idea of just how massive they are.

I do recommend doing a tour unless you’re with local friends who know their way around. This is mostly for safety and ease of travel.

There are a lot of really nice tours that go into the Atlas Mountains, and you should be quite safe, especially if you’re just there on a day trip. Marrakech Food Tours, who we did our evening food tour with, sometimes has options.

Other tours you could do include these:

• Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride
• Atlas Mountains & 4 Valleys Day Trip
• Aït Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains Day Trip

3. Scarabeo Camp & Agafay Desert

• An hour away
• How to See: Book a stay

Given how much of a hassle it is to get out to the normal desert camps near Merzouga or in Zagora, the Scarabeo Camp is a nice compromise. My friend had done this when she was in Marrakech, though she only went for the day instead of staying overnight.

It’s kind of funny because I asked Autumn if she’d want to do this, she wasn’t into the glamping/Instagramness of it all. But then we finally did our Sahara desert camping, it was still glamping and felt a little touristy. Ad in the 2 days of misery in Merzouga, dealing with rabies shots , and longgggg bus rides from Fes and to Ouarzazate, we were like, “We should’ve just gone here.” LOL

Anyway, the camp has a lot of fun activities you can add on. Choose from quad/dune buggy tours, massages, camel or donkey rides, horse riding, mountain excursions, stargazing, and even yoga. And while Agafay Desert doesn’t have the rolling orange sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, the landscapes are still quite gorgeous.

4. Essaouira

• 2 Hours Away
• How to See: Supratours Bus or Book this Tour

Really if you want to properly enjoy Essaouira, I recommend spending a weekend or so. However, if you’re on a tight schedule and you really just want to see one of the cities where they filmed “Game of Thrones,” then a day trip is quite feasible!

Essaouira is a nice, breezy port city on the Atlantic coast. Even though it’s 2-hours away, it feels like an entirely different world than Marrakech. Think a spacious medina, minimal harassment, and over all a more relaxed vibe. I wrote all about the best things to do in Essaouira for a relaxing trip, so check that out if you want to know more of what to see, do, and, most importantly, eat!

Getting to Essaouira is also incredibly smooth and easy to do on your own. Just take a Supratours bus. The station is within walking distance of the medina and port. We actually found the two hour ride to be one of the smoothest of our whole trip!

However, if you do want to book a tour, try these:

• Day Trip to Essaouira
• Essaouira & Atlantic Coast Excursion
• Day Tour to Essaouira
• Private Essaouira Day Trip

5. Ouzoud Waterfalls

• 2-3 Hours Away
• How to See: Book this Tour

This is the day trip I picked for myself! Autumn had to finish up some work for grad school, so I joined a tour to these beautiful falls on my own. Luckily I met some lovely people on the trip! The falls are absolutely gorgeous. They’re 33 ft (110m) high with 3 different drops and sit in the Moyen Atlas portion of the Atlas Mountain range.

I wrote more about my Ouzoud Falls day trip here if you want to go. Basically prepare for a bit of an outdoorsy day with some hiking, swimming, and checking out some cheeky monkeys! 

You can book my specific day tour here , but you could also book a private day trip if you’d prefer not to be in a group.

6. Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate 

• 3 1/2 to 4 hours away
• How to See: Take a bus to Ouarzazate or Book this tour

We did not expect to love Ouarzazate as much as we did, but looking back it was easily one of our favorite cities in Morocco . The city is known as something of a mini Hollywood because so many big productions have filmed scenes here. I’m not talking crappy, no name movies either, but actually ones you’ve probably seen. Think Gladiator , “Game of Thrones,” and the Mummy to name a few!

Aït Benhaddou is about 30 minutes outside of Ouarzazate. It’s an ancient village that goes back to the 1600s and is made of earthen clay buildings. This all makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive.

Keep in mind that the only way this makes sense as a day trip is if you rent a car from Marrakech and drive or book a tour. By bus, it’s more like 6+ hours to get to Ouarzazate, and even then you’d need to figure out how to either find a grand taxi to take you to Aït Benhaddou or rent a car there.

If you do want to spend longer than a day (which I recommend anyway), then check out my post on all the cool things to do in Ouarzazate which includes tips on how to rent your car, where to stay, and more! However, if you still want to try to make this only a day trip from Marrakech, look into booking this tour or you could also book a private tour .

4 Longer Marrakech Excursions

1. Chefchaouen

• 7 Hours Away
• Recommended: 2 days minimum

Chefchaouen is easily one of most famous little cities in the country given its very picturesque blue buildings. It was originally founded back in 1471 and after the Spanish Inquisition, many Morisos and Sefardíes fled here. This is why you’ll have better luck speaking Spanish over French!

Frankly speaking, the blue city of Chefchaouen doesn’t make the most sense as a Marrakech excursions since it’s a solid 7 1/2 hours away by car. Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier are all closer. If you take a bus, I’m honestly not sure there’s a direct line from Marrakech to Chefchaouen; you may have to get off in one of the aforementioned cities and switch anyway.

We actually went from Tangier and then bused to Fes. However, some of my California friends think 7 1/2 hours in a car is fine for a weekend trip, so I guess it’s all about perspective.

If you insist on going from Marrakech, I highly recommend going up for at least a weekend to make that drive worth it. Check out my guide on Chefchaouen for tips on where to stay, where to go, and where to eat!

2. Toubkal National Park

• 3 hours away

While you can visit one part of Toubkal in a day, I feel like you’d really be missing out on enjoy the park and the mountains.

The whole park actually includes multiple mountains including Toubkal, Ouanoukrim, Tazarhart, L’Aksoual, Ineghmar, Bou Iguenouane, Le Tichki, and Azrou Tamadout. The tallest at 13,671ft/4,167m of all of these is, of course, Jebel Toubkal, which is the second tallest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro.

