12 Unmissable Day Trips from Marrakech
What will you do in 2022?
Explore Morocco beyond the buzz of Marrakech Medina! From action adventures to foodie experiences to relaxed, cultural Moroccan holiday excursions, here are the best things to do in and around Marrakech. Having a day out from the Medina gives you the chance to experience another side to Morocco and all the wonder it offers.
Marrakech Action Adventures
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains – our private tour guides will take you on an incredible hiking adventure in the Atlas Mountains. Explore the rugged trails that weave between remote Berber villages used by local tribes for centuries. Pass craggy mountains and soak in the uninterrupted panoramic views for an immersive action adventure. Trails are at a high altitude and offer varying degrees of challenge based on the hiker's fitness level. Appropriate clothing and footwear is essential.
Mountain Biking in the Atlas Mountains – discover the magic of riding the rural Berber dirt tracks through the craggy Atlas Mountains on ‘giant’ bikes. One for adrenaline junkies that want to experience rural Morocco in all its splendour. This is one of the Riad Zamzam team’s favourite weekend activities! Trips can be tailored to a variety of fitness levels and different geographical locations, just ask our team to help organise your ride.
Terres D’Amanar Adventure Park – situated in the forest of Toubkal National Park, this is a fun family-friendly activity day. We think the park is best explored on horseback, our guides will take you on a wonderful horse trek. Alternatively, you may prefer to whizz through the air by ziplining through the Atlas Mountains (or abseil down if that’s more your thing). If you’re travelling in Marrakech with kids, you won’t want to miss this day out. Children under 4 will need adult supervision but there are also swings and trampolines for smaller kids. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, just 30 minutes outside of Marrakech.
Ouzoud Waterfalls – located in the high in the Atlas Mountains, these are the tallest waterfalls in North Africa. Take in the dramatic landscape by hiking the path or opt for a more leisurely boat ride across the El-Abid River. You can also experience meeting the friendly resident Macaque monkeys. Waterproof coat and comfy shoes are essential.
Oukaimenden – Morocco isn’t just for beach lovers and city explorers, we also have a ski resort located just 80km from Riad Zamzam for skiing or snowboarding (typically between January and March). Yes, really! But if you’re not a fan of winter sports, you may prefer to just lunch in the heart of the mountains on this pre-historic site and take in the breath-taking alpine scenery.
Morocco for Foodies: Unique Dining Experiences
Jarjeer Donkey and Mule Sanctuary – an incredible, humbling and inspiring experience, a wonderful way to give back and unique venue to enjoy lunch
Berber BBQ on the beach – discover Morocco’s secret beach retreat, chez Berber Mo. A rare opportunity to experience an authentic insight into Bedouin life. Enjoy Mo’s famous Berber BBQ for an unforgettable wild dining experience overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A wonderfully undiscovered spot of Morocco’s Jurassic coast. Located just 40mins. from Essaouira. The more adventurous amongst you, may like to glamp under the stars chez Mo, in the luxury beach yurt, Petit à Petit.
Plateau du Kik, Marrakech – hike the trails from nearby Berber villages into the High Atlas Mountains then enjoy a picnic while taking in the magnificent views of the rugged landscape including Northern Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
Jardin Bio Aromatique d’Ourika – relax and unwind in these wonderful sensory gardens, the first of their kind in Morocco. Discover local aromatic, medicinal and ornamental plants, their uses and herbal remedies. Treat yourself to the finest handcrafted Berber skincare products or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment surrounded by nature (we recommend the salt and essential oil foot baths). Artisan baking and traditional cooking workshops and wellness experiences can also be arranged by request.
Explore Morocco: Cultural & Historical Travel Experiences
Essaouira – explore the old Portuguese Port, wander the alleyways of the Old Medina, shop for artisan crafts and Berber folk arts and stroll along the expansive sandy beach to see the castle ruins of the Bordj El Berod, said to have inspired Jimi Hendrix. A culturally immersive and family friendly excursion for everyone.
The Medieval City of Aghmat – visit the ancient remains of the first settlers at the Medieval site of Aghmat. The city pre-dates Marrakech and is considered to be of great archaeological importance to Morocco offering a unique insight into ancient Berber society and their development of commercial trading. Located just 30km from Marrakech, you could combine this trip with a visit to Ourika, our team will be happy to assist planning your day out.
Le Musée Berbère – the most quintessential of things to do in Marrakech! A visit to the Berber museum of African art will help you to better understand the culture and ways of the indigenous people. Celebrating Berber tribal identity; their rich and diverse, highly creative, expressionism. Located in the former painting studio of Jacques Majorelle, right in the heart of the Majorelle Garden, the studio was later acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Their curated objects form the museum’s collection feature over 600 Berber objects and a whole room dedicated to the costumes of Berber women (a cultural insight into their social status and identity).
Whatever kind of day out you’d like during your stay in Marrakech, we can arrange all of your private tours and itineraries for an excellent holiday in Morocco with our trusted guides and transport company. For bookings, please discuss with a member of the Riad Zamzam during your stay or by getting in touch before your arrival. We look forward to planning your next adventure!
