Marrakech is the perfect base for exploring southern Morocco. Within a two-hour drive you can stand under a 110-metre waterfall, hike at the foot of North Africa's highest peak, or watch the sun set over a stone desert. The easiest way to do it is a private day trip with your own driver and air-conditioned vehicle — no shared minibuses, no fixed group schedule, no meter running.
This guide covers the five most popular day trips from Marrakech, with honest distances, travel times and fixed prices per vehicle (not per person). Prices are confirmed when you book, and cancellation is free up to 48 hours before pickup.
Quick price comparison
All prices below are per vehicle for the full day, in euros. The site shows the dollar equivalent automatically.
| Day trip | Distance / time | Tucson | Class E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ourika Valley | ~30 km · ~1h | €100 | €200 |
| Imlil (High Atlas) | ~65 km · ~1h30 | €111 | €200 |
| Ouzoud Waterfalls | ~150 km · ~2h30 | €156 | €244 |
| Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate | ~190 km · ~4h | €178 | €278 |
| Agafay Desert (half-day) | ~30 km | from €47 per person | — |
Note: Agafay is the only trip priced per person (it's an evening desert experience with dinner). Every other trip is a fixed price for the whole vehicle, however many of you travel.
1. Ourika Valley — green hills and waterfalls
About 30 km south of Marrakech (roughly a 1-hour drive), the Ourika Valley is the closest escape into the Atlas. It follows a river through Berber villages, terraced gardens and cafés perched over the water. The highlight is Setti Fatma, where a short walk leads up to a series of seven waterfalls. It's lush, cooler than the city, and ideal if you want mountains without a long drive.
Prices (per vehicle, full day): Tucson €100 · Vito €133 · Class E €200.
2. Imlil — the gateway to Mount Toubkal
Imlil sits at around 1,800 metres in the High Atlas, about 65 km from Marrakech (a scenic 1h30 drive). It's the launch point for treks toward Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Even without a serious hike, the village rewards you with walnut groves, stone hamlets and sweeping mountain views. Your driver waits while you explore on foot or arrange a local mountain guide.
Prices (per vehicle, full day): Tucson €111 · Vito €133 · Class E €200.
3. Ouzoud Waterfalls — the highest in Morocco
The Ouzoud Waterfalls drop 110 metres in several tiers — the tallest in Morocco and one of the most spectacular sights in the country. The site is about 150 km northeast of Marrakech (around 2h30 each way), so it makes for a full, rewarding day. Trails wind down to the base, rainbows form in the spray, and wild Barbary macaques live in the surrounding oak forest.
Prices (per vehicle, full day): Tucson €156 · Vito €178 · Class E €244 · Class V €278.
4. Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate — UNESCO and cinema
This is the big one: about 190 km from Marrakech (roughly 4 hours each way) over the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass. The reward is Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed earthen ksar (fortified village) that has appeared in countless films and series. Nearby, Ouarzazate is Morocco's film capital, home to Atlas Studios. It's a long but unforgettable day through some of the country's most cinematic landscapes.
Prices (per vehicle, full day): Tucson €178 · Vito €189 · Class E €278.
5. Agafay Desert — half-day escape
Don't have time for the Sahara? The Agafay Desert is a rolling stone desert just 30 km from Marrakech, with views of the snow-capped Atlas on the horizon. It's a classic half-day or evening trip — perfect for a desert dinner and sunset close to the city.
Price: from €47 per person (this is the only experience priced per person, since it includes the dinner/sunset experience rather than just the transfer).
What's included — and what's not
Included in every private day trip:
- Fuel and all road tolls
- A professional, English- and French-speaking driver
- Air conditioning and a comfortable vehicle
- The full day at your disposal
Not included:
- Lunch and drinks
- Site, monument and studio entrance fees
- Guides inside the sites (your driver is not a licensed in-site guide, but can help arrange one)
FAQ
Are these prices per person or per vehicle?
Every trip is priced per vehicle, except Agafay (which is per person). So a Tucson to Ourika is €100 whether one or four people travel. The price is fixed and confirmed when you book.
How many people fit in each vehicle?
The Tucson and Vito are ideal for small groups, while the Class V is a larger van for bigger families or groups. If you're unsure which to choose, message Sarah on WhatsApp with your group size.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup, with a 100% refund.
Which day trip is best if I'm short on time?
Ourika (~1 hour each way) and the Agafay half-day (~30 km) are the easiest. They give you mountains or desert without a long drive, leaving the rest of the day free.
Do you wait for us during the trip?
Yes. Your private driver stays with you for the full day, so you set the pace — stop for photos, lunch or a walk whenever you like.
Are entrance fees and lunch included in the price?
No. The fixed price covers your driver, vehicle, fuel and tolls. Lunch and any site or studio entrance fees are paid directly on the day.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your private day trip at planmorocco.com, or message Sarah on WhatsApp for a fixed quote tailored to your group.