Most excursions to Toubkal take place over at least two days, and that’s if you’re doing an express trek . Most last 3 to 4. I do recommend doing this with a tour group rather than on your own or with friends given the recent safety issues. You can try this 3 day trek or this 4 day trek .

3. Zagora/Erg Chigaga

• 6+ hours away

Erg Chigaga is in the Northern Sahara Steppe and Woodlands ecoregion of the Sahara Desert. Most tours are a minimum of two days. They begin with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains with a stop at Ouarzazate and through Draa Valley. THe first day ends in Zagora, where you’ll then switch for an hour camel ride to your camp in Erg Chigaga.

The second day you’ll have a sunrise an breakfast before taking your camel back to Zagora and then drive back to Marrakech with a stop at Ait Ben Haddou.

Try this 2 day trek or this 3 day trek if you want something a little longer.

4. Merzouga/Erg Chebbi

• 9+ hours away
• Minimum: 3 Days

This is where we did our Sahara Desert camping experience. Funny enough, it’s not technically in the Sahara but in the Pre-Saharan Steppes. The sand dunes can go up to nearly 500 feet/150 meters, and you can choose from glamping or more budget friendly camp.

We did ours a bit differently in that we came from Fes, stayed in Merzouga, and then went to Ouarzazate. It’s not bad path, but the more common one is to do a multi day excursion from Marrakech, like this one.

And there you have it! Ten fun Marrakech excursions, ranging from half a day to a few days, to add to your itinerary. Let me know if you have even more to add!

general morocco tips

For more tips check out my guide on how to get around Morocco as well as all the foods and drinks to try ! If you’re trying figure out what to wear, check out my Morocco packing list for more tips and outfit examples! In addition to the places I listed above, we also spent time in Tangier and Fes .

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Take a Morocco Day trip for an enchanting experience.

From the scenic to the adventurous: Explore the culture, history, and cuisine of Morocco.

Take a Morocco day trip and have the experience of a lifetime. Choose from a selection of our popular Morocco day trips leaving from Marrakech, or customise your own tour. Our regular Moroccan day trips include:

• Cooking Classes and Hammam in Marrakesh

Marrakesh City Tour

Ait ben haddou from marrakesh.

• Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakesh
• Ourika Valley and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Essaouira from Marrakesh

• Camel Treks

Please contact us if there are other places or sights you wish to visit, or for details of trips leaving from other cities – we’d be delighted to organise a personalised trip for you.

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Marrakesh cooking class & hammam.

Experience cooking authentic Moroccan cuisine at a Marrakesh Cooking Class, followed by an exotic cleansing experience, a Hammam.

Marrakesh Cooking Class

You’ll love the experience of a Marrakesh Cooking Class. Marrakesh is the best place in Morocco for cookery classes. You will learn about Morocco in the kitchen.

Experience a Moroccan Cleansing Experience

The Hammam is a steam room where locals go to bathe. They will spend two to three hours enjoying the cleansing experience and catching up on the local gossip. You will feel deeply relaxed and refreshed after the Hammam.

Book your Cooking Class and Hammam experience today. It will be an unforgettable day.

Let us take you on a stunning Marrakesh City Tour.

After breakfast in your hotel or riad, your knowledgeable local guide will take you to see the historic sites of Marrakesh, including the Koutoubia Mosque, Jemma el Fna square, the souks of the Medina, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the famous Ben Youssef Medersa. This will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant around the square or at a place of your choice.

In the afternoon your private driver/guide will take you to visit the stunning Majorelle and Menara gardens which will include a short drive through the new city of Marrakesh “Gueliz”. Your Marrakesh City Tour ends when we drop you off at your accommodation in the evening.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Let us take you to the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou: Leaving your accommodation we journey south on the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass Road, passing through arid, mineral-rich environments and fertile valleys.  We cross the Atlas Mountains by the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, which at an altitude of 2260m (7417ft)  is the highest road pass in Morocco.

Continuing south we arrive at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, probably the most celebrated, filmed, and photographed Kasbah in Morocco.  Featured in numerous films (including Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky and Gladiator), it is the best-preserved Kasbah in Morocco and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Leaving the Kasbah, we travel to Ouarzazate, the capital of the south and originally a base of the French Foreign Legion. Here we will visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, the shooting location for many well-known films including The Mummy, Star Wars and Body of Lies.

After lunch we travel back towards Marrakesh and your accommodation, with opportunities to stop en route to photograph the Berber villages and spectacular scenery. A fabulous day out!

Ouzoud Waterfalls - Marrakesh

Let us take you for a perfect day’s adventure at the truly magical Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Leaving your accommodation after breakfast, we travel towards the Middle Atlas region, passing fields of olive trees and small farms and arrive at one of the most spectacular sites in Morocco – the Cascades d’Ouzoud. This waterfall is particularly impressive in spring when the waters crash into the El Abid River canyon 100 metres (328ft) below.

Rainbows in the Mist … An Unforgettable Sight

From viewing platforms above the waterfall, you can observe the succession of cascades and admire the permanent rainbow created by the mist thrown up by the water. You may also see the local monkeys in the fig trees and carobs.

Downstream, bathing is permitted in the natural pools. This area is very popular with locals wanting to escape the fast pace of the city for tranquility and beautiful scenery.

After lunch at a local restaurant we leave the waterfalls and return to Marrakesh to enjoy the night atmosphere of the Medina.  You will then be driven back to your accommodation.

Ourika Valley and the Foothills of the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh

Why not spend a day  visiting the glorious Atlas Mountains?

Leaving your accommodation in Marrakesh, our route takes us south through Marrakesh’s nursery flower gardens and into the foothills of the Atlas. In spring the area is carpeted with wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees and in summer, it is cool and shady.

See Berber Villages

The road follows the river, passing through Berber villages built into the hillside of the valleys.  We arrive in the area where seven waterfalls flow down the rocky scree.

