Ourika Valley Immersion in the heart of Berber land

Approximately thirty kilometres away from Marrakech, the Ourika valley spreads between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Despite it being so close to Marrakech, this beautiful lush green valley is definitely one of the best preserved valleys in Morocco.

Asni valley A little more than one hour away from Marrakech, the Asni Valley is at the foot of some of the highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains. It is a spread of natural unspoilt beauty and purity and offers a haven of peace after the commotion of the red town.

Infinitely different landscapes are passed through to reach this calm region. From the comfort of their vehicle, visitors can imagine the lifestyle of the inhabitants not so long ago. The mule tracks, the douars (shanty-towns) on the hillside, or the shepherds leading their troops are constant reminders of the relativity of time. The arrival in Asni tends to interrupt this train of thought. Indeed, this village is not of any special interest, but it is the place for deciding between continuing straight on towards Marigha, Ouirgane and Tizi n’Test or heading off towards Imlil and the Toubkal Mountain, the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains.

Lalla Takerkoust lake A haven of peace and coolness only 30 minutes away from Marrakech

Built in the time of the French protectorate, the Lalla Takerkoust dam provides Marrakech and its region with electricity. It has also enabled the creation of a very pleasant artificial lake, only 40 Km away from Marrakech. Over several square kilometres, this stretch of water provides a refreshing opportunity to escape from the heat and pollution that rage over Marrakech at certain times of the year.

The Ouzoud waterfalls Take the shortcuts in order to take advantage of a pleasant day at the foot of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole of North Africa.

On leaving Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are natural marvels that are not to be taken for granted. Indeed, they are reached by a journey of more than 150 Km, i.e. around 2hr30, which uses several shortcuts. Nevertheless, the most famous waterfalls in Morocco are worth the trip. Approximately 110 metres high, its waters rebound on several landings and throw fine drops into the air. The waterfalls are therefore almost constantly surrounded by a beautiful rainbow.

ULM (Ultra-light aircraft) Marrakech – Air-view of the Marrakech region Since the start of 2005, it is possible to discover the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Haouz region or the Lalla Takerkoust dam from a two-seater ULM (ultra-light aircraft). Led by two professional ULM instructor-pilots, Christophe Calmon and Marc Massing, the company ULM Marrakech offers both discovery flights (first-flights) and introductions to ULM piloting in the Marrakech region.

ULM (Ultra-Light Aircraft) is an air and sports activity that has experienced considerable success in Europe and in the United States. "We have chosen pendular ULMs, as they give people a real sensation of flying," confides Christophe Calmon, one of the pioneers of this activity in Morocco. These Ultra-lights are wheeled hang-gliders with an engine. "The characteristics of these machines are particularly adapted to tourist flights. Our passengers don’t have portholes separating them from the landscape, and so they have an incomparable cinemascopic visibility," he adds. Although extremely light (150kg), these planes meet with strict safety standards that guarantee the safety of both the instructor and the passenger.