Marrakech: Atlas Mountains Day Trip & Berber Village Lunch

Summary

Atlas valleys, village rooftops and Berber warmth outside Marrakech

You’ll trade city noise for fresh mountain air as you hike between Atlas villages with a local guide, sip mint tea on a sunny rooftop, try your hand at making argan oil, ride a camel overlooking Ourika Valley, and share a home-cooked lunch with a Berber family. Expect warmth (from both people and bread) — plus memories that linger longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this — just a little sugar,” our guide Youssef grinned, pouring mint tea into tiny glasses as we landed in Imlil. We’d left Marrakech behind not even two hours ago but it already felt like another world. The road twisted past olive groves and then the Atlas Mountains just kind of appeared — big, blue-grey and close enough that you could see the snow lines. The air smelled different up here, sharper somehow. I kept opening the window to let it in.

We stopped at a women’s argan oil co-op in Tahnaout where the grinding stones clacked quietly while one of the ladies showed us how to crack open the nuts. I tried turning the mill — failed spectacularly — and everyone laughed (me included). After that, we rode camels for a bit. Honestly? It was wobblier than I expected but the view across Ourika Valley made up for my awkwardness. There were walnut trees everywhere and kids waving from stone terraces.

Lunch was at Youssef’s cousin’s place in Ait Souka — tagine with bread still warm from the fire, eaten on their rooftop with all these green fields below and snowy peaks above. His uncle said something about the cherry blossoms coming soon; I couldn’t catch every word but he smiled when I asked for more tea. The valley was so quiet except for birds and someone chopping wood nearby. I didn’t want to leave that spot honestly.

On the way back through Kik Plateau, light bounced off the hills in every direction — kind of blinding but beautiful too. We passed more Berber villages where people waved or just nodded from doorways. By the time we rolled back into Marrakech around 5:30pm, my shoes were dusty and my head full of mountain air. Still thinking about that terrace view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Berber Villages Tour

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel
• Meet local Berber guide
• Travel to Tahnaout
• Visit women-run argan oil cooperative
• Arrive in Imlil, enjoy mint tea
• See waterfalls and Berber settlements
• Pause in Tamatert for terraced field views
• Lunch at Berber family home in Ait Souka
• Relax on rooftop terrace with valley views
• Drive through Kik Plateau with mountain views
• Pass ancient Berber villages and plateaus
• Return to Marrakech, relax in Berber villages
• Drop off at Marrakech hotel

Top questions

How long is the Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns to Marrakech around 5:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this Atlas Mountains tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Do you visit Berber villages during this day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit several Berber villages including Imlil and Ait Souka.

Is lunch provided on this Atlas Mountains tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a Berber family home in Ait Souka.

Is there a camel ride on this day trip?

Yes, a camel activity is included along the route.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Coffee or tea is provided during stops along the way.

What physical fitness level is needed for this trip?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can children join this Atlas Mountains day trip?

Yes, children can join when sharing with two paying adults; infant seats are available if needed.

Do you visit an argan oil cooperative during this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a women-managed argan oil cooperative in Tahnaout.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your hotel in Marrakech (pickup and drop-off), guided hiking between villages with a local who knows every path by heart, coffee or tea breaks (including sweet mint tea), an included camel ride overlooking Ourika Valley, entry to an argan oil co-op run by local women, plus a traditional Moroccan lunch served on a rooftop terrace before heading back to town.