French tourism marketer “Quand Partir” has designated five sites close to Marrakech as “must-see” places featuring a variety of enchanting landscapes and memorable getaways just a short distance from the city, according to the agency’s website.
First on the list is Ouzoud waterfalls about 160km away from Marrakech. Three tall waterfalls gush out together between the red rocks amid lush green vegetation, to splash down like liquid thunder into a pool with tiny restaurants. Visitors can walk down a newly renovated walkway passing shops full of Moroccan handicrafts, such as clothing, jewelry, rugs and more, and stop at the Argan oil factory. They won’t want to miss the fearless, but friendly monkeys looking for a little snack on the way down.
Aït Oucheg valley, 70 Km from Marrakech, is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Visitors might be greeted by villagers offering to show the sights by donkey for a few kilometers, pointing out streams and waterfalls along the way.
Third is the Ourika valley. Situated 60 km south of Marrakech, Ourika is one of the best preserved valleys in Morocco, offering the opportunity to discover the Atlas region. Dotted with Amazigh tribes, ancient adobe hamlets with welcoming denizens and their handicrafts, the lush vegetation of the landscape criss-crossed by winding roads, the river and its welcome coolness all offer numerous opportunities to be closer to nature.
The village of Lalla Takerkoust and its lake, 40km from Marrakech, are a feast for the eyes. With its bluish hues set against a backdrop of peaceful mountains, the lake welcomes those in the mood for a refreshing swim in its calm waters.
Finally, the Agafay desert (a rocky, rather than sandy desert landscape), just 30 kilometers from the Red City, offers a chance to rent a quad bike or a buggy, or take a camel ride to explore a rocky vastness covering several hundred hectares. With its dunes of white rock, and quaint Amazigh villages, this is a place with a stark beauty not to be forgotten!