Excursions in Morocco

Excursions from Marrakech:

Marrakech was founded in the 11th century and has always captured the imagination of Western travelers. Its rich history as a unique Imperial City is reflected in its various quarters. Within the ramparts are the souks where tribesmen in the south and Berber villagers come to sell handicrafts and foodstuffs. Located in the fertile plain of Haouz, at the foot of the magnificent Atlas Mountains, this city is of incredible beauty, projecting its ochre walls and monuments to the rays of sunshine. From Marrakech, you can easily arrange excursions in Morocco reaching up to Ourika Valley, Asni, d’Ouzoud Waterfalls, Ait Benhaddou and Essaouira, which are trips not to be missed.

Ourika Valley Excursion: Departure from your hotel / riad at 9:30am. A beautiful drive of 60km takes you to the foot of the Atlas at about 1,000m altitude. Discover and explore the small villages, cafes, grocery shops and small hotels clinging to the sides of the mountains, terraced agriculture, and clear fresh water from the Ourika river. You will visit a Berber house to experience their lifestyle, simplicity of equipment and the privacy of a Berber family. Then you will assist in the preparation of mint tea and exchange cultures with the family.

Asni Ouirgane Excursion:A very nice trip to a valley typical of the High Atlas. Asni is located almost at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest point of North Africa at 4,160m. In the valley is a succession of traditional Berber villages. Alternatively, it is also possible to continue along the Tizi-n-Test Pass road to the Mosque of Tin Mal, the last remaining sign of the Almohad conquest in the 12th century, and admire the architecture of unparalleled elegance.

Essaouira Excursion: Charming small town, Essaouira is the old Portuguese city of Mogador. It was fortified by a French architect, Theodore Cornut. These influences have given a beautiful and unique result. Today, the city is gradually becoming a city of artists.
Essaouira has a very favorable microclimate that ensures a mild winter and cool summer. Its beautiful beach is protected by islands Purpuraires. Artisans of Essaouira are famous for inlay on root growth cedar and offer a wide range of items from the souvenir to parts of furniture and works of art.

Cascade d’Ouzoud – Waterfalls of the Middle Atlas Excursion:These waterfalls (110m high) are located in the Grand Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt. It is one of the most visited sites in the region. In the vicinity, green valleys, mills, orchards and a superb circuit of the gorges of the Slaves’ Riverare can be found. Ouzoud is the Berber word for “olive”, referring to the nearby olive trees. The bottom of the falls is accessible through a shaded path of olive trees. At the summit of the falls, there exist a dozen of old small mills that are still in use. In the twilight, one can observe whole troops of monkeys (beige-coated macaques with eyes outlined in black). One can also follow a narrow and difficult track leading to the road of Beni Malal, while descending the gorges of “Wadi el-Abid”, admiring the majestic succession of cascades and permanent rainbow created by the mist thrown up by the water.

Ait benhaddou & Ouarzazate excursion: This day excursion will pass completely through the chain of the High Atlas by the route Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, the highest road in Africa. Admire mountains of beautiful and traditional Berber villages. You will notice the difference between the two sides of the chain: the North maintains a clear Mediterranean character, while the South is much more arid and Saharan. This is marked by the vegetation, but also in the mode of construction of traditional housing that takes into account climatic conditions which are very different.