4 Incredible Day Trips from Marrakech
Marrakech is a vibrant and bustling city, but just a short distance away lie some of the most beautiful and enchanting destinations in Morocco.
From towering mountains to traditional villages, coastal charm, and natural wonders, it is possible to base yourself in Marrakech and use day trips to have a huge variety of holiday experiences.
I adored the four days I spent in Marrakech - I even wrote a travel diary about how incredible the city is - but it can be overwhelming. Day trips from Marrakech are a great way of breaking up the time in the city to experience some of the country’s natural beauty and Berber history.
Whilst there are plenty of tour options available, private transport was very affordable and easy to arrange in the country. We found that for a group of four of us, it was cheaper to arrange private transfers to the destinations we could visit independently - Ozoud waterfalls and the town of Essaouira - and opt for guided experiences into the High Atlas Mountains and beyond.
Below I’ve described some of the day trips we took from Marrakech. For a longer journey into Southern Morocco, click here to read about my experience of camping in the Sahara Desert.
Essaouira
Located on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is the perfect day trip to relax and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan seaside town. The charming coastal town was once a bustling port and has a rich history as a center of trade and commerce between Morocco and Europe.
Before I get into details about Essaouira itself, I want to tell you about the journey there. We had organised a private transfer for the 3-hour drive and were surprised to be stopping well before then. The driver pointed out the window and said tourists liked to stop here for pictures. There, on the side of the road, we saw some goats… in a tree! It was so unexpected and hilarious to see! If you’re interested (as I was), the goats climb the trees to eat Argan fruit. It’s not until the fruit has passed through the goat that the seeds are collected and made into the oil we use in our hair and beauty products. Delightful.
Goats aside, Essaouira is a gorgeous day trip. Vivid blue fishing boats bob up and down in the harbour, just a short walk from a long, sandy beach. It is quite a windy location, making it popular with kite surfers and wind surfers.
The town's medina features a mix of Moroccan and European architecture, with narrow streets and mediterranean style buildings - whitewashed with colourful doors. The centre of the medina is a labyrinth of alleys to explore, full of shops selling jewellery, pottery and spices, as well as galleries and studios full of beautiful local artwork.
My favourite memory of our trip to Essaouira is sitting down to lunch. As you walk along the seafront, restaurants display the fresh catch of the day outside on ice carts - fish doesn’t get much fresher! You pick your fish and it is prepared, grilled and served with a beautiful fresh salad. Simply divine.
Fancy a trip to Essaouira? Take a look at some great day trips from Marrakech on GetYourGuide.com.*
Ozoud Waterfalls
Located about 2.5 hours northeast of Marrakech, the Ozoud Waterfalls are a stunning natural wonder that is well worth a day trip. Again, we organised private transport for our group and the falls are quite easy to navigate independently.
The impressive waterfalls cascade over 100m down three tiers for red sandstone cliffs, creating a beautiful display of falling water and rainbows. We started at the top to see them in all their majesty, then followed an easy trail down to the bottom, where we were able to swim in the cool pools and relax in the shade of olive trees. Along the trail, we spotted some monkeys in the trees! At the bottom, as well as taking time to cool off with a swim, we joined a boat trip and were able to row out for a closer look at the waterfalls.
About halfway back up the trail, there is a restaurant to stop for food and drink. The food is ok and not too expensive, but the real selling point is the outdoor terrace where you can dine with an incredible view of the waterfalls behind you.
Book your own day trip to Ozoud Waterfalls.*
Ait Ben Haddou
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, about 3 hours southeast of Marrakech. It is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture, and the fact it is still so well preserved is a testament to the skills of the Berber craftsmen who built it. Game of Thrones fans might recognise the red mud-brick buildings as the area was used as a filming location in the series, as well as many other films and TV shows.
On arrival we were greeted with the impressive view of the whole town from below. It rises up like a pyramid out of the stark landscape, high walls and defensive towers marking the boundaries. On the day we visited, there was a lone woman washing her clothes in the river with the kasbah towering behind her. It was such a peaceful scene exemplifying the traditional of the way of life in Southern Morocco.
Ait Ben Haddou was built by a powerful family in the 17th century in a strategic location on the trade route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert, so it was an important stop for merchants. Inside, the town is made up of buildings so tightly packed it is as if they are piled on top of each other. We had a local Berber guide show us around the winding narrow lanes and steep staircases that separate the buildings. The architectural features reflect the traditional Berber style of construction, made of mud brick and with thick walls that provide insulation from the extreme temperatures of the desert. In the centre of the kasbah is the mosque, complete with a tall minaret.
After climbing steadily up to the top of the Kasbah, our visit finished with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Take a day trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou.*
High Atlas Mountains
The majestic High Atlas Mountains are visible on the horizon from Marrakech. Day trips to the mountains include exploring the Berber villages and valleys that dot the landscape. Our first destination was the Ourika Valley, known for its stunning natural scenery and picturesque villages. We took a short walk through the valley, stopping to visit Berber homes and learn about their way of life along the way. A highlight was visiting the weaving women of the Atlas Mountains. Moroccan rugs are famous the world over, and weaving is a cultural tradition and form of artistic expression for the Berber people. Almost every home had a loom, and we got to see in action the incredible skill that goes into making these beautiful works of art.
Our trip to the Atlas Mountains was part of an overnight excursion, so we were able to visit the Eastern side of the Mountains and take in the Todra Gorge. It is a deep canyon carved by the Todra River, with towering cliffs rising up on either side. We walked a gentle trail through the gorge to an oasis at the base of the canyon, but there are plenty of more challenging hikes and opportunities for rock climbing. We were driven to the top of the cliffs just in time for sunset, the pink light of the sky reflecting off the red rocks so the whole landscape was bathed in a magical glow.
Another famous part of the Atlas Mountains is Toubkal National Park, which is home to the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal. We didn’t make it here on our trip, but spoke to many travellers who loved the experience. If you have time, a two-day guided trek will take you to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Plan your own High Atlas Mountains Adventure.* You could even climb Mount Toubkal!*
*Affiliate link - if you click this link and book we will earn a small commission. There is no extra cost to you!
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