Best at sunset
Agafay Desert Sunset
The closest desert to the city — a camel ride, mint tea and sunset over the Atlas. The easiest desert fix if you're short on time.
From€25 ppView trip →
Desert, mountains, waterfalls and the Atlantic coast — all within a day's reach of the medina. Private or small-group, led by locals who actually live here.
Marrakech is the best base in Morocco for day trips — few cities put a genuine desert, a 4,000-metre mountain range, a UNESCO kasbah and an Atlantic port all within two or three hours of your riad. You can see a remarkable amount without ever changing hotel.
Below are the six trips we run and actually recommend. We've been honest about drive times and what each one is really like, so you can pick the days that suit you rather than over-packing your trip. Every option includes hotel pick-up and a driver who speaks English or French.
The closest desert to the city — a camel ride, mint tea and sunset over the Atlas. The easiest desert fix if you're short on time.
Berber villages, seven waterfalls and a riverside lunch in the High Atlas foothills — the classic escape from the medina heat.
The windswept Atlantic port — blue boats, a walled medina, argan cooperatives and fresh seafood by the harbour.
Morocco's tallest falls at 110 m — Barbary macaques, a boat under the cascade, and a cliffside lunch over the gorge.
Into the High Atlas to Imlil, gateway to Mt Toubkal — a guided valley walk, a Berber village and lunch with a view.
A relaxed private loop through three Atlas valleys, Berber villages and viewpoints — with lunch included.
Cross the High Atlas pass to the UNESCO clay kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and Morocco's film studios in Ouarzazate. A long but spectacular day.
A quieter Atlas valley of walnut orchards and Berber villages — the calmer alternative to Ourika and Imlil.
The Hassan II Mosque and Morocco's modern capital. An honestly long day — best for travellers with time to spare.
Marrakech's nearest proper Atlantic beach resort — sand, the Kasbah viewpoint and Souk El Had. A long but rewarding coastal day.
Drive times are one-way from central Marrakech. All trips include hotel pick-up.
| Day trip | Length | One-way drive | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agafay Desert | Half day | ~40 min | Desert & sunset, short on time | €25 |
| Ourika Valley | Full day | ~1 hr | Nature, waterfalls, cooler air | €30 |
| Atlas & Imlil | Full day | ~1.5 hr | Walking & mountain scenery | €22 |
| Essaouira | Full day | ~2.5 hr | Coast, seafood, relaxed pace | €19 |
| Ouzoud Falls | Full day | ~2.5 hr | Dramatic scenery & monkeys | €28 |
| Aït Ben Haddou | Full day | ~3.5 hr | History & film buffs | €32 |
| Ouirgane Valley | Full day | ~1.5 hr | Quiet valley, orchards | €32 |
| Casablanca | Full day (long) | ~2.5 hr | Hassan II Mosque, city | €65 |
| Agadir | Full day (long) | ~3 hr | Beach & coast | €60 |
Over four to five nights, two or three day trips is the comfortable sweet spot — it leaves you days to enjoy the medina itself. Pair one close half-day (Agafay) with one or two full-days.
Private means the vehicle and pace are yours, ideal for families and photographers. Small-group is cheaper per person and social. We'll advise which fits your dates.
Spring and autumn are ideal for everything. In high summer, favour the coast (Essaouira) and mountains (Ourika, Imlil) over the exposed desert and long kasbah drive.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English- or French-speaking driver, and air-conditioned transport. Lunches and entry fees vary by trip — each tour page lists the details.
Multi-day tours from Marrakech to the Sahara, Fes and beyond are run by our sister brand, To Discover Morocco.
See multi-day tours →