Day Trips from Marrakech: Which Ones Are Worth It?
Marrakech is a good base for day trips, but not all of them are equal. Some are lovely and some are long drives to a nice view. Here is how they compare, and when it is better to stay overnight.
At a glance
- Closest
- Agafay, Lalla Takerkoust, Ourika
- Best waterfalls
- Ouzoud
- Best coast
- Essaouira
- Not a day trip
- Ait Benhaddou and the Sahara
In this guide
Quick comparison
| Trip | One way | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Agafay desert | About 45 minutes | Sunset, a quick desert taste |
| Ourika Valley | About 1 hour | Waterfalls, a village lunch, cooler air |
| Imlil | About 1.5 hours | Hiking, mountain views |
| Essaouira | 2.5 to 3 hours | The sea, seafood, a slower pace |
| Ouzoud Falls | About 3 hours | The biggest waterfalls in Morocco |
| Ait Benhaddou | About 4 hours | Better as an overnight |
Ourika Valley
The nearest slice of mountain scenery. The road follows a river up to Setti Fatma, where a short, slippery path climbs to a series of waterfalls. It gets crowded at weekends, and in spring the river can be high. Some tours include a stop at a "Berber home" for tea; that is fine if you want it, but you can also skip it.
Ouzoud Falls
A tall, wide waterfall with a wooded gorge below it, wild macaques on the paths and boat rides at the bottom. It is a long day, but worth it if you like waterfalls. Spring is best, when flows are strongest.
Essaouira
If you can only do one trip, do this one. It is a different mood from Marrakech, with sea breeze, grilled fish and a calm medina. It is possible in a day but better as a night. Read the Essaouira guide.
Imlil and the High Atlas
A base for walking and the start of the route up Jebel Toubkal. A day in Imlil gets you mule tracks, orchards and mountain views. For the full climb, see our Toubkal hike guide. After the September 2023 earthquake, parts of the valley were damaged, so check local conditions.
Agafay desert
Technically a stony plateau rather than a sand desert, but the camps, the sunsets and the Atlas backdrop make it a popular evening out. For real dunes, go further, to Merzouga or Zagora.
Ait Benhaddou and the south
It can be done in a very long day, but you spend eight hours in a car. If you want the southern kasbahs, stay a night near Ait Benhaddou or Ouarzazate and continue to the desert. See the 7-day itinerary.
How to book
- Group tour: cheapest, but fixed stops and shopping detours.
- Private driver: costs more but lets you stop where you want. Ask your riad for a driver they know.
- Taxi or shared grand taxi for Essaouira and Imlil. You can go by CTM or Supratours bus to Essaouira: see getting around.
Start early
Leave by 8 am. Traffic out of Marrakech, heat and crowds all build through the morning. For a sense of the whole city first, read things to do in Marrakech.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
Essaouira for a change of scene, Ouzoud Falls for nature, and Ourika for a short mountain escape.
Can you visit the Sahara as a day trip from Marrakech?
No. The real dunes are 9 to 10 hours away. Agafay is the closest desert-style option.
Is Ouzoud Falls worth the drive?
If you like waterfalls and have a day to spare, yes. It is a three-hour trip each way.