With your guide, you can spend several hours hiking around the area or perhaps enjoy a swim in the deep icy rock pool and watch the wild monkeys who inhabit this area.

After lunch at a local restaurant you have free time to wander around this beautiful area before the drive back to Marrakesh and your accommodation.

You will be collected from your accommodation in the morning for the drive to Essaouira, formally Mogador. En route you will see many Argan trees, important to the region both economically and ecologically. You may also see local goats perched in the trees feeding on the fruit and leaves.

Enjoy Local Products, Arts, Crafts & Food

At the Women’s Co-operative of Argan Oil there will be an opportunity to learn about the wide-ranging applications of the oil from cosmetics to medicines.

On arrival in Essaouira, you will be able to visit the ramparts called the Skala, one of Essaouira’s main attractions. You will also see the Mellah, the former Jewish quarter, and the Medina.  The pedestrianised Medina is a Unesco World Heritage site with beautiful arts and crafts to be found, including objects carved out of local Thuya wood.

You will be able to sample fresh local fish for lunch and enjoy the Atlantic- facing sandy beach.

After your visit to Essaouira, we head back through the countryside to Marrakesh where you will arrive back at your accommodation.

Have a question, or ready to book your trip? We’d love to hear from you – send us a message using the form, or contact us directly by phone or email.

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Shared 3 days desert tour to merzouga, private 2 days desert tour to zagora from marrakech, private 3 days desert tour to merzouga, private 3 days desert tour from fes to marrakech, private 3 days desert tour from marrakech to fes, shared day trip from marrakech to essaouira, shared day trip to ouzoud falls, shared day trip to ourika valley & atlas mountains, essaouira private full-day tour from marrakech, private day trip to imlil atlas mountains & lake lalla takerkoust.

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Private day trip to ourika valley waterfalls, private day trip to ouarzazate & ait ben haddou, unforgettable adventures: agafay desert quad & camel tour with dinner show.

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7 Unforgettable Day Trips from Marrakech: Explore Magic and Mystery

• Marrakech Adventures: Your Complete Guide to Excursions and Desert Tours from Marrakech

Discover the Best Day Trips from Marrakech

Marrakech, a city that thrums with life, stands as a gateway to some of Morocco’s most mesmerizing sights and experiences. Beyond its bustling medinas and fragrant gardens lies a world of adventure waiting to be discovered. Day trips from Marrakech offer a palette of experiences that blend natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural richness. From the serene heights of the Atlas Mountains to the tranquil beaches of Essaouira and the boundless allure of the Sahara, each journey promises a unique escape into the heart of Morocco.

Day Trips from Marrakech

Atlas mountains adventure.

Just a short drive from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains beckon with their rugged peaks and verdant valleys. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature and the rich culture of the Berber people. Guided hikes and village visits provide a deeper understanding of local life, offering a glimpse into the traditions and customs that have shaped this region for centuries.

The Coastal Charm of Essaouira

Essaouira, with its historic ramparts and vibrant fishing harbor, presents a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. This coastal gem is renowned for its wind surfing and historical tours, where the Atlantic’s breeze and the echoes of a rich past blend seamlessly.

The Mystical Sahara Desert

No trip to Morocco is complete without experiencing the magic of the Sahara. Whether it’s a camel trek at sunset or an overnight desert camp under the stars, the desert’s vastness and serene beauty offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Cascades of Ouzoud

Ouzoud stands as one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, these majestic waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs into crystal-clear pools below. Visitors can explore the area through nature walks and local wildlife spotting, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The Heritage of Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an ancient ksar that has stood the test of time. This fortified village, with its earthen buildings and iconic architecture, tells tales of Morocco’s past. Film sites and architectural wonders abound in this location, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and movie buffs, as it has been the backdrop for numerous famous films.

The Majestic Ourika Valley

Nestled within the Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley offers a refreshing retreat from the heat of Marrakech. It’s a place where traditional Berber culture is alive and thriving. The valley is known for its botanical gardens and mountain trails, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.

What is the best time of year to take day trips from Marrakech?

The best time for day trips from Marrakech is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Avoid the extreme heat of summer and the cooler temperatures of winter for a more comfortable experience.

Can day trips from Marrakech accommodate travelers with children?

Yes, many day trips from Marrakech can accommodate travelers with children.

What should I pack for a day trip from Marrakech?

For a day trip from Marrakech, pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, and a camera for capturing the beautiful scenery. Consider bringing a light jacket or scarf for cooler evenings.

Planning Your Day Trip from Marrakech

Planning your day trip from Marrakech involves considering a few key aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. First, assess the season and weather conditions, as they can significantly affect your travel plans. Next, consider the interests and ages of your travel group to choose a destination that offers something for everyone. Additionally, arranging transportation in advance can save time and avoid stress. Local guides can enrich your journey with insider knowledge and cultural insights, making your trip even more memorable.

Conclusion: Why Marrakech is the Perfect Starting Point

Marrakech serves as an ideal base for exploring the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Morocco. With its strategic location, travelers can easily access the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, coastal towns, and historical sites within a day’s journey. The variety of day trips from Marrakech ensures that every traveler can find an adventure that resonates with their interests and desires. Embarking on these journeys allows one to experience the magic and mystery that Morocco has to offer, making for an unforgettable exploration beyond the city’s borders.

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5+ of the Best Day Trips from Marrakech, Morocco: Amazing Outdoor Wonders

• March 21, 2024
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Morocco is a gorgeous country with so many amazing sites to see. When visiting Morocco, spending time in Marrakech is a must, especially because there are many of the best day trips from Marrakech. If you have the time, spending a night or two in these destinations will allow you to see more of the areas since it is a long journey to get to most of them. 

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Best Day Trips from Marrakech: Under 2 Hours

Atlas mountains .

