Trip to Marrakesh through Asni and the Imlil Valley (One day)

Early our team will meet you at your place of stay for a one-day trip the Imlil village. We will go by the foot of the highest mountain in North Africa Toubkal. The drive will take us to meet the village of Tahnaout known for its weekly traditional market where people of the region meet. Afterward, we will come across the Gorges of Wadi Ghaghia. We will drive then to Asni a small village known for its weekly market. At the last point, we will meet Imlil at the foot of Toubkal, this village which is the center of guides it is known as a starting point for hiking. At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Marrakech.

About Imlil Valley

The Imlil Valley is located in the southeast region of Marrakech, Morocco.

It is the best point to start an adventure of hiking because it’s in the center of Toubkal National Park. That is the first national park in Morocco.

Imlil is rich with its stunning natural scenery. Still, It has a profound and exceptional cultural legacy.

The Berbers are the settlements of Imlil. You will enjoy their unique culture. In ancient times, they were known to be strong warriors and generous hosts.

Imlil Location

ESSAOUIRA Day Trip (ONE DAY)

In the morning we will meet in Marrakech at the place you stay to start a one-day visit to Essaouira, The city you will be visiting is called the wind city and is known for its wonderful seaside where many surfers come to practice their favorite sport. Along with the beach, you can see many merchants selling different types of fish. There you can enjoy your lunchtime. After that, we will go for a walk to discover the ancient walls of the medina and take pictures and maybe buy souvenirs. In the end, you will go back to Marrakech at a late time in the afternoon.

Essaouira Day Trip Highlights 

Medina Exploration: Dive into the labyrinthine streets of Essaouira’s medina, a Patrimonio de la humanidad, alive with the buzz of artisans, colorful stalls, and the scent of spices.

Coastal Breezes: Feel the refreshing Atlantic breeze as you stroll along the historic ramparts of the Skala de la Ville, offering stunning views of the ocean and the bustling port below.

Beachside Relaxation: Sink your toes into the golden sands of Essaouira’s picturesque beach, where azure waters meet windswept dunes, creating an idyllic spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Fresh Seafood Feast: Indulge in a culinary adventure at the bustling fish market, where you can sample freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection, served with a side of local charm.

Artisan Workshops: Immerse yourself in Essaouira’s vibrant arts scene with visits to local workshops, where skilled craftsmen carve intricate woodwork, weave traditional textiles, and produce mesmerizing ceramics.

Gnaoua Music Experience: Let the rhythms of Gnaoua music transport you to another world as you soak in the lively atmosphere of Essaouira’s music scene, with impromptu performances echoing through the medina’s narrow streets.

Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech Map

TOUR TO THE GREAT ATLAS, AITBENHADDOU, AND OUARZAZATE (ONE DAY)

The one-day tour will take us from Marrakech where we will meet first time to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood city of Morocco, and have a break there to visit the most important places of the city. Then we will drive through the High Atlas mountains which are known as the highest top in Morocco 4,167m named Toubkal go Through the Tizi N’Tichka passage on the mountain and enjoy the various landscape views. On the route, we will have a break for tea with mint or coffee at one of the Amazigh Hamlets. The next break will be at Ait Ben Hadou village to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Hadou; an old building that is for collective living, this Kasbah was nominated as a Patrimonio de la UNESCO en 1987. This Kasbah and the region, in general, are very important for the industry of filmmaking (famous movies like The Man Who Would Be King in 1975 and many others) it is also a fortress on the Salt Road where caravans from different regions came to buy slaves, gold, ivory, and salt. Here we will enjoy the lunchtime special food of the region before going back to Marrakech later in the afternoon.

Marrakech – High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah & Ouarzazate Highlights 

• Journey across the High Atlas passing by Tizi N’tichka. 
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Berber Village of Ait Ben Haddou.
• Discover the largest filming studios in Africa at Ouarzazate, the open gate to the greatest Sahara Desert.

