10 Best Outdoor Adventures in and Around Marrakech

Although not your typical outdoor adventure, a Marrakech walking tour is a great way to get outside and explore the city. With the help of your guide, navigate your way through the labyrinthine streets to find incredible monuments, squares and souks.

Pay a visit to Jemaa el-Fna, a bustling square filled with snake charmers, street performers and food stalls. Stop by the architectural marvel and historical landmark known as Bahia Palace. Or, make your way to Kutubiyya Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech.

Hop on a powerful ATV and suit up for an adrenaline-pumping Marrakech Palmeraie quad bike adventure. Just 30 minutes from Marrakech, this dry, bright red soil is the perfect playground for you to race at epic speeds and try new tricks on your new ride.

While the ATV is the purpose of the excursion, you also get to enjoy the sights along the way. Your guide will take you past thriving palm tree groves, hidden villages and more on this off-roading adventure.

Located just outside of the heart of Marrakech, the Menara Gardens are the perfect place for a peaceful escape from the busy city. Originally established in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate ruler Abd al-Mu'min, these historic gardens now boast an expansive olive grove, reflecting pools, a picturesque pavilion and so much more.

During your visit, stroll through the thriving plants while taking in the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains in the background. It’s also a great spot to settle down for a picture-perfect picnic lunch. Whatever you choose to do, the Menara Gardens is a fantastic nature-focused attraction.

A couple of hours outside of Marrakech, you’ll find Ouzoud Falls. As soon as you get a glimpse, this 3-tiered cascade will make your jaw drop in awe.

As for what to do at Ouzoud Falls, you’ll have a few different options. Hike along the greenery-laden trails, take a boat ride to the falls or even go for a swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall. Don’t forget to capture stunning pictures of this mesmerising natural wonder.

While Morocco is home to lovely gardens and stunning waterfalls, it’s also home to a couple of deserts, including the Agafay Desert. But unlike what you might expect, this desert isn’t a sandy one. Rather than the golden dunes of the Sahara, the Agafay Desert is known for its rocky terrain, rolling hills and scattered palm trees.

Take advantage of this unique landscape with a slew of outdoor adventures. Hitch a ride on a camel trek, get your adrenaline going on a quad biking excursion and end your day with a golden sunset.

Located about an hour outside of Marrakech, the Amizmiz Mountain Village is a lovely little Berber town. While this small village is primarily known for its thriving weekly market with handmade goods and fresh produce galore, it’s also a great place for an outdoor adventure near Marrakech.

With the help of a guide, you can hike your way around the Atlas Mountains near Amizmiz. Depending on the duration of your trip, which can range from one day to several days, you can experience everything from snow-capped mountain peaks to stunning deserts and other hidden Berber villages.

Escape the bustling city of Marrakech for a day trip to Ourika Valley. Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, this hidden gem of a town is surrounded by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and traditional Berber villages.

As for the outdoorsy activities, there are loads of scenic hiking trails for you to explore. There are also Setti Fadma’s 7 stunning waterfalls, where you can take a dip in the refreshing natural pools. And while you’re in town, why not immerse yourself in the local culture with vibrant market visits or authentic Moroccan meals too?

Hitch a ride on a hot air balloon for a unique view of colourful Marrakech. From your new position in the sky, you’ll be able to admire this lively Moroccan city from a whole new perspective.

With your newly acquired bird’s eye view, you’ll see clustered villages, thriving palm groves and huge swathes of red-orange land. Depending on which hot air balloon tour you book, you may even get to enjoy the golden glow of sunrise or a traditional Berber breakfast upon landing.

Experience the coastal charm of Essaouira, a picturesque city located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. With its waterfront location, it should come as no surprise to find out that Essaouira is the go-to place for water-based outdoor adventures.

Head to the city’s most beloved beaches, including Essaouira Beach and Safi Beach, for loads of sand, sun and surf. There, you can try your hand at windsurfing, go on a beachfront horseback ride or simply enjoy a relaxing swim in the bright blue waters.

For daring and experienced hikers, a climb up Mt Toubkal may be a challenge worth undertaking. As the highest mountain in all of Morocco, this towering peak is over 4 km tall. In other words, you’ll need multiple days, and lots of preparation, to hike all the way to the top.

That said, when you finally do reach the peak of this massive mountain, you’ll feel like a champion. And the stunning views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains just make the finish line all the better.