Marrakech to Atlas Mountains: Day Trip with Waterfall & Berber Lunch

Summary

Atlas mountain hike, Berber villages, lunch in Imlil and argan oil stop

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for a day in the Atlas Mountains: hiking past waterfalls with your local guide, sharing Berber lunch on a family rooftop in Imlil, tasting fresh argan oil with warm bread at a women’s cooperative. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the air—cooler than Marrakech, almost sharp, like it had been washed clean by the mountains. Hassan and Salah picked us up right at our riad (I’d barely finished my coffee), and soon we were winding out of the city. The road got quieter, dustier, with flashes of red earth and those little stone houses tucked into the hills. We stopped in Azrou for a bit—kids running around, someone selling oranges off a cart. I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight and got a big grin back (probably butchered it).

The women’s argan oil cooperative was next—honestly, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. There was this nutty smell in the air and the sound of grinding stones. They handed us warm bread with fresh oil and honey; it tasted so simple but somehow perfect. Li laughed when I tried to ask how long it takes to make one bottle—her answer sounded like “forever.” Maybe she was joking? Either way, her hands moved fast.

Imlil felt different—greener, louder with river noise and birds everywhere. Our local guide met us there for a quick chat about Berber life (he pointed out his cousin’s house across the valley). The hike wasn’t hard but my shoes did get muddy near the waterfall—worth it though for that cold spray on my face. We passed walnut trees and tiny villages where people waved or just watched us go by. Lunch was on a rooftop terrace at our guide’s family home—tagine bubbling away, mint tea poured high so it frothed up. I still think about that view over the valley; clouds drifting by slow enough you could almost touch them.

If you’re there on Saturday or Tuesday, you’ll see the market—colorful chaos but friendly too (I bought almonds from an old man who insisted I try before buying). On the way back we drove past Richard Branson’s kasbah—not sure what he thinks of all this peace and quiet. By the time we got back to Marrakech around 6pm, my legs were tired but my head felt lighter somehow…maybe just mountain air doing its thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech

• Pick up from hotel or meeting point
• Drive 1.5 hours to Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Azrou village
• Visit women's argan oil cooperative
• Taste fresh bread, oil, and Moroccan tea
• Visit Imlil valley and Berber villages
• Walk to guide's home for rooftop views
• Enjoy Berber lunch prepared by family
• Continue walk with valley views
• Meet driver and return to Marrakech
• Finish hike in Imlil center with tea
• Drive back to accommodation in Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains?

The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way between Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

Is lunch included on this Atlas Mountain day trip?

Yes, lunch is included—a traditional Berber meal served at your guide’s family home in Imlil.

What days can I visit the local Berber market?

The weekly market is included if your tour falls on Saturday or Tuesday.

How long is the hike during this day trip?

The guided walk lasts 1 to 2 hours depending on pace; transport is available if you prefer not to walk.

Is hotel pickup included from Marrakech?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are camel rides part of this tour?

No, camel rides are not included due to animal welfare reasons.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What should I bring for the Atlas Mountain hike?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as some trails may be muddy or uneven.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech by Hassan and Salah (guide and driver), bottled water along the way, stops at Azrou village and a women’s argan oil cooperative with tastings, a guided hike through Imlil valley past waterfalls and Berber villages (with optional transport if needed), plus coffee or tea breaks and a full Berber lunch served at your guide’s family home before returning to Marrakech in an air-conditioned vehicle.