Ouarzazate

Location and Climate

Ouarzazate is situated at the meeting point of the Draa, Dades, and Ziz rivers and is surrounded by the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas mountain series. The city has a desert climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with very little rainfall throughout the year.

History and Culture

Originally a small crossing point for African traders en route to Europe and North Morocco, Ouarzazate has grown into a vibrant city while maintaining its historical and cultural roots. The city blends Berber, Arab, and French influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life.

Film Industry

Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios, particularly Atlas Studios, one of the largest in the world. The unique landscapes and traditional architecture make it an ideal filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters and TV series, such as “Gladiator,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “Game of Thrones.”

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Located 30 kilometers northwest of Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou is a historic ksar (fortified village) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture is perched on a hill along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.

Architecture

The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is a striking ensemble of adobe buildings, with high defensive walls reinforced by corner towers. The structures are built using a mix of mud, straw, and wood, which provides natural insulation against extreme desert temperatures. The site includes a series of kasbahs, granaries, and mosques, interconnected by narrow, winding streets.

Cultural Significance

Ait Ben Haddou has been a trading post since the 11th century and played a crucial role in the trans-Saharan trade routes. The ksar is an outstanding example of southern Moroccan architecture and has maintained its traditional lifestyle, with a few families still residing within its walls.

Tourism and Film Location

Like Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, further enhancing its appeal to tourists. Notable productions shot here include “The Mummy,” “Gladiator,” and “Game of Thrones.” The village offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s past and provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

Preservation Efforts

Given its historical and architectural value, Ait Ben Haddou has undergone various restoration efforts to preserve its structures. UNESCO, along with local authorities and international organizations, has worked to maintain the site’s integrity while promoting sustainable tourism.

Visiting Ait Ben Haddou

Visitors to Ait Ben Haddou can explore the ksar’s labyrinthine streets, visit the granary at the top of the hill for panoramic views, and experience the local culture and hospitality. The site is accessible via a short drive from Ouarzazate, making it a popular day trip for tourists.

In summary, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah offer a fascinating journey through Morocco’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, enhanced by their prominence in the global film industry. 

Ouarzazate Day Trip’s Map

OURIKA DAY TRIP: Things To Do and See 

Not far from Marrakech about 1 hour by bus, there is the Ourika at the high Atlas Mountain. Our trip will start from Marrakech towards Ourika Village and Sitti Fatma via the road of Ait Ourir. On the way, you will have many stops to enjoy the beauty of the landscape of the region and take memorial pictures. Arriving at our destination you will be amazed by the waterfalls at the valley of Ourika stop there for a lunch break then go to see the waterfall’s source and that of the Ourika valley. On the way you will come across some Amazigh villages where you will have the chance to explore their way of life and the handicrafts manufacturers found in the markets of Marrakech. Then you will have some time to enjoy the trail used by the local people on donkeys to go to the traditional market. Later in the afternoon, you go back to Marrakech.

Top Things you can do at Ourika Vally 

Setti-Fatma: Many travelers depart from Marrakech to admire the waterfalls of the Ourika Valley and relax at the famous Setti-Fatma. When you arrive in the village, you will be met by a guide who speaks fluent English.

The Ourika Valley Waterfalls will be a popular part of your holiday if you love hiking and nature. The first waterfall is relatively easy to reach, but the next six require suitable footwear and climbing skills. If the weather permits, you can take a swim in the Ourika River, but be aware that it is very cold.

Traditional Amazigh House: The purpose of this visit is to introduce visitors to a typical Amazigh house and their way of life. However, once you get here, you will realize that this encounter, like many others, has become a spectacle for tourists. Usually, the father of the family will greet you, offer you a cup of mint tea, and try to sell you crafts as you leave the house.

Local Markets (souks): the Ourika Souk (Mondays) and the Aghbalou Souk (Thursdays) are two of the busiest markets in the region. If you cross the mountains to reach the region, you can also visit the Tuesday markets in Tahanout and the exciting Saturday markets in Asni.

Ourika Valley & Seti-Fatma Location