Best Day Trips from Marrakech, Morocco
Updated for 2026 with our latest Marrakech day trip ideas and advice.
Day trips from Marrakech in 2026 are an easy way to swap the city’s lively medina for mountains, coastlines and quiet valleys in a single day. From the High Atlas Mountains with their green valleys and traditional Berber villages to the windswept beach and medina of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, these guided excursions bring together scenery, local culture and relaxed exploration. Whether you are walking to the waterfalls at Ouzoud or visiting the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, our private 4×4 tours are designed to be comfortable, safe and flexible.
Ideal for families, solo travellers or small groups, these day trips from Marrakech let you enjoy Moroccan food, gentle walks and village visits while still being back at your riad by evening. On this page you can compare our most popular Marrakech day trips side by side, with distances, journey times and key highlights, so it is easier to decide which route fits your plans. When you are ready, send us an enquiry and we will help you shape a practical itinerary around your chosen day trips.
1. Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech:
Escape the heat of Marrakech with a scenic drive to the High Atlas Mountains, around 60 km from the city. This full-day Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech includes a guided walk in the Toubkal Valley, a visit to a traditional Berber village, time to explore Imlil, and expansive views of Mount Toubkal. Share a traditional lunch in a local home, with walking routes that can be adjusted to different fitness levels. Compared with Ourika Valley, this Marrakech day trip reaches higher passes and offers more dramatic mountain scenery in a single day.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 60 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (around 8 hours) |
| Highlights | Toubkal Valley walk, Berber village visit, Imlil, views of Mount Toubkal |
| Guide Price | £12–£30 (group), £75–£135 (private) |
Pro Tip: Pack layers for changing temperatures, sturdy walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. View full Atlas Mountains day trip details | Book Now
2. Ait Ben Haddou Adventure Day Trip:
Travel around 184 km south-east from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic ksar on the ancient caravan route. This Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech includes time to walk the narrow lanes, climb to the hilltop viewpoint, and visit nearby Kasbah Telouet on the High Atlas passes. The route is a long but rewarding day with changing landscapes and film locations from productions such as Gladiator. It suits travellers who want history, architecture and views rather than walking-focused trails.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 184 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (8–10 hours) |
| Highlights | UNESCO ksar, Kasbah Telouet, mountain passes, film and TV locations |
| Guide Price | £16–£28 (group), £82–£112 (private) |
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, light but modest clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and bring a light jacket for cooler air over the High Atlas. View full Ait Ben Haddou day trip details | Book Now
3. Essaouira Coastal Day Trip:
Head approximately 191 km west on this Essaouira day trip from Marrakech to reach the Atlantic coast. The day usually includes a stop to see argan trees, time to walk the sandy beach, and a guided stroll through the blue-and-white medina and harbour. You can browse art galleries and crafts, then enjoy fresh seafood or cafés on the sea walls. Compared with other day trips from Marrakech, Essaouira offers cooler coastal air, sea views and a slower pace of sightseeing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 191 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (about 8–10 hours) |
| Highlights | Atlantic beach, harbour, medina, art and crafts, seafood |
| Guide Price | £15–£26 (group), £74–£157 (private) |
Pro Tip: Essaouira can get breezy, so pack a light windproof layer, comfortable walking shoes for cobbled lanes, and swimwear if you plan to paddle or surf. View full Essaouira day trip details | Book Now
4. Ouzoud Waterfalls Discovery Day Trip:
This Ouzoud waterfalls day trip from Marrakech takes you about 157 km north-east to one of Morocco’s best-known falls, with water dropping around 110 metres into natural pools. You can follow paths down to the base of the falls, take a short boat ride, watch Barbary monkeys and pause for drinks or lunch at cafés along the route. The paths include some steps and uneven sections, so basic fitness and sturdy shoes are helpful. Compared with other day trips from Marrakech, Ouzoud is a good choice if you like water, shade and a mix of walking and rest stops.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 157 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (8–10 hours) |
| Highlights | 110 m waterfalls, short boat ride, swimming spots, Barbary monkeys |
| Guide Price | £12–£20 (group), £85–£120 (private) |
Pro Tip: Wear shoes with good grip, light clothing that dries quickly, a hat and sunscreen, and bring a small towel and a light waterproof layer in case of spray from the falls. View full Ouzoud waterfalls day trip details | Book Now
