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.
Excursions from Ouarzazate:
Excursion Todra Gorges: Departure in the morning to Todra Gorge through the magnificent Amerhidil kasbah in the extensive of Skoura Oasis. Set off to the Valley of Roses and El Kelàa M’Gouna and continue to Todra Gorges. Refresh yourself by the water of the river. In the evening drive back to Ouarzazate.
Excursion Dades Gorges: Morning departure and travel to the dramatic landscape of the Dades gorges via the Valley of Roses and El Kelàa M’Gouna. Overlooking the green banks of wadis, take a scenic walk to enjoy breathtaking views of the Gorges. Return to Ouarzazate in the evening.
Excursion Zagora: Travel through the Anti Atlas Mountains to the typical village of Agdz and the magnificent Draa valley with its millions of palm plantation. Continue to Tamegroute where you will visit the splendid Koranic library and the potters’ workshops to observe the making of traditional functional pots with a green glaze typical of Tamegroute ceramics.
Excursion Kasbah Ait Benhaddou: Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is one of the most spectacular sights in the south of Morocco. Among the most well preserved, this Kasbah was classified as a UNESCO world heritage since 1986 for its typical architecture. The ksar was served as a natural setting for several movies including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Jesus of Nazareth”. Recently, the government announced a plan to rehabilitate Ait Benhaddou ksar in order to conserve the Moroccan cultural heritage. There are now only 5 families living in the kasbahs.
Excursion City tour & Kasbahs: Ouarzazate is one of Morocco’s new Saharan towns located in the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. It was built in 1928 by French protectorate and used as a military garrison and administrative centre of the area. Since 1980s, Ouarzazate city inspires not only movie makers but also visitors seeking adventure trips and Sahara experiences in the deep south of the Draa valley, Dades and Merzouga dunes.
Ouarzazate highlights and attractions include: Cinemas studios and Kasbahs Tiffoultoute and Taourirt, both built in the 18th century and can be visited – the first one offers a great panoramic view of Ouarzazate River and the second was the residence of the former Pacha of Marrakech.
Weekly market: Saturday and Sunday only.