By Anna of No Space in my Passport

Visiting the Atlas Mountains is the perfect day trip from Marrakech. Firstly, because the Atlas Mountains are located 40-50 miles (64-80 kilometers) away from the city, which takes about 1.5-2 hours driving, depending on your destination. The best way to get to the Atlas Mountains is either to get a guide who will drive you there, or do a self guided tour by hiring a car. Taking a taxi is also an option.

The most popular itinerary includes a trip to Imlil. This is a great place to start a guided tour, or do your own hike up to the High Atlas. The guided tours usually will include a local lunch at the Berber house, which may be the best food you have on your trip. You will also stop at a local shop and watch how women make Moroccan oil. There is an opportunity to purchase it here too.

It is definitely worth taking a day trip here. The scenery here is so unique and different, including snow covered peaks, beautiful valleys, and traditional villages. The Atlas Mountains are also the perfect spot if you want to step outside the hectic city of Marrakech and experience peace in nature.

If you are planning a trip to the Atlas Mountains, make sure to wear the correct attire. Usually there will be some hiking involved, so trainers and sports shoes are recommended. Also make sure to check the weather beforehand – Marrakech can get very hot but also you don’t want to be hiking in the rain.

To sum up, the Atlas Mountains are the perfect place to take a day trip from Marrakech. From breathtaking nature to cultural immersion, you will find something here for you.

Ourika Valley

By Christa of ​​ The Spirited Explorer.

The charming Ourika Valley is only an hour’s drive outside of the city, making it one of the easiest and best day trips from Marrakech. You willl get to drive alongside the lush valleys and High Atlas Mountains as you make your way toward Ourika Valley and the waterfalls of Setti Fadma. The falls aren’t as grand as Ouzoud Falls, but the area is still lovely to explore with its hiking terrain, cold water streams and river, Berber villages, and unique way of life.

If you book a tour (which is the best way to see the most places), you’ll usually visit several different villages and then be able to enjoy a rather leisurely hike offering fantastic views of the High Atlas Mountains, waterfalls, and Berber villages. Enjoy lunch in Setti Fadma, which has numerous restaurants with colorful sun umbrellas right on the edge of the river.Make sure you bring proper shoes and clothes for light hiking and being out in nature. And since you’re at a higher elevation for most of the trek, it shouldn’t feel too hot.

The Agafay Desert

By Deb Hendricks of Introvert With Itchy Feet

The Agafay Desert is a hot topic for those looking for an extraordinary escape and one of the best day trips from Marrakech. 

Agafay is far from your typical desert vista of endless sand dunes. Agafay sits in an unusual landscape of stones and serenity that you’re bound to fall in love with. Perfect for a day trip, it’s just 30 kilometers, or 40 minutes, southwest of Marrakech, at the base of the High Atlas Mountain. You’ll travel along asphalt for a smooth ride.

The road from exotic Marrakech to the Agafay Desert takes you through palm groves, golf courses, and countryside. Nearer to Agafay, traditional Berber villages dot the landscape. The hills are painted in shades of white and ochre, alongside lush green and blue oases. The snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains are a stunning backdrop in winter.

For those looking for adventure or a deep dive into nature, Agafay delivers. From camel treks that let you roam the hills like a nomad, to quad and buggy rides, the desert is your playground. For a change of pace, soar in a hot air balloon, paraglide through the sky, or unwind with yoga and meditation in the open, tranquil expanse.

Ideal times for a visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). The weather is just perfect. Getting there is easy. Rent a car for ultimate freedom, hire a taxi for convenience (agree to a fare before leaving), or book a tour.

Many tour operators in Marrakech offer guided trips to Agafay . They generally include transportation by minibus or 4x4s, along with activities. The Agafay Desert is a magical destination if you’re looking to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. The variety of activities landscapes in Agafay will have you hooked!

Best Day Trips from Marrakech: Over 2 Hours

By Kelly of Travel Morocco Today

One of the best day trips from Marrakech is Essaouira. It is a charming coastal city that is located 109 miles away from Marrakech. It will take you around 2.5 hours to get there by private car/group taxi or around 3 hours to get there via a Supratours bus. 

While you can book a group tour to Essaouira , the Medina is small and you can easily explore its beautiful blue and white streets on your own. Instead, opt to take a Supratours bus. They depart multiple times a day and the Supratours station is located right near the train station in Marrakech. Just keep an eye out for the cute goats that hang out in the Argan trees during your trip to Essaouira. 

Upon arrival, you’ll get dropped off right near the Medina at the Supratours station and can walk 10 minutes to local attractions like the port, the old Scala, and the main beach. 

All in all, an Essaouira day trip from Marrakech is worth it since it provides you a much-needed break from the heat. It’s an extremely windy city where you can relax by the beach or try surfing /kitesurfing. 

The city itself is also small, quiet, and a lot less chaotic than Marrakech. Plus, you can get cool souvenirs of better quality and at a better price than in Marrakech. You can also visit a Hamman since I found the service to be great and much more affordable than in Marrakech.

Ait Ben Haddou

By Sara of Big Adventures With Little Feet

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou is one of the best day trips from Marrakech. As this is where famous scenes from the movie have been filmed.  You’ll also recognise the ksar from scenes in Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy.

A ksar, is a pre-Saharan town.  It is typically made up of small houses crowded together within defensive walls. All of the building work is made using earthen construction techniques. There are angled towers protecting the town as well as gates and also some dwellings that resemble small castles.  Inside you’ll find a mosque, a public square,a caravanserai and two cemeteries, all of which date back to the 17th century.

What makes this particular ksar so exciting to visit is that it has been so beautifully restored.  Once inside you’ll be able to imagine the energy it had during its heyday when it was a key stop on the trade route between Marrakech and Sudan.

The Ksar is free to visit, however, if you want to enter a private house (kasbah) then you should expected to pay a small fee of around 20 dirhams.  If you’re not on a tour then it’d also possible can hire a local guide to take you around.  However,if you just walk around like we did you’ll find souvenir shops and art galleries inside the houses, plus quite a few references to Gladiator.  

If you head to the top of the ksar then you’ll get to the grain store (agadir) and from there you’ll have incredible views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains.  There are still ongoing restoration works in the ksar, particularly at the agadir, which are to be expected from earth buildings.

Ait Ben Haddou is 182 kilometers from Marrakesh which is about a 3 hour drive.  There are lots of tours that head there and onto other sites such as Ouazazate. We chose to drive ourselves as we had our young boys with us, but it also gave us flexibility to arrive in our own time.  We’d recommend visiting first thing in the morning as it’s a lot less busy. 

Ouzoud Falls

By Pauline from Beeloved City

Located about 2h30 drive (160km), Ouzoud Falls is one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech and an excellent place to visit if you want to discover a natural environment that is not the desert. They are the highest waterfalls in North Africa and consist of 7 impressive falls.

The best way to get there from Marrakech is with a day tour.  You’ll leave quite early in the morning from the medina and go to the falls with a minibus. Once you’re there, the guide will take you to the falls and explain everything you need to know about them. You will also stop in a local village where you can see how the argan oil is made.

While seeing the falls from above is beautiful, the best part of the trip is the boat tour in the El-Abid River’s gorge. To get there, you need to walk all the way down to the gorge (it’s not a difficult hike but it can be slippery so make sure to wear walking shoes). The boat tour is fairly short but it’s very scenic and you can get beautiful photos of the waterfalls.

After that, you can make your way back up. There are also several restaurants where you can get lunch while enjoying the views.Please note that you can’t swim there so there is no need for a swimming costume but you may get a bit wet during the boat tour. It tends to be very hot though so it shouldn’t be an issue even if you are visiting in December  or January. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.

Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Marrakech

Marrakech is an amazing city in which to spend several days. If you have the time, you will want to spend at least one week in Morocco to get a sample of what the country has to offer. Fes is a fantastic cultural city in Morocco. One way to get from Marrakech to Fes is to take a Desert Tour . If you are looking for another place to add to a Morocco trip, Spain has many amazing sites to see or some time in Egypt will make for a memorable trip.

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Day trips in Morocco from Marrakech

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Marrakech to Desert : Offers, Day trips in Morocco from Marrakech, Day trip to The Ourika Valley , Atlas Mountains Day Trip, The Agafay Desert, Lake Lalla Takerkoust, Ourigane and the Ijoukak Valley, excursions, activities, and day trips. Daily departures, private or group tours to Marrakech, with knowledgeable tour guides.

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11 Of The Absolute Best Day Trips You Can Take From Marrakesh

A guide to 11 of the best day trips you can and should take from Marrakesh.

Marrakesh is a bustling, historical city with numerous popular attractions, including the ancient Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Morocco. It is surrounded by desert, and the nearby Atlas Mountains are a great place to explore various adventure activities like hiking, climbing, and caving. The following are the best day trips you can take from Marrakesh. These places are within a 90-minute drive from the city center. While they may be short trips, they are all jam-packed with exciting things to see and do, so individuals looking for a fun, relaxing day out with friends or family should try one of these spots out!

11 Essaouira

The city of Essaouira is located 191 km to the west of Marrakesh, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The charming place is full of small streets and colorful houses with red, blue, and beige shades. There are several galleries and shops for shopping and lots of exciting sights like the ramparts, the surrounding fortresses, the beaches, and some historical mosques that you can visit too. There's also a small maritime museum in a town called Maison de la Photographie de Essaouira which offers lots of interesting exhibitions about Moroccan culture for all visitors.

10 Ouzoud Falls

The Ouzoud Falls are located 160 km north of Marrakesh and are the closest you can get to hiking in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh. Several scenic hiking trails at the base of the falls allow travelers to enjoy them from different perspectives and be surrounded by them in an extraordinary way. This is also a perfect place for tourists who want to catch up on their bird watching because there are a number of diverse species here too!

Related: These Under The Radar Spots Prove There’s More To Morocco Than Marrakech

Located only 235 km north of Marrakech, Skoura is a small village surrounded by orchards, date palms, and orange groves. The residents live off the old trading routes connecting to other cities like Essaouira and Tangier . There are also some lovely historical monuments here, like the ruins of a Roman temple and the Berber museum in the town, which contains lots of historical information about this area's local inhabitants.

8 Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is a small town that is located 181.7 km to the southwest of Marrakesh. The place is home to several buildings from the early 19th century and many beautiful sandstone homes connecting to local markets and restaurants. The town has several ruins from a castle in the 19th century that was built by a local nobleman called Saïd Ali Mhanna. There are also many interesting buildings like an old mosque and an old museum that displays archaeological exhibits about humans' paths in our evolutionary history. This area has been used to film several movies and television series , like Game of Thrones , Captain America, The Mummy, and many more!

This coastal city is located 258.5 km from Marrakesh, and many people consider it one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. It's a great place to visit for a beach holiday since it has many sandy beaches on its coastline that are perfect for swimming. There are also several historical fortresses here, which were used to defend against pirates and invaders. Travelers can also find some nice golf courses that appeal to both novices and pros.

Related: Why Morocco Is The Best Country From Which To Explore The Sahara

6 Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is located 5.2 km from Marrakesh along the A7 highway. The place is a short drive away from the busy environment in Marrakesh, so it's ideal for travelers looking for a quick getaway from the city. There are numerous lovely villages here surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and several walking trails ideal for bird watching and hiking. Another fun activity here is rock climbing which is ideal for both beginners and experienced climbers.

5 Volubilis

Volubilis is a small Roman town located 354km northeast of Marrakesh. It was initially founded as an agricultural colony during the 1st century AD by the Romans. It became a flourishing city later on in its history, where it was known for its wine-making industry. Local Berber tribes inhabited the site after the demise of the Roman Empire , but they eventually abandoned it when they felt that its location didn't protect them against stronger invaders like the Arabs.

