Top Marrakech Adventure Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

So, you’re thinking about taking a trip to Marrakech? That’s great! The city’s a truly unique place with so much to offer, from busy markets to stunning landscapes. Yet, figuring out just which tours are truly worthwhile can be a bit tricky. That’s why I’ve put together a breakdown of five fantastic Marrakech adventure tours, offering up details, what to expect, and hopefully making it a little bit simpler to plan your next trip.

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Marrakech

Starting off with something that’s sure to be a memorable experience, that is, a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech. You can float high above the ground and get a bird’s eye view, it’s almost like seeing a movie of the landscape! It’s quite special, usually early in the morning, so that you get to see the sun rising. Plus, many packages actually add in a Berber breakfast in a traditional tent after the balloon flight, it’s almost like they’re wrapping up the morning perfectly.

I once took a balloon ride there; honestly, I didn’t know quite what to anticipate, yet it ended up as one of the best memories from my vacation. Is that because of the incredible sense of quiet as you drift over villages, the way the light bathes the land in these beautiful colors, or is it perhaps the warm hospitality of the Berber people afterward? I don’t know, maybe it’s all those elements rolled into one. Anyway, for anyone trying to find something truly special, this is one thing you really ought to think about.

Read our full review: Marrakech Hot Air Balloon Tours Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride)

2. Atlas Mountains Day Trip

Getting out of the city and into the Atlas Mountains is a real contrast. You trade the city’s commotion for stunning natural beauty, which is like a breath of fresh air. Many of these day trips add things like visits to Berber villages, so you see just how different the way of life is up in the mountains.

On one day trip, my group stopped at a local family’s home for tea. Listening to their stories while sitting there, sipping mint tea, provided insight into their lifestyle; you find out things a tourist probably wouldn’t learn. Also, often included in these excursions are opportunities to hike, or perhaps mule ride, through the foothills; so that’s a bonus if you like exploring. Anyway, it is really nice to see a different view, one beyond the city itself.

Read our full review: Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore the Atlas Mountains)

3. Desert Camel Trek & Overnight Camp

You simply can’t leave Morocco without visiting the Sahara Desert, is that even possible? Seriously, spending a night in a desert camp adds another dimension to your travel experiences, almost another world. I found riding a camel into the desert to be relaxing. So, as the sun started to dip, casting some truly striking shadows across the dunes, everything slowed down.

The evenings are usually spent enjoying local music and food around a fire before settling into Berber tents. The stars at night in the Sahara have to be seen to be believed. I could say something along the lines of the sky is so clear you can actually see the Milky Way; honestly though, it really needs to be viewed firsthand. The next morning, after an early wake-up call to catch the sunrise, which you may have to prepare yourself for because there is so much beauty it is unreal. Anyway, you then ride back out of the desert.

Read our full review: Sahara Desert Camel Trek Marrakech Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Desert Camel Trek)

4. Quad Biking Adventure

For anyone wanting an adventure that’s a little higher in octane, or with slightly more adrenaline, quad biking might just be what you’re looking for. It is often arranged outside Marrakech, whether in the rocky Agafay Desert, or palm groves near the city.

Riding a quad bike through that sort of land allows you to discover a lot of the country very quickly and is actually surprisingly great. Following a guide makes things a little easier to see things you might miss all by yourself, the scenery that flies by and some stops at small local cafes for some refreshment; quad biking offers quite the different perspective. Anyway, this kind of adventure should appeal to people seeking some excitement when sightseeing.

Read our full review: Quad Biking Marrakech Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Try Quad Biking in Marrakech)

5. Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

Lastly, if you want an escape that highlights natural attractions, a day trip out to the Ouzoud Waterfalls provides exactly that. I think what is interesting regarding Ouzoud, is that you have these enormous, tall waterfalls cascading into natural pools below, it makes for great photos and generally gives off that “nature is impressive” vibe. This attraction usually makes many trips very worthwhile. As the falls are a few hours away from Marrakech, the day trip lets people relax and still go visit this really amazing sight. Besides, monkeys swinging between trees only increases that tropical atmosphere.

Anyway, you can swim in the river, enjoy a picnic or even visit some local Berber restaurants; either way there is more than one way to occupy yourself during a visit to this very majestic set of falls.

Read our full review: Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip Marrakech Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls)