Marrakech Three Valleys and Atlas Mountains with Waterfall Full-Day Trip
Description
Head out from the from the hustle of Marrakech in the morning on an excursion that takes you to Three different valleys and the High Atlas Mountains. Travel to Berber villages, stopping for lunch with a local family cooked by my mother, hike to waterfalls and take in stunning mountain landscapes. The Cost of The tour includes: Transportation, Lunch, guide, Camel ride tour, visit to the Local Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The tour start's from Marrakech by picking you up from your accommodation, or from the agreed meeting point at 9:00am and it ends in Marrakech around 17:30pm.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our day trip to the Atlas Mountains begins with our introduction at either your Riad or hotel in Marrakech at 09:00. We set off to the Atlas Mountains; our first rest break being Tahanaout, meeting local villagers at the traditional Argan oil co-operative, experiencing the versatile uses given to the hand produced oil and being shown the process itself! We are then driven up to Asni valley (1000m) for our next adventure. Also here our camel guide will be waiting to take us on a 'ship of the desert' across the Asni river; then passing through the Juniper forest. Our drive continues into the imlil valley, wonderful sights and surrounding exquisite terrain. We will embark on a 1:30h guided tour around the Berber villages, with option of riding mules for the less energetic. After this hike we enjoy a traditional Lunch cooked by my mother which can not be missed! within a Berber house to experience the local lifestyle, After our relaxing meal we journey by vehicle back towards Marrakech.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
Camel ride is short and a fun little experience The main part is exploring Imlil and eating lunch in a house among the village. Absolutely incredible views. The food was also super filling and tasted great. Definitely have to be in good health to do the hike. It is not super intense but have to be well balanced on your feet.
Hasan provided us with lots of interesting information, all the time taking care of our comfort. Beautiful day full of interesting and memirable experiences.
Breakdown (with approx timings): - departed at 9am from Marrakech centre with final pick up at 9.30 from surrounding hotels - approx 1 hour journey to embark on dromedary ride, with an option to wear traditional Imazighen attire. Animals seemed well treated; no concerns over their welfare (not always guaranteed) (approx 1 hour duration) - approx 45 minute journey to women's argan oil cooperative with bread and samples of argan oil food products followed by a short talk on production. While this part of the attraction could have perhaps been omitted to shorten the quite long overall journey time, cooperatives like these are an essential means by which Imazighen families support themselves, so it would be churlish to suggest it should be dropped - approx 1 hour drive further up the mountains to the guide's Imazighen village, with a short stop to buy refreshments from a kiosk if required - a 20 minute walk through the Imazighen village with stops for information from the guide and to enjoy the stunning views - a very hearty traditional meal in a specially built hospitality centre. I didn't need to eat again that evening and it can be argued that the food alone was worth the £17 price for the whole trip - a 2 hour walk around the hills surrounding the Imazighen village, with stops for more expert information from Mustafa and a chance to visit a waterfall. This location was fascinating - rural and rugged but populated with cafes and shops. It seems that the local people have expertly adapted the terrain into the equivalent of a town centre, without ruining the natural feel of the area - a 1hr 45m drive back to Marrakech with a brief stop to view another Imazighen village from afar, which was sadly damaged by the earthquake that hit the region approx 2 years ago Pros: - Good value for money - £17 includes the travel, guided tour and a delicious, hearty meal at the Imazighen village at which the tour company is based - The tour guide, Mustafa, was extremely informative, patient and charismatic, with an entertaining sense of humour. I thoroughly enjoyed his insights into Imazighen culture and history - tips are welcome at each stop but there is no pressure put on to donate (although it would be kind to at least make a donation to the women's cooperative) - stunning scenery offers beautiful views throughout the tour Cons: - the trip involves quite a lot of travel time by minibus and the seating was rather cramped for a tall person - not really a con but heed the advice given by the tour operator that there is a significant amount of walking up and down quite steep terrain - again, not such a criticism but don't expect to walk into too remote an area - this is not an excursion that will take you too far into the mountains on foot, but this is actually reasonable enough given what was covered was challenging enough, especially following such a substantial meal. If you want a more expeditious mountaineering experience, then you would be best selecting one with that exclusive focus - be aware that this is a long tour - good value for money but it will take up the entire day. Our round trip lasted 9am till 7pm
If you want to see more than the city, book this excursion. It’s a nice and organised day with lots of variety.. camel ride, tea, great lunch at her family. Beautiful environment seeing the Atlas.. Jasmine was a very nice and knowledgeable guide.
Could not find more words to describe how incredible this experience was. Top guide, top guy, top food, atop mountain. What more could a man want in his life?
This trip was the highlight of our holiday to Marrakech. Omar pulled out all the stops to make sure we had the best day. The day out felt so personal, and the amount of activities we took part in for the money was amazing. being able to be welcomed into his home for a meal was something we will never forget. He truly was an amazing man.
