Best Day Trips from Marrakech : Mountains, Deserts & The Atlantic Coast

We allowed ten days for our visit to Marrakech and because I’m a planner, I mapped out something to do for every day. We don’t like to rush and we do like to allow for impromptu changes but even so, my plan was in tatters by day three!

Reason one? There is a lot to see and do in Marrakech and way more than we had expected. Reason two? World Cup fever swept through the city — and like everyone else, we were swept along with it and we wouldn’t have missed those celebrations for the world!

But for me at least there were also too many day trips to choose, too many tour options and I hadn’t considered just how vast Morocco is and how much there would be to explore right on our doorstep. In the end, we had to prioritise and save the rest for another visit.

So how do you choose the best day trips from Marrakech? Which ones are worth it and which ones can wait? Read on as we share what we loved, what we missed and what we’re planning to do next time!

Why Take a Day Trip from Marrakech?

If you only have a couple of days in Marrakech, you’ll probably want to soak up the city itself and explore the souks, squares, and sights of the Medina. But if you have an extra day or two the possibility of wandering farther afield is very hard to resist.

If you’re still in the planning stages of your Morocco visit then I recommend adding a few extra days because there is a lot to see and do in Marrakech. And while some of these places take a little effort to reach and you’ll have to cope with a few long drives, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable!

For starters, you can ride a camel in the Sahara, or paddle in the Atlantic at Essaouira, or hike in the High Atlas Mountains, or go visiting UNESCO World Heritage villages that were once vital stages on ancient trade routes.

Our (my) biggest challenge was that it all sounded so exotic and exciting; I wanted to do it all! But time ran away from us, the World Cup came to Morocco and we had to miss a few things. And the tour I most wanted was full! With hindsight I’d say pick the trip that sounds perfect for you and book it before you leave home; we missed out simply because we left it too late!

In A Rush? Here’s Our Pick Of Day Trips from Marrakech

Looking for something in particular, click the link below to jump to our review.

1. Agafay Desert : The Desert on Marrakech’s Doorstep

Why You’d Love This Tour

Unlike the Sahara’s golden dunes, Agafay is a rocky desert. I really love deserts and I will visit them whenever possible and much to Gerry’s dislike, they usually involve a camel-ride! (I don’t think he’s ever forgiven me for the ride in Wadi Rum in Petra.)

We did visit Agafay and indeed had a camel ride and at first we thought it would be a little disappointing or touristy but actually the scenery was wonderful and we enjoyed the visit. This tour is a great option if you want a desert experience without the long drive to the Sahara or you’re short on time.

Traditionally used by Berber shepherds, this barren plateau gives you big skies, glorious sunsets, and a chance to ride that camel or quad bike and is just an hour from the city. Many tours finish with dinner under the stars at one of the desert camps; which is perfect if you’re looking for something different for an evening.

Pros for Agafay Desert

Cons / Things to Know for Agafay Desert

2. Ait Benhaddou : A Journey into Morocco’s History

Why You’d Love This Tour

Aït Benhaddou was once a thriving stop on the ancient camel caravan routes from Timbuktu to Marrakech.  It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most captivating places we’ve visited. We LOVED this tour!

It’s one of the best-preserved examples of earthen Berber architecture in North Africa and our local Berber guide brought this tour to life with his stories of growing up in the village and tales from his Grandmother.

The drive is long but you get to see a fascinating side of Morocco on a day trip.

Pros for Ait Benhaddou

Cons / Things to Consider for Ait Benhaddou

👉 Read about our incredible visit to Ait Benhaddou and what to expect from this tour

3. Atlas Mountains & Valleys : Hikes & Berber Villages

Why You’d Love This Tour

We knew when we visited Marrakech that hiking in the Atlas Mountains was a must.  So we booked this tour.

The Ourika and Imil Valleys offers one of the easiest ways to escape the city and see Morocco’s rural heart. You’ll pass through traditional Berber villages, see how argan oil is made, and walk beneath those towering mountains that change colour with the sun and the seasons.

We really enjoyed our Argon Oil stop, it felt like a genuine woman’s co-operative and we loved the hiking.  The highlight for many is the Setti Fatma waterfalls — though be warned, the hike can be steeper than expected.

This is also a great way to spend a weekend like a Marrakech local— many escape here in summer for cooler temperatures and a picnic by the river.  So expect it to be busier at the weekend!

Pros for Atlas Mountains & Valleys

Cons / Things to Know for Atlas Mountains & Valleys

👉 Read more about our tour to the Fabulous Berber Villages Trek in the Atlas Mountains

4. Essaouira : Seaside Charm & Fresh Seafood

Why You’d Love This Tour

Everyone told us that we had to visit Essaouira.  And we will one day but sadly Morocco Vs Spain in Jemma el Fnaa was showing live on a big screen, and watching alongside 20 thousand other football fans meant we had to cancel this tour!

It’s a long drive from Marrakech but everything we’d read says it’s worth the trip as it’s such a contrast from the city.  And the history, culture and way of life beside the sea is also so different

This historic port town, once called Mogador until the 1960s, was an important trading hub, with Portuguese, French, and Berber influences shaping its blue-and-white medina.

Famous for its fortified sea walls, fishing port, and UNESCO-listed medina, Essaouira offers a completely different side of Morocco. Wander the peaceful souks, watch the blue boats unloading their catch, or feast on fresh grilled sardines by the water.

Jimi Hendrix supposedly fell in love with the place in the ‘60s (our neighbours too!) It’s artsy, laid back, and charming and we’re gutted we missed it.  We do know it’s one of the reasons why we want to return one day soon!

