There is enough to do in Marrakech on a 3 or 4 day visit. However on a break of 4 days or more you might like to take a trip outside the city to the Atlas mountains, about an hour/hour and a half away. Options range from negotiating your own or a shared taxi from the relevant Grand Taxi rank, a group tour from 300dhs per person to your own 4x4 at 1200dhs.

An excursion to the desert proper can be done in 2 days, but it is hard work and not for the feint hearted. Much better to do it over 5 or 6 days and enjoy the scenery and sights on the way. Alternatively opt for the far more manageable Agafay desert.

Imlil and Kasbah de Toubkal

A trip through an incredible landscape to the village of Imlil, the starting point for trekking in the Toubkal massif. Walks of varying length and difficulty or mule rides. A visit to the spectacular setting of the Kasbah de Toubkal. Can be combined with tea or lunch either at the Kasbah or in a berber village (approximately 600dhs pp plus lunch)

Imlil, Plateau de Kik and Lake Takerkoust

Our most populer trip, an excursion combining breathtaking views of the Atlas, the Kasbah de Toubkal, a high quality lunch at Villa Atlas in Asni, a ride through Moulay Brahim to the scrub-like scenery of the Plateau de Kik and finishing for tea at Lake Takerkoust. Shows the splendid variety of the Moroccan landscape. A chance to stop for a camel ride on the route (approximately 1100dhs pp including lunch and guide - camel ride according to your negotiating skills)

Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma Falls

A welcome break form the heat of Marrakech. A leisurely lunch in the mountain air, or a more strenuous scramble to the falls from the wonderful setting of Setti Fatma. About 600dhs for your own taxi plus guide and lunch.

Ouirgane valley

A pretty location and place for chilling with a little light walking on the side. Lunch or stay at La Roseraie, Au Sanglier Qui Fume or Chez Momo. Walk up the wooded valley walls to hidden houses. A lake is forming from the newly constructed barrage.  A couple of hours drive takes you to Tin Mal, a rare chance for non-Muslims to enter a mosque in Morocco.

Oukaimeden

Ski the Atlas, January to April depending on snowfall. An adventure providing one of the most exotic of ski locations. Not for the beginner as the runs can be icy and steep, piste dressing virtually non-existant. Ski equipment of varying quality can be hired locally. Taxi 800dhs.

Essaouira

A charming seaside town, the haunt of artists, musicians and hippies. A day trip can be done either by Supratours coach (65hds per person each way), though it is likely to be a long day, or with your own private taxi (1000dhs). Enjoy a stroll round the ramparts, visit an art gallery, thuya wood workshops and eat freshly caught fish at the quayside open air food stalls.

Ouzoud waterfalls

Morocco highest falls, about a two and a half/three hour drive form Marrakech, so a long day trip. Best seen in the spring after the winter rains.

Agafay desert

A more workable option to the Sahara proper is to visit the Agafay desert, about an hour's drive from Marrakech. Settled by nomads from the Sahara in the 18th century, because it looked so much like their homeland. In the spring the landscape is covered with wheat, barley and flowers, but in the summer and autumn months it really does look like the desert with dunes and the added bonus of a view of the Atlas. Have lunch, tea or dinner with a Saharawi family in their village  and get a real taste of desert life, or go on to Lake Takerkoust.