Lalla Takerkoust Lake and Three Atlas Valleys, Day Trip from Marrakech
Lalla Takerkoust is a reservoir lake about 40 km south-west of Marrakech, below the first ridges of the High Atlas. This full-day loop starts at the lake, climbs to Asni and Imlil for a short walk and comes home through the Ourika Valley, so you see three valleys in one day.
- DURATION
- ROUTE
- TOUR TYPE
- PICKUP
- PRICE
Lalla Takerkoust day trip at a glance
- 1 day
- Marrakech · Lalla Takerkoust · Asni · Imlil · Ourika Valley · Marrakech
- Private tour
- Riad or hotel pickup
- Best time: April to October
Lake Takerkoust, Asni market and Imlil
You see the High Atlas from several sides in one day. In winter and spring the snow peaks rise straight behind the reservoir at Lalla Takerkoust. From there the road climbs into the Asni valley and up to Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal.
After lunch in the mountains you cross to the Ourika Valley and follow the river down to the plain. You spend more time in the car than on a one-valley trip, but you see much more of the range and its villages.
Highlights
- The lake at Lalla Takerkoust with the High Atlas behind it
- The Asni valley and its Saturday market
- A short walk through the village of Imlil
- Lunch with a view of the Toubkal massif
- The Ourika Valley on the way back
Read more: Lalla Takerkoust and Imlil.
How the day goes
From your pickup in the morning to the drop-off at the end of the day.
Morning · Lalla Takerkoust and Asni
Pickup at 8:30 and a drive of about forty minutes to the lake at Lalla Takerkoust for the view across the water. The road then climbs to Asni; on Saturdays you can walk through the weekly market.
Midday · Imlil
A short walk with a local guide through Imlil and its orchards, then lunch on a terrace facing the mountains.
Afternoon · Ourika Valley and back
The road crosses to the Ourika Valley, where you can stop by the river or at an argan oil cooperative before driving back to Marrakech in the late afternoon.
What is included and not included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver for the day
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Local guide for the walk in Imlil
- Fuel and parking
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides at the sites
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Pickup, best time to go and what to bring
Pickup points
We pick you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at the time you choose. If your riad is in a lane cars cannot enter, the driver waits at the nearest square or gate and someone from the riad walks you there.
Best time to go
April to October suits walking. In winter the higher villages can have snow, and Toubkal becomes a winter climb from about December to March.
What to bring
Walking shoes with grip, a warm layer and a waterproof, a hat and sun cream, water, and some cash for lunch and tips.
Good to know
The weather in the mountains changes faster than in Marrakech, so carry a warm layer even on a hot day. Village paths are rocky and can be muddy after rain. Dress modestly in the villages, ask before taking photos of people, and carry small notes in dirhams for lunch, tea and tips. Mules can carry bags where cars cannot go, and your guide arranges them.
Price, deposit and cancellation
Prices are per person and depend on the size of your group. You book with a 20% deposit by card or PayPal and pay the balance on the first day of the tour.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, we refund the deposit in full; after that the deposit is kept. You can change the date once for free if you ask 14 days or more before. The details are in our Cancellation Policy.
Questions about the Lalla Takerkoust day trip
How far is Lalla Takerkoust from Marrakech?
About 40 km, or 45 minutes by car. It is the first stop of the day, so you reach the lake in the cool of the morning.
What is the three valleys tour from Marrakech?
A day out that links several valleys of the High Atlas foothills in one loop. Ours goes by the Takerkoust and Asni valleys, up to Imlil and back through the Ourika Valley.
Is this a lot of driving?
About four hours in total, split into short stretches with stops. If you prefer more walking and less road, choose the Imlil or Ourika day trip instead.
Can we change the timing?
Yes. You choose the pickup time, the stops and how long you stay out.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Let us know their ages and we adjust the walking and the stops.
Can we add something to the day?
Yes. Tell us what else you would like to see or do, and we suggest how to fit it in.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size and we reply with availability and a quote. When online booking is open for this tour, you can also reserve with a deposit by card or PayPal.
Can we stop for lunch by the lake?
Yes. Restaurants along the shore of Lalla Takerkoust serve lunch with views across the water to the Atlas.
Book this tour
Send your dates and group size and we reply with a quote.
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Route and timing adjusted to you
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