4 Tafraoute

Tafraoute is located 386.8 km to the south of Marrakesh along the N9 highway. It's quite an exciting place since it is an impressive oasis town surrounded by orchards, palm trees, and citrus groves. The locals live off the agriculture practiced here for a long time. The city has some beautiful historical monuments, like a Roman aqueduct, an old mosque, a Roman temple, and ruins from the local castle. There's also a stonemason's museum that offers visitors lots of information about this town's history.

The Imlil is located northwest of Marrakesh and offers some of the best trekking routes in Morocco. It is a perfect place for anyone who wants to hike through stunning valleys and forests full of local wildlife like pigeons, parrots, storks, and monkeys. Tourists also find many walking trails that are great for bird-watching! The area has several gorges where individuals can explore on horseback, camel rides , or donkey back trips.

2 Oukaïmeden

The Oukaïmeden is a spectacular and accessible mountain range that is located to the northeast of Marrakesh. It's one of the country's best trekking routes, and it's considered a sacred place for the locals. The range is home to some of the country's rarest animals, like eagles, golden eagles, mountain goats, black bears, wolves, and ibex! This area also has numerous hiking trails that take tourists through amazing landscapes dotted with waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.

1 Casablanca

Casablanca is one of the most modern and visited cities in Morocco. It has a population of over 5 million people and is considered a large metropolitan city with lots of cultural diversity. The city is an excellent place to visit for food, shopping, entertainment, and historical monuments. There's an impressive seaside promenade that is great for strolling along, and there are beach clubs here too, which are great for sunbathing or swimming.

Morocco has always been a fantastic location for travelers looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations. With Marrakesh being a popular holiday destination, it is also ideal for tourists looking to explore the country's many cultural and historical gems. It offers many activities and historical sites to visit while traveling through North Africa.

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Relax in style with our comfortable accommodations after a day of exploration in Marrakech.

Discover A Mesmerizing Nature Landscape & Stunning Culture in Morocco

Explore Morocco’s mesmerizing natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, immerse yourself in breathtaking beauty and vibrant traditions. Let us guide you through an unforgettable adventure.

Marrakech Day Trip made my dream journey to Morocco a reality! Impeccable service, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable experiences. Highly recommend!

Designation

A huge thank you to Marrakech Day Trip for an unforgettable adventure! From exploring the souks to camel rides in the desert, every moment was magical.

Marrakech Day Trip exceeded all expectations! Seamless organization, friendly staff, and an authentic Moroccan experience. Will definitely book again!

Five-star service from Marrakech Day Trip! Their attention to detail and personalized approach made our trip to Morocco truly special. Don't miss out!

Marrakech Day Trip is the way to go! Exceptional guides, diverse itineraries, and a genuine love for sharing the beauty of Morocco. Can't wait to return!

Find Out The Best Tours From Marrakech

3days 2nights merzouga desert tours, 2 days 1 night desert zagora tour, agafay 1 hour quad bike sunset with dinner and show, imlil day trip, ouarzazate and ait ben haddou day trip, essaouira day trip, ouzoud waterfalls day trip, ourika valley day trip, frequently asked quetsion for marrakech tours.

The ideal duration for a visit to Marrakech depends on your interests and schedule. Generally, 3-4 days is sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the city's culture. However, if you plan to take day trips or delve deeper into local experiences, consider spending 5-7 days.

The best way to experience Marrakech is by immersing yourself in its vibrant streets, bustling markets (souks), and historic landmarks. Walking tours are an excellent option for navigating the Medina's maze-like alleys and discovering hidden gems. Hiring a local guide can provide valuable insights into the city's history, culture, and traditions.

Unmissable attractions in Marrakech include:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: The main square and marketplace.
• Koutoubia Mosque: An iconic landmark with stunning architecture.
• Bahia Palace: A magnificent example of Moroccan architecture.
• Saadian Tombs: Historical mausoleums with exquisite decoration.
• Majorelle Garden: A peaceful oasis with vibrant botanicals.

Seven days in Marrakech allows for a more leisurely exploration, including day trips to nearby attractions such as the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or the Ourika Valley. It provides ample time to immerse yourself in the city's culture, cuisine, and diverse experiences.

Popular tours in Marrakech include:

• Atlas Mountains Day Trip
• Desert Tours (Sahara Desert)
• Ourika Valley Excursion
• Essaouira Day Trip
• Cooking Classes

Highly-rated tours often prioritize authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and personalized service. Look for tours with small group sizes, immersive activities, and positive reviews. Companies such as GetYourGuide, Viator, and Intrepid Travel offer a variety of tours with excellent reputations.

Explore  Marrakech’s wonders with our day trips. From historic sites to scenic vistas, embark on unforgettable adventures tailored to showcase Morocco’s beauty and culture.

Nos Address

• Marrakech M'hamid lhousna1 N560
• +212 649 59 52 99
• [email protected]

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Atlas Mountains Day Trip (Imlil Valley)

Mount Toubkal Ascent

5 Day Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert ...

Sahara Desert Trek

Marrakech day trips would like to welcome you to morocco.

Some of our most popular tours/excursions will take you trekking in the Atlas Mountains ; to see the beauty of the waterfalls in Ourika Valley or Ouzoud Waterfalls; to visit the Sahara Desert and places such as Ait Ben Haddou , Ouarzazate and Merzouga; and to cities including Essaouira, Casablanca and Agadir. If you are looking at getting away from the normal excursions and tours, we at Marrakech Day Trips can also help you with this.

With over 20 years experience of trekking in Morocco between us, I (Ahmed Amzil) and my brothers (Ibrahim and Hassan) along with our professional team of guides, drivers, multeers and caterers will work closely with you to design bespoke tours to meet all of your needs. Marrakech Day Trips pride ourselves on the excellent level of customer service that we offer, nothing is too much trouble to arrange.