5. Ourika Valley Escape Day Trip:
The Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech is one of the shortest options, with a roughly 30–60 km drive into a green valley at the edge of the High Atlas. You can walk beside the river, visit small villages, stop at viewpoints and cafés, and, in season, continue on paths towards Setti Fatma and the lower waterfalls. This is a gentle Marrakech day trip with flexible walking and plenty of places to stop. It suits travellers who want cooler air, village views and a slower pace without a very long drive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 30–60 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (6–8 hours) |
| Highlights | River walks, orchards, Berber villages, cafés and viewpoints |
| Guide Price | £11–£19 (group), £66–£114 (private) |
Pro Tip: Choose trainers or walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty, carry a light jacket in cooler months, and bring cash for simple cafés and roadside stops. View full Ourika Valley day trip details | Book Now
6. Lake Takerkoust Relaxation Day Trip:
This Lake Takerkoust day trip from Marrakech is a relaxed option, only about 40 km south-west of the city. You can enjoy views across the reservoir, stop at lakeside cafés or restaurants, and explore nearby Asni and the Kik Plateau with their orchards and villages. There is time to sit by the water or arrange simple water sports when conditions allow. It is a good choice if you want a shorter drive from Marrakech, open views and a quieter setting than the city.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | 40 km |
| Typical Day Length | Full day (6–8 hours) |
| Highlights | Lake views, Asni Valley, Kik Plateau, village stops, optional water sports |
| Guide Price | £13–£26 (group), £74–£96 (private) |
Pro Tip: Pack light, cool clothing in warmer months, a jumper or jacket for mornings and evenings, and sandals or trainers that are easy to slip off at lakeside cafés. View full Lake Takerkoust day trip details | Book Now
Day Trips from Marrakech, 2026
Our Morocco day trips are the perfect addition to a stay in Marrakech and can be combined to enhance your holiday. The Atlas Mountains, the Desert town of Ait Ben Haddou and the Atlantic Beaches are all within easy reach of the city.
Berber Culture
Travelling out of Marrakech allows you to explore the diverse scenery and also experience the Berber culture as you pass through traditional villages and see an ancient way of life which still exists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to take day trips from Marrakech is usually spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when daytime temperatures sit around 20–25°C and views are clearer. Summer can be very hot away from the coast, while winter brings snow and colder evenings in the mountains, so you need more layers and may find some higher routes adjusted.
For culture, Ait Ben Haddou is the top choice, with a UNESCO-listed ksar, kasbahs and caravan history. The Atlas Mountains offer Berber villages, small markets and lunches in family homes. Essaouira adds a walled medina and harbour, while the Ourika Valley shows everyday rural life in a quieter setting, all within a day of the city.
Yes, you can book private day trips from Marrakech in a 4×4 with a driver–guide, usually for two to six travellers. Private tours are useful if you want a flexible start time, quieter photo stops and routes adapted for families, older travellers or people who prefer shorter walks and more breaks.
In 2026, group excursions from Marrakech usually cost around £12–£30 per person, depending on route and what is included. Private 4×4 day trips tend to range from about £75–£135 per vehicle, with longer drives such as Essaouira and Ait Ben Haddou at the higher end because of extra fuel and time on the road.
For most trips, pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes or trainers, a sun hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen. A thin waterproof or windproof jacket is useful for waterfalls, mountain passes and breezy coastal days. Modest clothing, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and a small scarf also work well in villages and on dusty tracks.
Most standard routes remain open, and key destinations such as Essaouira, Ouzoud, Ourika Valley and Lake Takerkoust are still considered safe to visit. Some high Atlas villages were affected, so paths and stops may change as repairs continue. Using a reputable tour operator and checking the latest travel advice will keep you updated on any local changes.
Most full-day trips from Marrakech last about 8–10 hours including driving, visits and photo stops, with return to the city in the early evening. Shorter options such as the Ourika Valley and Lake Takerkoust can take around 6–8 hours, while longer routes to Essaouira or Ait Ben Haddou may extend to 9–11 hours because of distance.
Good family day trips near Marrakech include Ouzoud Waterfalls, with monkeys and safe paddling spots, and the Ourika Valley, which has easy riverside paths and picnic areas. Essaouira suits older children who like beaches and harbour life, while the Atlas Mountains and Lake Takerkoust work well for gentle walks, village views and shorter drives in private vehicles.
