Best day trips from Marrakesh

The Marrakesh heat and medina stress can take its toll. This is true for tourists and Marrakeshi’s alike. So when faced with a free day ahead, do as the locals do and escape into the east.

Always hovering in the distance of Marrakesh’s horizons are the Atlas Mountains, home to Berber villages, beautiful waterfalls and, if you time it right, even a bit of skiing.

Get your timing right, and you could be skiing or snowboarding in Oukaimeden © Mehdi ASEBBANE / Shutterstock

1. Oukaimeden

Why go: Head up to Oukaimeden around January or February to get a chance to ski or board down the snow covered peaks – not something most tourists to Morocco get to brag about. At other times of the year the town goes dead but that shouldn’t put you off – it’s still a cool getaway, and you can wander around the incredible Atlas Mountains to your heart’s content.

What to do: Ski, snowboard, hike.

How to get there: If you’re without a car then head to the taxi station just south of Djemaa El Fna. If you go in the morning, you should be able to negotiate a taxi with locals going up for a similar day trip: the cab will take you up and you’ll all decide a time to meet up again later to head back down. The price will depend on your negotiating skill.

Travel time: Approximately 90 minutes.

Imlil is the main base for climbers heading for Mt Toubkal © soren-asher / Getty Images

2. Imlil

Why go: The end of this section of road heading up into the mountains, Imlil is a collection of Berber villages with beautiful mountain walks all around. Magnificent just on its own, Imlil is also the main base from which people start hikes up Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

What to do: Take walks and hikes, checking out the local wares as you go.

How to get there: From the taxi station just south of Djemaa El Fna there are often group taxis heading up to Imlil. On quieter days, jump in one going to Asni and from there take the 10dhs minibus the rest of the way (be warned, they will cram as many people on as possible).

Travel time: 90 minutes to two hours.

There is stunning mountain scenery around Setti Fatma in the Ourika Valley © Craig Pershouse / Getty Images

3. Setti Fatma waterfalls

Why go: Explore some of the natural majesty of waterfalls and caves from the start point of Setti Fatma. Alternatively relax in one of the riverside restaurants to feel the cool mountain stream at your feet and fresh mint tea at your lips. This could be combined with a longer trip to explore the rest of the Ourika Valley (below).

What what to do: Hike the waterfalls – some involve climbing, so make sure you hire an official guide and be wary of fakes. Official guides can be hired from tourist offices and will have official documentation.

Where to eat and drink: To escape the hawkish atmosphere on a more touristy day, keep walking up the main road until you find yourself in some of the slightly further villages. A few cafes along the river here will be much more peaceful.

How to get there: Group taxis can be found at the taxi station just south of Djemaa El Fna.

Travel time: One hour to 90 minutes.

4. Ourika Valley

Why go: Though the waterfalls are the main stop for many, traipsing along the Ourika Valley up mountain roads and through several villages is another great way to see this part of Moroccan life. Numerous agencies offer day tours that will show you natural wonders as well as villages all along the way.

What to do: Take a trek along the river, and visit local artisans.

How to get there: Group taxis from the taxi station south of Djemaa El Fna will take you to places along the way, but to really explore more than just one town or village you’ll need a car or to be part of a tour group.

Travel time: Ourika itself is around 45 minutes from Marrakesh.

Saturday is the best day to visit the Berber village of Asni © coscaron / Getty Images / iStockphoto

5. Asni

Why go: Asni is a small group of mountain villages with a bustling Saturday market that attracts traders from all over the region. It's nice to stop in to see it, but expect hawkers and attempts to rustle money out of tourists on the main thoroughfare. It's more peaceful to wander around the more residential areas.

What to do: Visit on a Saturday. Spend time at the market and browse the local shops selling trinkets.

How to get there: Group taxis from the taxi station south of Djemaa El Fna shouldn’t be more than 20dhs, more likely around 15dhs (maybe less if you’re good at haggling).

Travel time: Around an hour.

6. Tighdouine, Zat Valley

Why go: Head into the town of Tighdouine as a quieter outpost for a day exploring the mountain scenery. See the lush valley, crystal streams and remote communities as you walk further from the beaten path.

What to do: Enjoy wandering around this mountain region. Check out the small national park and eat in some of the rustic roadside restaurants.

How to get there: Grande taxis can sometimes take you to nearby villages but you’ll likely need a car – and a good one – to get there with enough time. Some tour companies offer day trips to the valley.

Travel time: Just over an hour.