Marrakech is a perfect base for exploring: in under two hours you can swap palm groves for snow-capped Atlas peaks, a stone desert for a mountain lake. With a rental car you leave whenever you like and skip the fixed-schedule group tours.
Here are our 8 favourite day trips, from the closest to the furthest.
Distance table
Driving times are approximate, from central Marrakech, without stops.
| Day trip | One-way distance | Driving time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agafay desert | ≈ 35 km | ≈ 45 min | Sunset, dinner in a desert camp |
| Lalla Takerkoust lake | ≈ 40 km | ≈ 45 min | Nature break, lunch by the water |
| Ourika valley (Setti Fatma) | ≈ 65 km | ≈ 1 h 30 | Waterfalls, Berber villages |
| Imlil | ≈ 65 km | ≈ 1 h 30 | Hiking, views of Toubkal |
| Oukaimeden | ≈ 75 km | ≈ 1 h 30 | High mountains, skiing in winter |
| Ouzoud waterfalls | ≈ 150 km | ≈ 2 h 45 | Morocco's highest waterfalls |
| Essaouira | ≈ 190 km | ≈ 2 h 45 | Ocean, medina, grilled fish |
| Ait Ben Haddou | ≈ 190 km | ≈ 3 h 30 | UNESCO kasbah, Tichka pass |
1. Agafay desert: the desert 45 minutes away
No sand dunes here, but a vast stony plateau of golden hills with the Atlas as a backdrop. It is the perfect trip for a sunset or a dinner in a desert camp. The last kilometres are sometimes on a gravel track: take it slowly — a small car manages fine in dry weather.
2. Lalla Takerkoust lake
This reservoir at the foot of the Atlas is a favourite picnic spot for Marrakchis. Lakeside restaurants with terraces, quad bikes and kayaks. Easy to combine with Agafay on the same day.
3. Ourika valley and Setti Fatma
The road follows the Ourika river past mud-brick villages. At Setti Fatma, at the end of the road, a path climbs to a series of waterfalls (wear proper shoes). At weekends and in summer the valley gets busy, so set off early. Note: after heavy rain the river can rise very quickly — check the weather first.
4. Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal
Imlil is the starting point for treks to Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak (4,167 m). Even without the summit, a two-to-three-hour walk to the village of Aroumd gives superb views. The road from Asni is a mountain road, but fully paved.
5. Oukaimeden
Africa's highest ski resort (when there is snow, usually January to March). The rest of the year it is a beautiful high-altitude drive, with prehistoric rock carvings to discover. The road is winding and can be snowy in winter.
6. Ouzoud waterfalls
At around 110 metres, these are Morocco's most spectacular falls. A path leads down to the bottom, where you will often meet Barbary macaques. It is a full day: 2 h 45 each way plus about 3 hours on site. A comfortable car such as the Volkswagen T-Roc makes the drive more pleasant.
7. Essaouira, the ocean town
A UNESCO-listed medina, ramparts, a fishing harbour and grilled fish: Essaouira is our customers' favourite. The road crosses argan forests and argan-oil cooperatives. There is no motorway: it is a two-lane road with plenty of lorries, so overtake patiently. Ideally, stay the night.
8. Ait Ben Haddou via Tizi n'Tichka
The longest and most spectacular trip: crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) to visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. It is doable in a day if you leave very early, but staying overnight is more comfortable. If you want to continue to the desert, read our Marrakech to Merzouga by car itinerary.
Which car for these day trips?
- Agafay, Takerkoust, Ourika: a small car like the Kia Picanto or Fiat 500 is plenty.
- Mountains (Imlil, Oukaimeden, Tichka): go for a bit more power and ground clearance, such as the Dacia Duster.
- Essaouira, Ouzoud, long days: a comfortable car — ideally automatic, like the Clio 5 automatic — makes long drives far more relaxing.
- Families: the 7-seat Dacia Jogger.
With unlimited mileage included in all our rentals, you can chain as many day trips as you like at no extra cost.
Tips for a great day out
- Leave early: you avoid the heat, the crowds and driving back in the dark.
- Download offline maps: coverage is weak in some valleys.
- Keep small change for guarded parking, local guides and small purchases.
- Ignore roadside "guides" waving you down; you do not have to stop.
- Respect speed limits entering villages: radar checks are frequent. Everything is explained in our guide to driving in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
For the ocean and atmosphere, Essaouira. For nature close by, the Ourika valley or Imlil. For a sunset without a long drive, the Agafay desert.
Can you do Essaouira as a day trip by car?
Yes: about 2 h 45 each way. Leave before 8.30 a.m. to enjoy the medina and harbour, and head back before dark.
Do I need a 4x4 for these trips?
No, all main roads are paved. Only a few access roads (some Agafay camps) are gravel tracks, which a normal car handles slowly in dry weather.
Ready to explore around Marrakech? Choose your car from our fleet, with delivery to your hotel or riad, or ask us anything on the contact page.