Pros for Essaouira

Cons / Things to Know for Essaouira

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Marrakech : Sunrise Deserts & Mountains

Why You’d Love This Tour

I want to take this tour.  Indeed I want to go up in a hot air balloon but I’m a little scared!  We live in France not too far from where the Montgolfier Brothers flew their balloons and in summer we’ll see them in the sky.

When we were in Africa we had the chance to take a flight over the Okovanga Delta but we didn’t. Next time I will!

There’s something magical about seeing Morocco from above — the colours of the desert, the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and the patchwork of villages below.  We’ve taken a tiny plane jumping across islands in the Galapagos and a helicopter over Victoria Falls, I know I have to take this tour when we next visit!

Hot air ballooning here isn’t cheap, but read the reviews and everyone will tell you it was the highlight of their trip. The cherry on the cake! Watching the sunrise from above in total silence they say is unforgettable.

Flights usually finish with a traditional Moroccan breakfast in a Berber tent — mint tea, msemen pancakes, and all. What’s not to love!

Pros for the Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cons / Things to Know for the Balloon Ride

6. Ouzoud Waterfalls : Nature, Views & Barbary Monkeys

Why You’d Love This Tour

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are Morocco’s highest — a dramatic 110m drop surrounded by red cliffs and olive groves. This day trip is a proper day in nature — and a nice contrast to the bustle of Marrakech.

This is a really popular day trip from Marrakech and it was on our shortlist but we had to make choices; as you will too unless you have a month in the city!

Hiking was our priority but if it’s not yours then this could be a perfect outing. 

The falls are spectacular, especially in spring, and you’ll likely spot Barbary macaques along the way. Many tours include a traditional boat ride to the base of the falls where you’ll get properly splashed (but expect to pay extra for this).

It’s also a popular weekend spot for Moroccan families, which is great as you get to mingle with locals but also means it’s busier at weekends.  

Pros for Ouzoud Waterfalls

Cons / Things to Know for Ouzoud Waterfalls

7. Three Day Desert Adventure : Sahara Magic & Merzouga Dunes

Why You’d Love This Tour

One of my favourite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – in it he talks of adventures across the Moroccan deserts and if I’m honest this Sahara Desert Trip was the main reason we booked our trip to Marrakech. And yet life and events transpired against us and we could not take this tour and for that reason alone, I know that we’ll return.

This trip is the stuff of Moroccan dreams — golden dunes, endless skies, and that feeling of being small under a blanket of Saharan stars. You’ll pass through the High Atlas, stop at Aït Benhaddou, visit palm-filled valleys, and finally reach Merzouga where the dunes rise like waves.

The camel trek at sunset is said to unforgettable — and yes I know that Gerry has said he’ll never ride another camel but there is surely something timeless about crossing the sands as the old caravans once did.

You’ll spend your nights in the desert camp – choose wisely as some are basic, others border on glamping — but whatever you do don’t miss your chance to discover the stillness of the Sahara at night.

Why did we miss this?  We thought as we had ten days we could pick the best days when we arrived; it was November and we thought we’d wait for the weather.  And when we came to pick, it was full!  I cannot tell you how sad I was!

Pros for the Sahara Desert Adventure

Cons / Things to Know for Sahara Desert Adventure

Planning Your Marrakech Day Trips: Tips and What to Know

So there you have the tours that made it to our short list.  So how do you choose?  Especially given there are so many other distractions within the city itself?  We took walking tours and cooking classes and traditional hammams and alongside the football and simply exploring the gardens, and palaces of Marrakech and the souks and the Medina we just ran out of time.

Here are a few other tips that might help you with your planning.

Distances and Travel Times

Marrakech is perfectly placed for exploring, but Morocco is bigger that we thought!  Many of the day trips involve a couple of hours in a minibus— sometimes more. It’s worth knowing what’s realistic in a day and how many of those long trips are you happy to make back to back?

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

The desert is cold at night in winter and very hot by day in summer — remember to take layers and plan accordingly.

Should You Book in Advance?

This is the eternal question.  I’m asked this in my Camino group and for travel.  I can only say what we do.  If you know there is something that you really want to do then book.  Make space in your schedule and reserve your spot as you know you’re going.

However, we held off to check the weather and then Morocco did amazingly well in the Football World Cup and our plans changed and the trip I most wanted to do was full! 

I don’t regret watching the footie but I know we’ll return to do that desert trip!

Marrakech Day Trip Comparison Table

Still undecided – maybe this can help you order your wish list of places to visit?

Which Marrakech Day Trip Will You Choose?

We love to travel and we found a super cheap flight to Marrakech and decided to go.  We’ve visited Morocco before but never this destination and as we had ten days we felt we could see it all.  How wrong we were!

As well as the huge list of things to see and do in Marrakech itself, it’s also the gateway to the Atlas Mountains and the desert and it’s the land of camel trains and Berbers and trade routes and there really is a great deal to do.

We got swept up in the excitement of it all and ran out of days before we’d seen half of what we planned. But that’s ok because Marrakech is always calling us back and we know we will return; for longer this time too!  

Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the coast, or the desert, there’s a trip here that will be perfect for you.  If you’re only in town for a weekend then stay in the city and explore but if you have time for just one day trip further afield then grab it.  Morocco and the lands around Marrakech surprised us.  Allow a little extra time for wandering. You’ll thank me later.

Looking for More Marrakech Inspiration?

If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech, there’s so much to see beyond the main squares and souks. Whether you’re dreaming of ancient kasbahs, learning to cook the perfect tagine, or escaping into the Atlas Mountains, we’ve written about it!

Check out these guides to make the most of your time in Morocco :

Which experience are you most excited about? Maybe visit me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know!