Berber born and bred, we all have trekking in our blood and are proud to share our country and heritage with you. We are fluent in English, French and Arabic and can also provide German and Spanish speaking guides as well.

Our services include arrangements for accommodation, transportation and guided excursions and trekking throughout Morocco. Whether you are traveling solo or in a group and/or looking for a cultural or adventurous experience we are here to work with you customising the perfect itinerary for your holiday.

Three Valleys & Berber Villages Trek

4 Day Erg Chebbi & Ait Ben Haddou Sahara...

P.P. / P.D.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

Imlil to Setti Fadma Trek - 3 Days

Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate

7 Day Imperial City Tour of Morocco

10 / 14 day imperial city, coast, desert....

Atlas Mountains & Morocco Day Trips

• See all photos

• Day Tours/Hiking/ Trekking/ Day Trips
• Since 2017 of experience in tourism domain
• French • Spanish • English
• Professional tour guide

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Atlas Mountains & Morocco Day Trips - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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EPIC MOROCCO

From ancient cities to the sahara, embrace cultural riches and enchanting landscapes in north africa., about your trip.

Journey deep into the Sahara, explore the majestic kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, and stargaze with an expert astrologer on this 11-day Moroccan adventure. You’ll experience local culture and marvel at the architectural wonders of Casablanca and Fez. Away from the usual tourist trail, you’ll explore more remote places such as the blue city of Chefchaouen and the Todra Gorge, deep in the High Atlas mountains. Foodie highlights range from authentic Berber meals in the desert to contemporary dishes at a trendy rooftop venue in Marrakech. All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.

Trip Highlights

• Snap photos of brilliantly blue houses in Chefchaouen
• Dine Berber style under the stars in the Sahara
• Meander through the mazey alleyways of the Fez Medina
• Ride a camel through the desert at sunrise
• Hike through the otherworldly Dades Gorges

Your Itinerary

Arrive in casablanca.

Touch down in Casablanca, the coastal city where your Moroccan journey begins. You’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Medina. Gather in the lobby for a welcome meeting at 6pm with your Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. It’s then time to head into the city centre for dinner in an authentic riad (a traditional Moroccan house centered around an inner courtyard) – a perfect opportunity to break the ice and discuss the days ahead with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation

Gray boutique hotel casablanca, activities included.

• Welcome dinner
• Airport transfer

Stroll through the photogenic streets of Chefchaouen

After breakfast, head straight to the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa, which is dramatically situated on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Its 210m (690ft) high minaret, completed in 1993, is the second-tallest in the world. After exploring the complex, leave Casablanca behind and head north to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen, which lies beneath the craggy peaks of the Rif mountains. Take a walking tour through the atmospheric cobblestone alleyways and admire the beautifully preserved 15th-century buildings painted in shades of blue.

Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hôtes & Riad

• Hassan II Mosque visit
• Chefchaouen walking tour

Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and eat with a local family

This morning, your journey continues south to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, built around 300BCE on a fertile plain surrounded by wheat fields. Formerly the capital of the Berber kingdom of Mauretania, it gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1997 and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Morocco today, replete with marble columns, intricate mosaics and plinths bearing Latin inscriptions. After you’ve finished exploring, head to Fez, considered by many to be the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Here, you’ll join a local family for a home-cooked dinner in the old medina district and enjoy a unique storytelling experience.

Palais Houyam

• Volubilis guided tour
• Home-cooked meal and storytelling with a local family

Soak up the atmosphere of Fez Medina

Embrace the eclectic mix of colours, sounds and aromas as you wander through Fez Medina – the sprawling, walled centre of the city. Its labyrinthine streets are lined with souks selling everything from street food and spices to handwoven textiles and homewares, while architectural highlights include the Bou Inania Madrasa with a green-tiled minaret, the ornate Bab Bou Jeloud gate and the Nejjarine Fondouk, which houses a woodwork museum. End the tour by tucking into lunch at a traditional restaurant in the Medina, before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

• Fez Medina walking tour
• Nejjarine Fondouk visit
• Bou Inania Madrasa visit

Venture deep into the Sahara

Rise and shine – it’s time to leave the city bustle as you head into the pristine wilderness of the Sahara. After breakfast, you’ll journey to the far south of Morocco, eventually arriving in the tiny desert village of Merzouga, close to the Algerian border. It’s the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, which reach 150m (490ft) high and cover a barren, golden expanse of 28km (17mi) from north to south. You’ll stay overnight in a luxury riad – an idyllic spot to unwind, tune into nature and take in sublime sunset views.

• Merzouga desert visit

Visit a Gnawa village and dine Berber style under the stars

Travel by 4x4 to a remote village where you’ll learn about the culture of the Gnawa people who originated from sub-Saharan Africa, and are renowned for their spiritual music and unique dancing. For lunch, tuck into medfouna, a southern Moroccan speciality that’s similar to a stuffed pizza but without cheese. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride as you continue across the dunes to the desert camp you’ll call home for the night. Expect lots of mint tea, songs around a campfire and hearty Berber food. Come nightfall, enjoy a wine-tasting session and gaze in awe at the starry sky through a telescope, guided by an expert astronomer.

Desert Camp Jaimas Madu

• Gnawa village visit
• Wine tasting
• Astronomy experience

Go camel riding at sunrise and explore the Todra Gorge

No visit to the Sahara is complete without experiencing the most traditional mode of desert transport: camel riding. Saddle up first thing in the morning, taking in the gorgeous sunrise before swapping the desert for the High Atlas mountains as you head north to the Todra Gorge. Prepare to be dazzled – this otherworldly, rust-coloured expanse of steep-sided canyons ranks among the most spectacular scenery in Morocco. You’ll arrive at your cosy, mountainside accommodation in time to sip cocktails while watching the sunset paint the sky with a pinky-tangerine glow.

