Marrakech Day Trip

Essaouira

The adventure begins in the city of Essaouira, also known as the “Wind City of Africa”, excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea port where the seamen uncover the catch of the day. If it’s seafood you enjoy, this is clearly a town for you. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches way to the south. Essaouira is a laid-back atmosphere. The dramatic embankments and the sandy beach have created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years. Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This hippie town was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira. Again, this is a wonderful place to stroll, shop, sip tea and just watch the people pass by. Enjoy the day! 

When the tour of Essaouira is complete you will travel back to Marrakech for the evening.

Ourika Valley

Experience the beauty of the Ourika Valley up-close on this full-day private scenic tour from Marrakech, escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day.  The Ourika Valley is the closest day trip from Marrakech, but it’s not just its convenience that makes it special. Drive towards the Atlas Mountains, taking in the beautiful green landscape and authentic 16th and 17th-century Berber villages. If you take your tour on a Monday, you can even stop at a roadside souk.  See fruit orchards, vegetable terraces, and villages clinging to the side of hills. You will be amazed at the laborious undertaking by the Berbers who hoisted materials to construct small houses and terraces up mountain sides. Most of the work being done was in a hostile environment.  Continue along the valley of palm trees, following the Ourika River. Fruit trees, tiny hamlets, riverside restaurants, and the summer homes of the wealthy will keep you occupied. Go to Setti Fatma to feel the refreshing waters of the waterfall. This is a nice photo opportunity.   .

Ouzoud Waterfalls 

In the Atlas Mountains, the majestic waterfalls stand proudly waiting for her visitors. Put your photography skills to work here. The Ouzoud waterfall. Crowned with an almost permanent rainbow, you will understand why this is one of the most visited sites in the area. Falling over 330ft (100m), the falls make a great escape from the crowded streets of Marrakech. You are free to explore and discover this wondrous landscape at your own pace. If you’re feeling ambitious, take a hike through Olive groves (Ouzoud means Grinding Olives in Berber the language) to the bottom of the waterfall. Here you will have the chance to swim in these healing waters, and after two hours of walking, the refreshing water will be a welcome friend. Should you feel hungry after exploring a small restaurant overlooking the waterfalls is available to eat and relax.   

Ouarzazate

Leaving the hustle of Marrakech behind, your journey begins with a drive along the beautiful Moroccan landscape. Eventually you will reach the breathtaking views of Tizi n Tichka Pass. Driving through Tichka is one of the most beautiful views in Morocco. Have your camera ready for this adventure. Just beyond the pass, drive along the ancient caravan route used to transport goods to the court of the Sultan of Marrakech in Telouet. The village is the home of a fantastic Kasbah, which used to house the sultan's main residence as well as his court, stables, a mosque and countless slaves. It is amazing to see the extravagance of this modern-day dynasty and the lavish interior of the palace.  On the road again, you'll head into the Ounila Valley canyon, one of the most scenic in Morocco. The road follows the canyon river, until you reach Tamdaght, where a delicious lunch can be arranged in a local Kasbah. 

Reaching mountainous Ait Ben Haddou in the afternoon, and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Its adobe houses are divided by mysterious passageways and intricate light patterns. For breathtaking views. Tie up your sneakers and climb through the narrow stone alleyways to the summit. Needless to say, great picture taking available here also.  Back on the road, time allowing, make a detour to visit the impressive film studios of Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco. Scenes from Gladiator, Troy, and Lawrence of Arabia were shot here.  Then start your way back across the High Atlas, this time on the tarmac road that was the first route built by the French Foreign Legion over the Atlas Mountains. The route winds its way through valleys and mountain peaks to arrive in Marrakech later in the evening.