Many people plan a Marrakech vacation to experience the lively energy of the souks, practice their haggling skills, buy a range of traditional items, wander the atmospheric streets of the old medina, visit the city’s historic and cultural gems, and learn more about the area’s past and present in the museums.
Of course, the large square, Jemma el Fenna is also a major crowd-pleaser, with performing monkeys, snake charmers, market stalls, and henna tattoo artists by day, and street food, musicians, fortune tellers, dancers, and other carnival-like performances in the evenings.
Marrakech is also one of the best places in Morocco for people looking for an urban adventure, with the neighborhoods of Guilez and Hivernage in particular offering an array of bars and clubs.
The Red City provides terrific views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance, and there are waterfalls, beaches, and other natural attractions nearby for lovers of the outdoors.
Indeed, the old imperial city can be a fantastic base for getting out and about and seeing a different side of Morocco and adding a blend of diverse activities to your vacation.
Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Marrakech:
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Mountain Trekking
The soaring High Atlas Mountains are closer to Marrakech than many people realize; you can leave the city behind and be in the glorious mountains in just around an hour and a half.
Toubkal National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North Africa: the mighty Jbel Toubkal.
The national park has a number of excellent walking trails that allow trekkers to soak up the rugged beauty of the area and observe local life in numerous Berber villages.
Imlil, also in the High Atlas Mountains, can be reached in around the same time.
The surrounding area offers excellent walking opportunities as well as the chance to climb the multi-level waterfall at Setti Fatma.
Whether you go hiking for a day, returning to your city accommodation at the end of an active day, or whether you opt for a multi-day trekking experience, with overnight stops in local villages and camps, hiking in the mountains near Marrakech is sure to be memorable.
Related Post: Hiking in Toubkal, High Atlas Mountains
Skiing in Oukaimeden
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Morocco offers skiing in the winter months.
Even more surprising, perhaps, is the fact that you can leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech in the morning and hit the snowy slopes in the afternoon! Situated at 2,560 meters above sea level, Oukaimeden is the highest ski resort in Africa.
It is located in the High Atlas Mountains. Lift passes are affordable, and, though the skiing area may be small, there are slopes to suit people of different experience levels.
Equipment is available for rent, and there is a sledding area for children. The ski season generally runs from January to March.
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Golf near Marrakech
Holiday makers who are keen to get their golfing game on won’t be disappointed in Marrakech.
There are around 20 top-class golf courses in the wider city area, with more found within a larger radius. Many offer terrific views and a peaceful ambience.
Royal Golf Marrakech is the city’s oldest golf club, established back in 1927. In addition to the original 18-hole course, enthusiasts can practice their swing and enjoy some friendly competition on the more modern nine-hole course.
The Montgomerie Marrakech is renowned for its splendid vistas, letting golfers admire both the majesty of the mountains and the splendour of Koutoubia Mosque.
Noria Golf Club boasts unique designs and the expansive Al Maaden Golf Course has enchanting water features.
The earlier holes at Amelkis Golf Club are surrounded by old palms and papyrus reeds, and the latter holes have lovely water features.
Other great golf clubs to enjoy around Marrakech include Assoufid Golf Club, Palmeraie Golf, Royal Palm Golf Club, and Samanah Country Club. Most local golf clubs welcome visitors.
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Surfing in Essaouira
The coastal town of Essaouira is located 192 kilometres from Marrakech city. It is within the larger Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz region, though.
While a day trip is possible, with each part of the journey taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes, it is perhaps better to plan to spend at least one night in town to fully make the most of your time.
The reliable winds and waves make this a popular spot for avid surfers and kite surfers. Harness the power of the ocean and show off your skills, or simply watch others display their prowess and mastery on the water.
There are several surf shops in town and beginners can sign up for surfing lessons to give them the boost and confidence that they may need to tackle the ocean for the first time. The beach is just a short stroll from the town.
Camel Riding in Marrakech
Visitors hoping to get up close and personal with robust camels, an animal that Morocco is famous for, needn’t journey all the way to the desert to fulfil their wishes.
There are two major places in the Marrakech area here people can not only see camels but can also enjoy a ride atop the “Ships of the Desert”.
The Palmeraie is a large and historic palm grove on the outskirts of the city. It is also one of Marrakech’s most exclusive areas.
Camels wait with their handlers to take visitors through the palms. Sunset is a particularly special time for the experience, with splendid views of the silhouettes of the tall palms against the changing colours of the sky.
The rocky landscape of the Agafay Desert is another terrific place to enjoy a camel-riding experience close to the Red City.
While not a true desert, this is the closest you will get to arid sandy expanses without travelling too far from the city.
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Quad Biking
The Palmeraie also offers another fun and thrilling experience: quad biking.
Speed around the bumpy, dusty track on your own or challenge your friends to a race; whichever way you choose to ride your quad bike will be heaps of fun.
Quad biking, ATV adventures, and four-wheel-drive experiences are also available at the Agafay Desert.
Ziplining at Terres d’Amanar
Located just a short distance from Marrakech, Terres d’Amanar has diverse fun experiences for people of all ages. The most thrilling is a long zipline over a gaping chasm.
There are also rope courses high in the trees and a suspension bridge that is sure to get the heart racing. Other activities include archery, horse riding, cycling, and climbing. Not feeling excessively sporty? There are crafts workshops too.
Marrakech also offers a range of regular sports and fun activities, including football, bowling, tennis, and swimming. There’s definitely no need to be inactive when visiting one of Morocco’s most sought-after destinations.
FAQs – Marrakech Outdoor Activities
Marrakech offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including mountain trekking, skiing in Oukaimeden, golfing, surfing in Essaouira, camel riding, quad biking, and ziplining at Terres d’Amanar.
No, Marrakech does not have beaches. For beach lovers, a day trip to Essaouira, a coastal town located 192 kilometers away, is a popular choice. Essaouira offers beautiful beaches and great conditions for surfing and kite surfing.
Yes, you can go skiing in Oukaimeden, which is the highest ski resort in Africa, located in the High Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. The ski season generally runs from January to March.
You can experience camel riding in the Palmeraie, a historic palm grove on the outskirts of Marrakech. Another option is the rocky landscape of the Agafay Desert, offering a desert-like experience close to the city.