More about: 7 Best Day Trips to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
Less than an hour from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains offer a complete change of scenery: fresh air, green valleys and Berber villages nestled among the mountains. A trip to this area is the best way to discover rural Morocco in just one day. Here are the most recommended options for doing so.
1. Full excursion through the valleys and villages of the Atlas Mountains
One of the most accessible ways to explore the High Atlas is with this day trip through the valleys and Berber villages, ideal for those seeking nature and culture without straying too far from Marrakech. Throughout the day, you will travel through changing landscapes, from hills covered with orchards to steep slopes, with stops in small villages that preserve the traditional way of life.
The experience includes a camel ride, breakfast with a local family and the option of taking the tour in a group or privately. This is a relaxed excursion, designed for those who want to discover another side of Morocco without the need for long journeys or prior planning.
Depending on the route of the day, you can also see areas such as the Imlil or Asni valleys, with views of Jbel Toubkal on clear days. These valleys are known for their agricultural terraces and hiking trails, although this experience is designed for you to enjoy the landscape in a comfortable and leisurely way, without having to walk long distances.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 7 hours
- Price: From €23
- Advantages: includes guide, camel ride and traditional breakfast.
- Disadvantages: Entrance fees to monuments and long walks are not included.
2. Excursion to Ouarzazate from Marrakech
Another way to visit the Atlas Mountains is through an excursion to Ouarzazate from Marrakech . You will visit a city belonging to the section of the mountain range known as the High Atlas. You will enter a unique natural setting, dominated by beautiful snow-capped mountains.
You will travel by car for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, crossing the impressive Tizi n'Tichkauna mountain pass, which connects Marrakech with Ouarzazate and offers a spectacular view of the mountain range. This is a route of approximately 200 kilometres, which you will travel safely in the company of an experienced guide-driver.
In this city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, you will discover some Berber kasbahs such as the fortress of Ait Ben Haddou. Thanks to your guide, you will also identify iconic locations used in film productions such as Jesus of Nazareth (1977), The Mummy (1999), Prince of Persia (2010), etc.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately from 11 to 12 hours
- Price: From €33
- Advantages: as this is an organised tour, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you about the history of the place and help you explore it to the fullest.
- Disadvantages: The experience does not usually include food or drinks, so you will need to bring your own provisions.
3. Hot air balloon ride over the desert with views of the Atlas Mountains
Seeing the day break from the air is an experience you'll remember forever, and that's exactly what this hot air balloon flight over the Marrakech desert and the Atlas Mountains offers. You'll take off at first light, floating silently over dunes, remote villages and the still-shaded peaks of the High Atlas.
The plan also includes a Berber breakfast in a traditional kasbah, all without the rush or crowds. Ideal for celebrating something special, taking unique photos or simply enjoying a different kind of morning. One of those peaceful and memorable experiences that fits perfectly into any trip to Marrakech.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Price: From €125
- Advantages: spectacular views, typical breakfast and a unique experience.
- Disadvantages: activity subject to weather conditions.
4. Excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Three Valleys from Marrakech
For those who want to get away from the city and breathe in a different pace, this day trip to the Three Valleys of the Atlas offers a perfect combination of landscapes, local culture and gastronomy. From the moment you set off, the route gains height and beauty: rivers, green fields, Berber villages and mountains silhouetted against the horizon.
During the day, you will enjoy a camel ride, a traditional meal, a stop for tea with a local family and time to walk among the valleys. All this without any hassle or need for prior preparation. An ideal option if you fancy a complete, accessible excursion with lots to see in just a few hours.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 7 hours
- Price: From €33
- Advantages: includes lunch, camel ride and expert guide.
- Disadvantages: Long day if travelling with young children.
5. 2-day excursion to the Zagora desert from Marrakech with a night in a camp
If you have a couple of days free, this adventure in the Zagora desert with a night in a Berber camp is the most comfortable way to experience the contrast between the city, the mountains and the dunes. You'll pass through the High Atlas, discover the legendary Aït Ben Haddou and travel for miles through landscapes that change with every step.
When you reach the desert, you'll ride a camel to a camp where a traditional dinner under the stars awaits you. The next day, the return journey is also a scenic route with cultural stops. The entire journey is made in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide. A complete experience, perfect for those who want to experience the desert without travelling as far as the routes to Merzouga.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 2 days
- Price: From €96
- Advantages: night in the desert, camel ride, historic kasbahs.
- Disadvantages: long road journeys, sudden changes in temperature.
6. Excursion to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech with views of the Agafay Desert
This adventure to the Atlas Mountains is very popular. You will travel worry-free in a comfortable van, enjoying an amazing scenic route. In addition, you will have the company of a guide-driver, who will tell you about the history of the place.
You will depart from the centre of Marrakech and head to the Imlil Valley, in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The route is about 63 kilometres long, which takes approximately 2 hours. This valley is the starting point for the main hiking trails to Jbel Toubkal.
Once in Imlil, you will take a camel ride, visit a Berber village and admire the impressive panorama of the mountain range, with peaks reaching up to 4,167 metres. In addition, with this excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert from Marrakech, you will also see the dunes and palm trees of the desert region.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 1 day
- Price: From €26
- Advantages: with this experience, you will not only discover the Atlas Mountains, but you will also enjoy an excursion to the Agafay Desert from Marrakech.
- Disadvantages: The experience does not include hiking in the mountains.
7. Excursion to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech with trekking on Mount Toubkal
The 2-day excursion to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, is another way to visit the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. You will enjoy a comfortable transfer by minibus to this important mountain range. You will also be accompanied by an experienced guide who will take you on a trekking adventure through a dreamlike natural setting.
The trip starts in the centre of Marrakech, from where you will travel about 60 kilometres to the village of Imlil. This village is located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains and, apart from its unique charm, is notable for being the starting point for climbing Mount Toubkal.
During the journey, you will see the Sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch, considered a sacred destination in these mountains, where people once came to cure rheumatism and infertility. Likewise, as you ascend to the peak of Toubkal, located at over 4,000 metres in the Atlas Mountains, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery.
On this 2-day trekking excursion to Mount Toubkal from Marrakech, you will see an impressive natural contrast. You will leave the desert region behind and gradually enter the snow-covered terrain of this imposing peak.
Useful information
- Duration: Approximately 2 days
- Price: From €135
- Advantages: along the ascent, you will find a couple of refuges where you can recharge your batteries.
- Disadvantages: if you are not in good physical condition, the trekking route could be a little demanding.
Other ways to explore the Atlas Mountains on your own
If you prefer to explore the Atlas Mountains without joining an organised tour, there are several ways to do it on your own from Marrakech. Depending on how much time you have, your budget and your preferences, you can choose to rent a car, travel by bus, take a taxi or even set off on a motorcycle adventure. Below, I detail the most common options for getting to this impressive mountain range on your own.
By rental car
If you want to explore the Atlas Mountains at your own pace during your stay in Marrakech, renting a car can be an excellent option. From the city centre or the airport, you'll find agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar, with a wide variety of vehicles. You can take the road south of Marrakech, where the mountain range stretches out, and stop off at villages such as Kik Plateau and Ourika or natural areas such as Toubkal National Park.
By bus
Travelling by bus is the cheapest option, although it requires more time and planning. Companies such as Supratours and CTM offer routes from Marrakech to valleys such as Ourika, Imlil, Asni and other villages located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. If your destination is more remote, such as the Eastern High Atlas National Park, you will need to travel to cities such as Midelt and combine with local taxis, which can extend the journey to more than 10 hours.
By taxi
The grand taxi service is a convenient and quick way to reach the nearest points in the mountains. You can arrange the journey with drivers near Jemaa el-Fnaa square or book in advance with platforms such as Roby Taxi. Although they do not use meters, you can negotiate the price before setting off. This is a good option if you do not want to hire a car or adapt to bus timetables.
By motorbike
For the more adventurous, renting a motorbike allows you to enjoy the route to the Atlas Mountains from a different perspective. In Marrakech, there are companies such as Rentalmotorbike.com where you can get motorbikes suitable for long journeys. It's a dynamic way to explore southern Morocco and stop at places such as the Ourika Valley, Imlil or the Tizi-n-Test pass, enjoying the landscape in complete freedom.
We compare the options for travelling to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
- Organised excursion
- Excursion to the Atlas Mountains (Imlil Valley) in the Atlas Mountains
with views of the Agafay Desert
- Price: approx. £27 per person
- Duration: the journey from the city centre to the Imlil Valley in the Atlas Mountains takes 2 hours
- Advantage: with this excursion, all you have to worry about is enjoying your destination.
- Disadvantage: the excursion does not usually include hiking activities in the mountains
- Car hire
- Price: an average of £30 to £50 per day (depending on the model)
- Duration: the trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech takes between 2 and 4 hours. This time varies depending on your chosen destination and the number of stops you make along the way.
- Advantage: you can travel at your own pace through the Atlas Mountains
- Disadvantage: you are responsible for the cost of fuel
- Grand Taxi
- Price: generally starts at around £50 to £100 per transfer (depending on the distance)
- Duration: the transfer time from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains starts at 2 hours (depending on the destination selected in the mountain range)
- Advantage: you will travel quickly, comfortably and without interruptions
- Disadvantage: fares are usually expensive
- Motorcycle rental
- Price: the minimum rental cost is €30 (approx.)
- Duration: you can drive between 2 and 6 hours from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains (depending on the destination selected in the mountain range)
- Advantage: you will enjoy a unique adventure where you decide the itinerary
- Disadvantage: this means of transport is not suitable during winter in Marrakech, as rainfall is unpredictable
Tips for travelling between the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech
If you have decided to visit the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech on a tour, by bus, taxi, car or motorbike rental, you should take some basic advice into consideration . This will help you avoid inconveniences and improve your experience.
- Book tours, cars and motorbikesin advance. This is especially important if you plan to travel during the high season, which is from March to May in Marrakech. The months of September and October are also very busy in Marrakech.
- If you plan to drive yourself, make sure you have a valid international driving licence. This applies to both cars and motorbikes.
- Drive with caution. Keep in mind that the roads in Marrakech are narrow and some sections are not in very good condition.
- Check the tourist office website to get a better idea of the city when planning your visit to the Atlas Mountains.
- If you rent a motorbike, remember to follow the safety rules in Marrakech for driving this type of vehicle. Wear a helmet and gloves and drive carefully.