Day Trips from Marrakech: Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is 60km south of Marrakech — 90 minutes by grand taxi or private transfer. The valley runs between the High Atlas foothills, a narrow road following a river through a series of Berber villages, terraced gardens and roadside stalls selling pottery and argan products. The destination is the Setti Fatma waterfalls at the valley's head — a 40-minute walk from the last village through rocky riverbed.

Imlil and the High Atlas

Imlil, 60km from Marrakech in the High Atlas, is the trailhead for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal — at 4,167m, the highest peak in North Africa. A multi-day trek to the summit requires guides and decent fitness, but Imlil itself is worth visiting for the Berber village atmosphere, mule convoys and mountain views.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls

Three hours northeast of Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls cascade 110m in three stages into a pool where Barbary macaques congregate. This is Morocco's most impressive waterfall and genuinely uncrowded compared to the Ourika Valley. Many operators in Marrakech run day trips; alternatively, take a CTM bus.

Ait Benhaddou

This UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) four hours southeast was the filming location for Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Most visitors combine it with a route into the Draa Valley and desert.