Excursions

There is enough to do in Marrakech on a 3 or 4 day visit.

However on a break of 4 days or more you might like to take a trip outside the city to the Atlas mountains, about an hour/hour and a half away. Options for transport for all of the options shown range from negotiating your own street or a shared taxi from the relevant Grand Taxi rank, a group tour with a local agency from 300dhs per person to your own 4X4 through our registered transport provider, Linaya Transport from 800dhs.

An excursion to the desert proper can be done in 2 or 3 days, but it is hard work and not for the feint hearted. In the shorter winter days there is pressure to get to the dunes by sunset. Much better to do it over 5 or 6 days and enjoy the scenery and sights on the way. In the drier seasons the Agafay desert nearby gives a taste.

Ouirgane, Plateau de Kik and Lake Takerkoust

Our most popular trip, an excursion through gorges, past Kasbah Tamadot with stops at local souks and co-ops if wanted – no pressure – to the Ouirgane Valley. A fascinating walk through wooded valley walls to hidden villages with a knowledgeable local guide. Lunch at Chez Momo with the charming Mustafa and Faysal and views over the new lake. After lunch a ride through Moulay Brahim to the scrub-like scenery of the Plateau de Kik and finishing for tea at Lake Takerkoust. Shows the splendid variety of the Moroccan landscape. A chance to stop for a camel ride on the route (by Linaya Transport approximately 950dhs pp including lunch and guide – camel ride according to your negotiating skills).

Imlil and Kasbah de Toubkal

A trip through an incredible landscape to the village of Imlil, the starting point for trekking in the Toubkal massif. Sadly Imlil has become a tourist trap, false guides and trinket sellers aplenty. But for the view and the high trekking it is spectacular. Walks of varying length and difficulty or mule rides. A visit and lunch at the splendid setting of the Kasbah de Toubkal. 85Euros pp, 110Euros pp incl trek by www.kasbahdutoubkal.com.

Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma Falls

A welcome break form the heat of Marrakech. Visit saffron and herb gardens. A leisurely lunch in the mountain air, or a more strenuous scramble to the falls from the wonderful setting of Setti Fatma. About 600dhs if you get your own taxi plus guide and lunch. Weekends and holiday times mix with local Moroccans on their day out.

Oukaimeden

Ski the Atlas, January to April depending on snowfall. An adventure providing one of the most exotic of ski locations. Not for the beginner as the runs can be icy and steep, piste dressing virtually non-existant. Ski equipment of varying quality can be hired locally in much the same way as you haggle in the souks. Your own street taxi 800dhs, though a 4×4 can be better if there is snow and ice around.

Essaouira

A charming seaside town, the haunt of artists, musicians and hippies. A day trip can be done either by Supratours coach (65hds per person each way), though it is likely to be a long day, or with your own private taxi (1000dhs). Enjoy a stroll round the ramparts, visit an art gallery, thuya wood workshops and eat freshly caught fish at the quayside open air food stalls. From 65dhs pp each way by Supratours coach, as low as 350dhs each way with your own street taxi, or 800dhs for your own 4×4 with Linaya Transport.

Agafay desert

A more workable option to the Sahara proper is to visit the Agafay desert, about an hour’s drive from Marrakech. Settled by nomads from the Sahara in the 18th century, because it looked so much like their homeland. In the spring the landscape is covered with wheat, barley and flowers, but in the summer and autumn months it really does look like the desert with dunes and the added bonus of a view of the Atlas. Have lunch, tea or dinner with a Saharawi family in their village and get a real taste of desert life, or go on to Lake Takerkoust.

Ouzoud waterfalls

Morocco’s highest falls, about a two and a half/three hour drive form Marrakech, so a long day trip. Best seen in the spring after the winter rains.

Further afield

For our guests we are happy to help you organise longer visits to the nearby High Atlas or Ait Boughmez for trekking, the Dades and Todra gorges, the desert dunes at M’hamid or Merzouga, or Fes and surrounding areas.

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Marrakech | Excursions

Close enough for a long weekend, ideal for a few days before or after a trek in the Atlas or a trip to the desert.

Diary

Find out what is happening when and where in the City and surrounding area.