For those short on time, one of those day trips
from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains is the
perfect solution. Escape from the noise and
bustle of Marrakech to the clean mountain air,
traditional Berber Villages and stunning
mountain views of the Atlas Mountains
Imlil valley
The busy trekking center of Imlil is tucked under Toubkal, the
highest mountain in North Africa. You can visit the Asni Berber
market (Saturday only), walk up to the kasbah and explore
surrounding trails under the shadow of Toubkal. Imlil is a nice
roadless destination to cool off from the heat in Marrakech, immerse
yourself into a Berber village for a day, and is especially pleasant
in October when the whole valley smells of apples. Clear blue skies
and sunshine make for great trekking weather. Return to Marrakech
1.5 hours one way. There are numerous small cafes and restaurants to
have lunch or buy walnuts and apples for your day trek. Not
recommended in winter due to snow and cold December to February.
Simple tour : Toubkal Trailhead
( 1 to 6 hours walking ).
12km walk from Imlil heading up the Imlil Valley
(along the Valley floor) towards the mighty peak
of Toubkal.
Pick up in Marrakech at 9am for the picturesque
two hour drive to Imlil through the Moulay
Brahim Gorges and the buzzing market town of
Asni. You’ll meet your guide in Imlil itself and
take mint tea (usually on the roof terrace
overlooking the mountains).
From Imlil you will trek to Aroumd and then
further up the valley towards Sidi Chamharouch –
a place of pilgrimage for devout Muslims. The
shrine is thought to date from pre-Islamic
Berber religions. You will take a picnic lunch
by the river-side in full view of Toubkal before
heading back down the other side of the valley
back to Imlil and then on to Marrakech.
Tizi n’Tichka, Telouet, Ait Benhaddou
This destination is perfect for those of you who want a glimpse of
the desert and the beautiful kasbahs built by Berber tribes who rule
the Atlas. Three hours one way takes you to the gateway of Sahara,
traversing the Tichka Pass of the High Atlas. The steep mountain
hillsides are clustered with fortified mud dwellings housing many
families and their livestock. You'll spend the afternoon exploring
the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, used as a backdrop
for more than 20 films and was one of the most important fortress
strongholds on the old Salt Road caravan route where traders brought
slaves, gold, ivory and salt from Saharan Africa to Marrakech and
beyond. In Telouet you'll visit the old Glaoui kasbah. This kasbah
has an amazing story behind it, intrinsically linked to the
formation of Morocco as a country. It was once a beautiful kasbah
but now stands crumbling to ruin because no one wants to remember
"the vulture" sultan and his son who lived here until the 1950's;
You may also visit Ouarzazate, and the Atlas film studios where
films such as the Mummy, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia etc. have
been filmed - adds about 2 hours, including loo stops etc.
Recommended year round.
Cascades Ouzoud
This beautiful green, moist location in the front ranges of the High
Atlas is a welcome relief to the heat and busy city of Marrakech. A
day in nature 3 hours away. And if the weather is cool and rainy,
even better! The falls swell with runoff and can be spectacular in
the rain. The gorge below the falls is an endless series of pools
that offer some fine day hiking with varying views up and down the
valley. This future bioreserve is home to wild Barbary apes and
makes for some interesting bird watching too. Nearby Berber villages
in the surrounding hills are perfect for walks any time of year, any
kind of weather. Have lunch in one of the many simple terraced
restaurants, or chill out with a glass of wine on a riad terrace
overlooking the falls. This day involves walking on cliffside trails
and stairs climbs. July and August the falls are very popular with
Morccans on holiday.
Essaouira
Jimi Hendrix visited once, and he should have stayed in this very
pretty, laid-back artist colony three hours from Marrakech. Situated
on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira has a steady year round temperature
in the C20's. The expansive golden beach is popular with
windsurfers. Famous fresh grilled seafood, thuja wood carvers and
silver crafters work under the old Portuguese ramparts guarding the
city from the sea. One of the most charming medinas in all of
Morocco. Visit a traditional pharmacy and learn about natural
medicines and cures, and a women’s cooperative where argan nuts are
processed by hand into one of the rarest and most versatile oils in
the world. Recommended year round, especially in summer when it
makes a nice relief from Marrakech heat.
Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma
Just 1.5 hours from Marrakech, this pleasent journey into
into the High Atlas mountains takes you through winding Ourika
valley roads ending at Setti Fatma. Climb above village waterfalls,
enjoy vistas, running streams, and after, enjoy a locally made
tagine or Berber omelette. An unspoiled day hike above Setti Fatma
explores through remote villages on pretty mountain trails used only
by Berbers going to and from market with their donkeys. Or visit the
Monday market in Ourika, where artisans manufacture handicrafts
found in the Marrakech souks such as coloured glass and metal tin
lanterns, hand painted woodwork and furniture, wicker terrace
furnishings and High Atlas village style carpets. Recommended year
round, especially in summer when it makes a nice relief from
Marrakech.
There is a possibility of snow and cold December to February.
Alternatives available :
- 4x4 day trips from Marrakech.
- Day camel trek near asni
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