Atlas Mountains
Kik Plateau & Asni Valley Day Trip from Marrakech
A panoramic loop over the Kik plateau, through the Asni and Ouirgane valleys.
- Duration
- Full day (7–9 hours)
- Price
- From 30 EUR / 320 MAD
- Group size
- Private or small group (2–14)
- Difficulty
- Easy — a scenic drive with short optional walks
Reply within 2 hours · Private or shared · Pay after we confirm your spot
Overview
The Kik plateau is the High Atlas at its most open — a broad, farmed shelf of land between Asni and Imlil where barley fields and grazing flocks spread out beneath a wall of peaks, with views that stop conversation in the car. A loop through the plateau and down into the Asni and Ouirgane valleys makes for one of the most scenic, least strenuous mountain drives near Marrakech, built almost entirely around the views rather than any single sight.
From Marrakech the road climbs to Asni before branching onto the Kik plateau road, which unrolls across open farmland with the Toubkal massif rising directly ahead. In spring the fields are green and dotted with wildflowers; year-round, the sheer scale of the plateau against the mountains makes for constant photo stops.
The route typically loops back through the Ouirgane valley, adding red-earth scenery and the reservoir to the plateau's high, open views, or returns via Asni for a look at the foothill town itself. Short stops at village viewpoints and the occasional shepherd's flock crossing the road are part of the charm — this is a day for slow driving and looking, not ticking off sights.
Because so little of the day requires walking, it is one of the easiest ways to see genuinely dramatic Atlas scenery, well suited to travellers with limited time, mixed-ability groups, or anyone who simply wants the mountains through a car window and a camera lens rather than on foot.
Highlights
- The open Kik plateau, a farmed shelf beneath the High Atlas with huge views
- Grazing flocks, mud-brick hamlets and terraced barley fields
- A loop through the Asni and Ouirgane valleys
- One of the most photogenic foothill drives near Marrakech
Your day, hour by hour
A typical trip runs about Full day (7–9 hours). Timings flex with the season, traffic and whether you go private or shared — here is the usual shape of the day:
- 8:30
Marrakech pickup
Drive south to Asni at the foot of the mountains.
- 9:45
Onto the Kik plateau
Climb onto the open plateau road with Toubkal ahead.
- 10:30
Plateau photo stops
Pause at viewpoints over the farmland and grazing flocks.
- 12:00
Ouirgane valley
Drop into the red-earth Ouirgane valley and its reservoir.
- 13:00
Valley lunch
A relaxed tagine at a rural terrace restaurant.
- 14:30
Asni town
A short stop in Asni before heading back.
- 16:00
Return to Marrakech
Descend to the plains, arriving early evening.
What's included & what's not
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Local guide (optional)
- Tips
- Any village purchases
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes for occasional short stops
- A layer for the higher, breezier plateau
- Sun protection
- A camera — this is one of the most photogenic drives near Marrakech
Who this trip suits
- Photographers and scenery lovers
- Travellers with limited time who still want dramatic views
- Families and mixed-ability groups (minimal walking)
- Anyone who prefers a scenic drive over a hike
Maybe not for you if: Active hikers wanting to get out and walk — this trip is built around driving and viewpoints.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kik plateau?
A broad, open farming shelf in the High Atlas foothills between Asni and Imlil, at around 1,900 metres, known for sweeping views over barley fields and grazing flocks toward the Toubkal massif. It is one of the most scenic short drives near Marrakech.
How much walking is involved?
Very little — the day is built around driving and photo stops, with only short, optional strolls at viewpoints or villages. It suits travellers who want big Atlas views without committing to a hike.
Is the Kik plateau road difficult to drive?
It is a paved but narrow mountain road with some unpaved sections depending on the exact route, best left to an experienced local driver rather than self-drive, especially after rain.
When is the best time to see the Kik plateau?
Spring (March to May), when the fields are green and often dotted with wildflowers, gives the most dramatic contrast with the mountains. The views remain impressive year-round, including under winter snow on the peaks.