Questions about excursions around Marrakech

So it's not the pollution... it's definitely the génépi!

The combo can't be easy!

Well! I was looking for info on Morocco and stumbled upon this discussion... I see there are some great people gathered here, so I’ll stick around for a bit [;)]. Bruno, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone—11 people, a spa, massages... I’ve never set foot in Morocco, so I’m no help on this post, but I’m still jotting down all the suggestions .

Hey there, Grenoble local! If you had the courage to read everything, we kinda strayed from the original topic, but we’re having fun, so welcome! And honestly, we still made some progress…

[;)] Okay, since you've been good, I'll share the plan—well, a first draft at least!

Good evening,

I loved lunch on the terrace at Dar Dar. Reservation required. It’s on the street that starts from Place JEFN and leads to the Ferblantiers. In the evening, I enjoyed Boz' in on the Ourika road. Reservations are also required there.

Did you pack the little flag? [:P][;)

Now that's what I call organization! You could apply to work at a tour operator!

Good evening,

I loved lunch on the terrace at Dar Dar. Booking is mandatory. It's on the street that starts from Place JEFN and leads to the Ferblantiers. In the evening, I enjoyed Boz' in on the Ourika road. Reservations are also required there.

Thanks for the addresses, I’ll make a note of them. Anyway, with 11 of us, booking is still a must!

You planning on bringing the little flag? [:P][;)]

I’d be more the type to bring a whip for the stragglers

Now that’s what I call organization! You could apply to work for a tour operator!

I think I’m gonna hire one myself 😜

1/ In the itinerary, I’ve planned a day in Imlil with lunch in town and a short hike around. Anyone have a nice spot (friendly place + good food) in the area where I could book directly?

2/ I skipped Ouzoud (seems too touristy) for Imlil. But I’m still hesitating…

Hi there,

Imlil is a small village with a parking lot. There are plenty of little restaurants. After parking your car, you can head to the waterfalls right nearby (there’s a cute café with your feet in the water!) From there, walk up to the village of Armed. It’s easy, but if some people really can’t walk, there’s an excellent track for cars or, even more fun, a mule ride. In Armed, the restaurant Roches d’Armed has a breathtaking view of the Toubkal and the valley. The way back down is easy too. A lovely, relaxing day—much less tiring than Ouzoud.

If you can do this excursion on a Saturday, make a one-hour stop on the way at the big souk in Asni for a dose of picturesque charm! !

Hi I confirm. It's better to go to Imlil than to the Ouzoud waterfalls!

Thanks Françoise for these precious tips—I wasn’t quite sure how to tackle this day, but now I just have to grab my little flag 😁

Hi there, I confirm. It's better to go to Imlil than to the Ouzoud Waterfalls!

That’s what I thought, thanks for confirming! [;)]

Hi everyone. I’d booked 2 cars, but after taking a closer look at the provider, I’m realizing I’m heading for trouble... Does anyone have a reliable name on the ground? And their contact details, please? Thanks

Hi Bruno

Yacout or Medloc.

Hey,

The two Kate mentioned are good—I’d add Oyama for Marrakech (no deposit required).

I’ve rented 3 times with Yacout Tours. Never had any issues. But that was 15+ years ago, and I see they’re still around—that’s a good sign.

Thanks to all three of you for your quick reply—looks like they’re more reliable than mine, actually. [;)]

I rented a minibus with a driver from Medloc 10 years ago, and it was perfect.

I’d also add that in 2023 I rented from Yacout, since Medloc had really raised their prices.

Last rental done through Medloc. No issues.

So it’ll be Medloc then. [;)] Thanks everyone

Ouirgane used to be a little paradise before: 1/ The construction of the dam 2/ The exceptional flood of 1995 3/ The earthquake

The valley remains one of the most beautiful in the High Atlas near Marrakech, with the gorges of the Oued Nfis all the way to Tizi n'Test, but you’ll have to wait a bit.

Compared to Ouzoud, it’s very picturesque, and when there’s plenty of water, the waterfalls are spectacular—not to mention the road to get there, which is stunning. It’s just a bit far for a day trip.

Hi Bruno,

I see your preparations are going well! I went to Marrakech 2 or 3 years ago.

Personally, I’d have recommended Merzouga, especially with a group of friends! (I sent you a PM about this a few months ago) : it’s a desert full of tourists, but it’s still beautiful, and there are some great stops along the way (like Ait Ben Haddou).

For Marrakech, great choice to add a riad in the Medina to be right in the heart of the action. We really loved the Museum of Confluences—don’t miss it (same for the Medersa). Majorelle is super photogenic, and you’ll be surrounded by influencers [;)] but it’s still worth seeing.

For the cooking class, we really enjoyed our time with Najla (if you can’t find her online, I can give you her details). You cook at her place, first going to the local shops in the neighborhood, and the food is delicious!

We tried the "fake" desert of Agafay and took a taxi from Marrakech (I don’t remember the exact terms, but basically, some taxis do short trips within Marrakech, while others do long trips—the fares are regulated and usually displayed on the windows. For Agafay, you need a taxi authorized for long trips). The quad biking activity is fun in beautiful landscapes (there’s also e-biking). There are some great spots with pools and massages on-site.

In terms of landscapes, I was blown away by the High Atlas—it’s stunning.

Have a great evening, Pascale

Hi Pascale, and thanks for stopping by here [;)]

Merzouga—won’t rub salt in the wound, it was my pick too, but my "adventurers" didn’t go for it We’ll settle for Agafay

I’ve noted the rest, it’s all on the agenda except for the cooking class—we’ll take one with the villa’s cook instead, since we’ve already booked it.

Hey Bruno

You must not be far from Marrakech [;)]

Have a great holiday and, above all, if you don’t keep a travel journal, we’d love a little souvenir photo—like you learning belly dancing with a pretty Moroccan dancer

Thanks, Kate! We actually arrived yesterday, and the magic is still just as strong!

Awesome! Have a great time Bruno! 😊 And think of the reflections

Thanks kate, we actually arrived yesterday and the magic is still just as strong!



So? You promised a travel journal

And so? You promised a travel journal

A promise is a promise!

Messages 23 and 40, does that sound like a promise? [;)]

True, I trusted Kate too...[:(]

Sure enough, I was the one who trusted Kate...[:(]

Kate is persistent and maybe there’s a little #teasing

Indeed, I trusted Kate too...[:(]

Kate is persistent and maybe... #teasing

So it was lame! I can see that... I was hoping to laugh... To laugh kindly at your good jokes, not sarcastically

"Vox populi, vox Dei" [;)]

https://voyageforum.com/forum/marrakech-2025-premiers-pas-guide-prive-d10709443/