Day Trips from Marrakech by Car: Ourika, Imlil, Agafay, Ouzoud, Essaouira

The best day trips from Marrakech by car are all within 30 to 90 km: the Ourika valley and its waterfalls, Imlil at the foot of Toubkal, the Agafay desert, the Lalla Takerkoust lake, the Ouzoud falls and, a little further, Essaouira. With a rental car you leave when you want, stop where you want and pay one daily rate for the whole car rather than a seat in a minibus. Here are the six drives we recommend to our customers, with distance, time, road condition and where to park.

The six drives

Ourika valley

Take the P2017 south from Marrakech through Tnine Ourika. The road follows the river up to Setti Fatma, where the tarmac ends and the walk to the seven waterfalls starts. Park in one of the paid areas at the end of the village, guarded, and expect local guides to offer their services for the walk; the first waterfall is reachable alone in 30 minutes. Leave Marrakech before 9 am on weekends, when the valley fills with families. Any of our cars does this road.

Imlil and the Toubkal foothills

Route de Taroudant then the turn-off at Tahanaout towards Asni and Imlil. After Asni the road climbs in hairpins with views on the Toubkal massif. Imlil has guarded car parks at the entrance of the village; the streets beyond are for mules and walkers. Good day trip in any season; in winter check for snow above Asni. The higher stance of the Duster is welcome on the last kilometres but not required.

Agafay desert and Lalla Takerkoust

Agafay is the rocky desert 35 km south-west of the city, where the camps set up for sunset dinners, quad, buggy and camel rides. The road from Marrakech is tarmac; the last few hundred metres to each camp are compacted track, fine for any car in dry weather and more comfortable in the Duster. Lalla Takerkoust, the lake 10 km further, has restaurants on the shore for lunch. Both together make an easy half day, back in Marrakech for dinner or staying at a camp for the evening.

Ouzoud falls

North-east of Marrakech by the R208 through Demnate, 150 km and about 2h30. The falls are 110 m high, the walk down to the pools takes 30 minutes, and Barbary macaques wait on the path. Guarded car parks at the top. It is a long day; leave by 8 am, or make it a night at one of the small hotels by the falls.

Practical

• Fill up in Marrakech before any of these drives; fuel is available in Tnine Ourika, Asni and Demnate but not beyond.
• Speed limits: 60 km/h in villages, 100 km/h on open road; speed bumps at every village entrance.
• Police checkpoints at Tahanaout, Tnine Ourika and the Demnate road are routine: licence and rental contract at hand.
• All these distances fit inside the 200 km per day included in your rental; a day to Ouzoud or Essaouira uses the allowance of that day and a little of the next, which is fine over a multi-day rental.
• Delivery of the car at your riad or at Menara Airport is free; conditions on the rental conditions page.

Frequently asked questions

Which day trip from Marrakech is easiest by car?

Agafay and Lalla Takerkoust: under an hour each way on tarmac, no mountain road, back for dinner.

Do I need a 4×4 for the Atlas or Agafay?

No. Ourika, Imlil, Agafay and Ouzoud are reached on tarmac; only the last metres to some Agafay camps are track. Choose the Duster for comfort, not necessity.

Can I do Ourika and Imlil the same day?

It is a long day (about 200 km with the detour). Better one each, or Ourika in the morning and Agafay at sunset.

Is it cheaper than an organised tour?

For two people or more, usually yes: one car from €35 per day with insurance replaces two or three seats, and you keep the car for the rest of your stay.