Day trips out of Marrakech

What to do around Marrakech?

Go on a 4WD foray towards the desert, mountains or Atlantic coast! From Marrakech the options for day trips are almost endless and will take you to the mountain passes of the Atlas or verdant valleys and gorges further south. Lovers of great open spaces can tackle the Moroccan Sahara, to come face to face with vast deserts of yellow sand and black rock. By yourself, as a couple, or with your family, going on a 4WD adventure in Morocco is not an experience you’ll soon forget! Here is a small selection of day trips based out of Marrakech.

From Marrakech to Amizmiz stopping by the Lalla Takerkoust Lake, you’ll cross through the magnificent landscapes of the Haouz plain (on the S501 et S507). The road goes on into the Oued N’Fiss Valley to reach the village and lake of Lalla Takerkoust (33km). The contrasting colours are stunning, amid eucalyptus trees, the lands are red and the water silver. 20 km from here on route S507, you’ll reach Amizmiz, at the feet of Jebel Erdouz. Many beautiful hikes await you here…

Less than an hour away from Marrakech discover the Oukaïmeden’s peaks! Here you can ski, hike, paraglide, and hang-glide. To get here, you’ll take the road to Setti Fatma towards the Ourika Valley. This is also the road you would take to reach the Jebel Toubkal National Park. On the side of the road, a beautiful succession of douars, where Ourika’s Kasbahs majestically watch over the valley. On a 4WD ride through the Atlas, an entire world of untouched nature welcomes you with open arms!

Another option, head to Ouarzazate on the road of a thousand Kasbahs. After you have passed the impressive Tizi N Tichka mountain pass, a historically charged drive will bring you to the doorsteps of the great Moroccan South. Choose to go in the direction of the Draa Valley of the Erg Chebbi. Whatever you choose, driving a 4WD will allow you total liberty to explore the Moroccan desert at your whim!

The Atlantic Ocean is only 170 miles from Marrakech, an opportunity you shouldn’t let slide by! Go for a day or two to Essaouira, the legendary former city of Mogador. Once there, head to the harbour as the fishing boats return to witness the criée (fish auction), and soak in all the pleasures of the ocean: a walk along the dunes, coastal cliffs and lagoons…From Marrakech, after 120 km on the road to Essaouira, you’ll reach region’s famous argan gardens.