The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Marrakech

Exciting outdoor activities await you in Marrakech, from camel rides in the desert to excursions in the Atlas Mountains - unforgettable adventures await in this magical city!
The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Marrakech

Other popular activities in Marrakech

More about: The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Marrakech

Atlas Mountains| ©xiquinhosilva
Atlas Mountains| ©xiquinhosilva

1. Dinner under the stars in the Agafay Desert

Nothing represents the essence of Morocco better than a dinner in the desert, surrounded by dunes and with the starry sky as a ceiling. In this experience, you will travel to the Agafay Desert, where you will enjoy an unforgettable evening with local gastronomy, live music and the silence of the desert as a backdrop.

In addition, some excursions include a sunset camel ride, one of Morocco's most iconic sights.

Book your desert excursion with dinner

2. Sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Marrakech

If you are looking for a unique experience, a hot air balloon ride over the desert is one of the most spectacular ways to start the day. At sunrise, when the first rays of sunlight turn the sand golden, you will take off gently and see Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains from the air.

The sensation of floating in the silence of the Moroccan sky is hard to describe, but it is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Morocco.

Book your balloon ride over the desert

3. Excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert

If you love nature, this excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert is perfect for you. You will start by touring the mountainous landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, where you will visit Berber villages and learn about the local culture.

Later, the journey continues to the Agafay Desert, where you can experience the vastness of the landscape and end the day with tea in a traditional haima.

Book your excursion to the Atlas and Agafay Desert

4. Night in a Berber haima in the Zagora Desert

If you dream of living the full experience of sleeping in the desert, the Zagora Desert tour is for you. You will drive through the Atlas Mountains, past breathtaking landscapes and traditional villages until you reach the dunes of Zagora.

There, you will ride a camel at sunset and spend the night in a Berber camp, with dinner, music and the starry sky as your only light.

Book your excursion to the Zagora Desert

5. Visit Essaouira and its medina by the sea

Essaouira is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, with its white medina, its fishing port and its relaxed atmosphere. On this excursion from Marrakech, you will walk through its old town, visit its fortress by the sea and enjoy its endless beaches.

Along the way, you'll also stop to see the famous goats climbing the argan trees, one of Morocco's most curious sights.

Book your trip to Essaouira

6. Route through the Ourika Valley and its waterfalls

Just an hour from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley is a natural refuge where water, mountains and vegetation create a landscape completely different from that of the city.

On this excursion, you can visit its Berber villages, walk along paths surrounded by nature and discover the famous Setti Fatma waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip if the weather permits.

Book your excursion to the Ourika Valley

7. Climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco

For hiking enthusiasts, the ascent of Mount Toubkal is a challenge not to be missed. At 4,167 metres, it is the highest mountain in North Africa, and climbing to its summit will give you spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.

The trek crosses valleys, rivers and Berber villages, offering a unique experience for those seeking adventure in its purest form.

Book your trekking to Mount Toubkal

8. Quad biking adventure and camel trekking in the desert

If you want to combine adventure and tradition, this quad biking and camel trekking tour is ideal. You'll start by riding through the desert landscapes on a powerful quad bike, gliding over sandy trails and arid areas.

Afterwards, you'll swap speed for calm and get on a camel to experience the desert at the leisurely pace of this emblematic Moroccan animal.

Book your quad bike and camel ride tour

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 24917 Reviews
  • K
    K. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    We had a fantastic trip into the Atlas Mountains. Our driver Omar was a delight, first stop was the Camel ride which was great fun and then a lovely Moroccan breakfast. Mohammed the guide took a beautiful route up the mountain, visiting the waterfalls, stopping for tea and eventually a delicious Moroccan lunch.
  • E
    E. L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Very good tour, and very interesting and informative guide
  • M
    M. A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This was a lovely excursion! The minibus was nicely air conditioned and the tour guide was also very nice. You get to visit an argan oil production place which was quite cool and then in Essaouira, you are free to explore! I really enjoyed my time, but if you do not enjoy long journeys, this might not be for you as the trip was really long. I still had lots of fun though!
  • C
    C. A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    It’s a very enjoyable trip. Amazing!
  • G
    G. W.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Great trip, guide was also good. You are taken to a breakfast on route, which is a bit of a sales gimmick. But up to you if you want to buy anything, hike from Berber town up about 400ft of rocks and steps, then around part of mountain about 1900ft asl. Good views, then on to lunch. Also very good