Riad Bahammou

• Sunrise camel ride
• Todra Gorge visit
• Sunset cocktails

Hike through the Dades Gorges and join a local family for lunch

Over many centuries, the Dades River, which flows for 350km (220mi) from the High Atlas mountains to the Sahara, has carved dramatic gorges and canyons into the rugged interior of the country. Today, you’ll set off on a guided hike through this epic landscape and gain a fascinating glimpse into life in this part of rural Morocco. Eventually, after traversing farmland and riverine forest, you’ll arrive at a series of striking rock formations, aptly named the Monkey Fingers due to their peculiar shape. A well-earned lunch at a local guesthouse awaits.

• Dades Gorges hike

Explore kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou and enjoy a street food tour of Marrakech

Of all the kasbahs dotted around Morocco, Ait-Ben-Haddou is arguably the most impressive. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore this Unesco World Heritage site, which you may well recognise from Game of Thrones (2011-2019) and Gladiator (2000). Stop by a tea house for a thirst-quenching mint tea and home-baked Moroccan pastry before hitting the road to Marrakech. Expect a sensory feast as you join an evening street food tour and if you're brave enough, try some local delicacies! Dishes you can try include tagine and couscous, doughy pastries, sheep’s head and snail soup.

2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel & Spa

• Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou visit
• Tea at a local tea house
• Marrakech Street Food Tour

Unlock the secrets of Moroccan cuisine in a cooking class

Now familiar with Moroccan food, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make it for yourself. After discovering the core techniques and flavour combinations used in Moroccan cuisine, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure or treat yourself to a soothing massage at the hotel spa. Reconvene for a farewell group dinner at L’mida restaurant and embrace an innovative, modern twist on classic Moroccan dishes. The candlelit roof terrace, overlooking the medina, is the perfect spot to conclude your epic Morocco trip.

• Cooking class
• Farewell dinner

Depart from Marrakech

After one last breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your new friends as your Moroccan adventure comes to an end. Check out of the hotel at midday and make your way to the airport to catch your flight home – or extend your stay and explore what else Morocco has to offer.

Optional Activities

What's included.

• 5 nights traditional riad accommodation
• 1 night luxury riad accommodation
• 1 night desert camp accommodation
• 1 night premium hotel accommodation
• 2 nights boutique hotel accommodation
• Private and local transport
• 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
• Local Insider
• Arrival transfer from Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
• Storytelling with a local family

What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance
• Flights to and from the destination

Customer Reviews

This stylish gem of a hotel is perfectly positioned for city centre exploration. You're just 10 minutes from the old Medina, and about the same from the Corniche with its parks, shops and sparkling Atlantic views. Inside, decor feels high-end and design-led, with a warm organic colour palette and elegant furnishings. 

Experience life in an opulent Moroccan riad overlooking the resplendent blue houses of Chefchaouen. Wood-beamed ceilings, candlelit terraces and communal lounges with roaring fires create a warm, soothing ambience at this atmospheric retreat. The outdoor pool, with mountain views, is the perfect place to relax and cool off.

This traditional riad is an oasis of tranquility, tucked away from the bustling streets of Fez Medina. Zellige-tile floors, traditional four-poster beds, and handcrafted furnishings made by local artisans create an authentic vibe in every room. Take a trip to the spa and hammam (bath house) to unwind and recharge.

Embrace the peace of this desert hideaway at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Highlights include an outdoor pool, lantern-lit courtyard, and living areas with tadelakt walls, handwoven rugs and plush sofas. The sunset views here are unforgettable – as is the homemade Moroccan food.

Sip mint tea around a roaring fire, enjoy hearty Berber cooking and dine under the stars at this isolated desert retreat. You’re bound to sleep well in the cosy haima tents, all of which come with private bathrooms and ensuite showers. When you wake, emerge from your tent to freshly squeezed orange juice and Moroccan crepes.

Terracotta walls blend in with the ochre landscape at the traditional Riad Bahammou, in the Dades Gorge valley of the High Atlas. Tuck into Moroccan fare at the restaurant before finishing your day with a nightcap in the onsite bar. The pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring and the rooms are traditionally decorated and comfortable enough for all to enjoy. This is a magical place and we're sure you'll enjoy your stay.

A rooftop bar and restaurant, an illuminated outdoor pool and a traditional hammam are a handful of the perks at this elegant hotel in the trendy Gueliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. All rooms have private balconies, Egyptian cotton bed sheets and complementary luxury toiletries. 

COVID Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we’ve put the following measures in place on all our TRIPS:

• Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), which gives you all the security of being in a group whilst avoiding a crowd.
• Where possible, we use small/ boutique accommodation – this means fewer guests and reduced exposure to other travellers.
• We require all accommodation providers to share protocols around the extra health and hygiene measures they are taking.
• Included activities are exclusive to our group wherever possible, to minimise contact with others.
• Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be required. Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
• We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

• You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
• Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
• We won't charge you extra if you travel alone – you'll be allocated a twin room with another traveller of the same gender.
• To upgrade to a private room, share a room with a friend, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
• Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
• Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
• Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.
• PLEASE NOTE - FROM 2024 - THE MARRAKECH STREET FOOD TOUR WILL BE OPTIONAL

Additional Info

Cancellation policy.

The world of travel is changing – and that's why we’re offering flexible booking conditions, to take the stress out of booking in times of uncertainty.

You can get a full refund should you need to postpone or cancel your trip up to 56 days prior to departure. 

Read our Booking Guarantee to find out more about how our Support Team can help you. 

For the full details and cancellation charges, see our Booking Terms & Conditions .

Terms & Conditions

Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions .

Hassle-Free Booking

When booking with us, you’ll benefit from a low deposit payment option, flexible cancellation options and personal customer support. T&Cs apply .

Lifelong memories

Our unique curated trips offer you the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Join us and see the world with our like-minded travellers who will feel like friends from day 1.

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