Day trips · Marrakech
Day trips from Marrakech
These are our day trips from Marrakech: the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls and Casablanca. All are private, with pick-up from your riad or hotel and a driver who speaks English, Spanish, French or Italian.
Below is a comparison to help you choose by driving time and what you want to see.
Day trips from Marrakech compared
| Day trip | Drive each way (approx.) | What you see | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ourika Valley | Just over 1 h | High Atlas, Berber villages, Setti Fatma waterfalls | Mountains without long drives; families |
| Essaouira | 2.5-3 h | Argan cooperative, walled medina, harbour and beach | The sea and a relaxed medina |
| Ouzoud Waterfalls | 2.5-3 h | Falls of around 110 m, macaques, boat ride | Nature and walking |
| Casablanca | 2.5-3 h | Hassan II Mosque, Corniche, Habous quarter | Travellers not passing through Casablanca |
| Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate | 3.5-4 h | Tizi n’Tichka pass, mud-brick kasbahs, film studios | Seeing the south without the time for a tour |
Approximate times, not counting stops. The timing and length of each trip are adapted to you: message us on WhatsApp.
Day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains: the Ourika Valley
The closest trip: in just over an hour you’re in a green High Atlas valley, with mud-brick Berber villages, the river and an optional hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. A good choice with kids, or if you don’t want to spend the day in the car.
Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
To see the south without booking a tour: the High Atlas crossing by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and the Ouarzazate film studios. It’s the longest trip, with 3.5 to 4 hours each way.
Essaouira
A day by the sea: an argan oil cooperative on the way and, on the coast, a walled medina facing the Atlantic, with its fishing harbour and a long beach.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls
Nature about 150 km from Marrakech: waterfalls of around 110 metres, canyon trails, Barbary macaques and boats that take you close to the foot of the falls.
Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque
For travellers staying in Marrakech who don’t want to leave without seeing the Hassan II Mosque, built beside the ocean and open to visitors. Add the Corniche and the Habous quarter.
More than a day? Tours from Marrakech
If you want to sleep in the desert or travel on to Fes, see our tours from Marrakech: for example the 3-day tour to Fes across the Atlas or the 10-day tour to Tangier.
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll answer you in your language.
WhatsAppCan I do a Chefchaouen day trip from Marrakech?
Not realistically: Chefchaouen is about 600 km away, more than 7 hours’ drive each way. It works much better as part of a tour through the north, such as the 7-day tour from Fes, which also passes through Marrakech, or the 5-day tour from Tangier to Casablanca. More in our Chefchaouen guide.
Private or group day trips?
Ours are private: the vehicle and driver are just for your group. Group trips use minibuses with fixed times and stops, and waits while other travellers are picked up. Privately, you leave when you want and stop where you like.
What are the best day trips from Marrakech with kids?
The ones with the least driving: the Ourika Valley, just over an hour away. Kids also love the Ouzoud Waterfalls, though the path has plenty of steps. More ideas on our family tours page.
Which day trips from Marrakech work in December and January?
In winter the Atlas peaks are often snowy, which makes the Ourika Valley and the Tizi n’Tichka road very scenic, although the pass can close for a while after heavy snow. Essaouira and Casablanca, on the coast, have milder weather. Bring warm layers for the mountains.
How much do day trips from Marrakech cost?
The price depends on the size of your group, the time of year and the trip. Message us on WhatsApp with your date and number of travellers and we’ll send it to you.
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Shall we help you plan your trip?
Tell us your dates, how many of you are travelling and where you’d like to start. We’ll send you a route and a price on WhatsApp.
- Your dates
- How many of you
- Where you start
or call +212 661 614 125 · info@moroccotrips.net