Marrakesh in 1 Day for Families - Scenic drive out of Marrakech with views over Lalla Takerkoust dam and the Kik Plateau
In Collaboration with Barbaro Tours Morocco. Updated on February 24, 2026.
Full-day private excursion from Marrakech into the High Atlas: scenic viewpoints (Lalla Takerkoust, Kik Plateau, Moulay Brahim), visits to traditional Berber villages with a homestay tea, an aromatic garden in the Ourika Valley, and a guided hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls with lunch by the river.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Barbaro Tours Morocco, inspired by the tour Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech + Lunch. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic drive out of Marrakech with views over Lalla Takerkoust dam and the Kik Plateau
- Visit a Berber family for traditional tea and a pottery demonstration
- Explore the Ourika Valley aromatic garden and walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls (guided hike available)
Itinerary
Day 1
Private guided day trip leaving Marrakech at 09:00 returning mid-late afternoon. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver. Pace and stops chosen to suit families with children.
Pickup in Marrakech and depart for the Atlas
Vehicle and driver collect your party from your accommodation in Marrakech and begin the drive toward Lalla Takerkoust and the Atlas foothills.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup point the evening before; drivers typically collect from riads or central hotels in Marrakech.
- Have travel documents / reservation voucher ready on the phone for quick check-in at pickup.
- Small children: bring a familiar snack and lightweight travel blanket for the transfer; vehicle stops for comfort breaks are included.
Lalla Takerkoust Dam viewpoint stop
Short scenic stop at the viewpoint above Lalla Takerkoust to admire the reservoir and mountain backdrop and take photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light jacket—mornings can be cooler near the water and at higher elevation.
- Supervise children at viewpoints and parking edges; some spots are unguarded.
- To avoid glare in photos, a small travel lens cloth is useful due to dust on sunny days.
Drive across the Kik Plateau and pass Moulay Brahim / Asni valley
Scenic drive across the plateau with a short commentary from the driver; pass traditional Berber villages and the Moulay Brahim area.
Tips from local experts:
- Have comfortable footwear on for any short roadside walks; some stop areas are uneven.
- If travelling with children, point out village life and farm animals to keep them engaged during the drive.
- Carry some tissues and hand sanitizer for quick stops at roadside markets or viewpoints.
Berber village visit: homestay for tea and pottery demonstration
Visit a traditional small household in a Berber village. Enjoy a glass of mint tea, a light snack, and a short pottery demonstration; an opportunity for cultural exchange and to see local craftwork.
Tips from local experts:
- Modest clothing is appreciated during homestay visits (shoulders and knees covered).
- Small, practical gifts (school supplies, small toys) are welcomed by local families—bring items if you wish to share.
- Restroom facilities at rural homestays vary; plan bathroom breaks at the vehicle beforehand if needed.
Ourika Valley: aromatic/medicinal plant garden visit
Short guided visit to an organic aromatic garden in the Ourika Valley to see local medicinal and aromatic plants used by Berber communities.
Tips from local experts:
- Children can safely smell and observe plants—supervise young ones around herb beds.
- If anyone has plant or pollen allergies, carry antihistamines; the garden is aromatic and may trigger sensitivities.
- Light insect repellent is useful in planted areas, especially in spring and early summer.
Transfer to Setti Fatma (Ourika Valley)
Short drive from the garden area to the Setti Fatma village trailhead where the waterfall walk begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Trailhead facilities are limited; use vehicle restrooms before starting the walk if available.
- Keep a small daypack with water, hats, and snacks for the hike portion.
- Discuss with the driver whether you'd like a local mountain guide for the waterfall trail (guide option is commonly available at the trailhead).
Guided hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls and riverside lunch
Walk the trail to the Setti Fatma waterfalls (the route includes steps and river crossings). Time is allocated for an uphill walk, exploring the lower falls and returning for a traditional lunch at a riverside restaurant.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes with good grip—trail sections are rocky and can be slippery near water.
- Bring a refillable water bottle; bottled drinks are available at restaurants but shops are limited on the trail.
- The waterfall trail includes steps and uneven ground—this activity is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs; keep children close on river sections.
Return drive to Marrakech and drop-off
Relaxed drive back to Marrakech with drop-off at your original pickup location or central accommodation.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect some traffic approaching Marrakech—allow time for a comfortable return and a final restroom break if needed.
- If your group needs onward transfers (airport, train), inform the driver early so timing can be coordinated.
- Keep a small bag of trash from the day (snack wrappers, bottles) to leave the villages and natural sites clean.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |
