MARRAKECH 1 DAY TRIP TO OUZOUD WATERFALLS

At a little more than 2.5 hours (150km) north east of Marrakech in the Middle Atlas Mountains are the Cascades of Ouzoud. The waterfalls are considered to be one of the most magnificent sights in the whole of Morocco, and definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Marrakech. The falls, at over 100m high, are most photogenic in the mid afternoon when the sun starts to hit them and fabulous rainbows form. Although the currents in the pools at the bottom of the falls are treacherous, it is possible to take a refreshing dip in them. Around the falls are several working watermills, olive (Ouzoud in Berber) trees and fabulous landscape, the focus of many preservation associations. For the more energetic, the area lends itself well to short treks. Although the area attracts a number of visitors, its good walks and cafes are rarely overrrun, although it can be busy at weekends. The trip starts at 8:00 a.m from Marrakech and lasts for about 2 hours 40 mints. Great landscape one the way, short stops for pictures. Then we continue to visit imi ifri then head towards the falls

EXCURSION TO OUARZAZATE & AIT BEN HADDOU

On this day trip from Marrakech you come to Visit Ouarzazate and Ait benhaddou Kasbah, these magical places; the Gate to the Sahara desert. Located just four hours from Marrakech. the one day tour to Ouarzazate and its legendary kasbahs, known for its spectacular sunsets and amazing mountain and desert sceneries. But also its breathtaking valleys. Ouarzazate was once the crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe.

During the last decades, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and became the capital city for cinema in Morocco and in whole africa Three hours drive takes you to the gateway of Sahara, traversing the Tichka Pass in the High Atlas. The steep mountain hillsides are clustered with fortified villages (Kasbahs).

You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, used as a backdrop for shooting more than 20 films and was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt caravans route where traders brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from Saharian Africa to Marrakech and beyond. After lunch in the Kasbah you’ll visit the old Pacha Glaoui kasbahin Ouarzazate. This kasbah has an amazing story behind, intrinsically linked to the formation of Morocco as a country in the 20th century. After this we’ll take you on a visit to the Atlas film studios where films such as the Mummy, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia etc. have been shooted. Recommended year round.

EXCURSION TO ESSAOUIRA

In the morning departure from Marrakech to Essaouira the charming little town is the old Portuguese city of Mogador. It was fortified by a follower of French architect Vauban. Long time the city has a large Jewish population. These influences, and many others, gave a beautiful and unique result. Today the city is gradually becoming a city of artists. Essaouira has a very favorable microclimate which gives it a mild temperature in winter and cool in summer. Also mention a beautiful beach, protected by islands purpuraires. Artisans of Essaouira are renowned for the marquetry on root and cedar offer a wide range of items from the souvenir to the pieces of furniture, pieces of art.