9 of the best small-group tours in Marrakech for solo travellers
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most visited destinations, with a wealth of activities and experiences to keep tourists entertained. But the truth is, many of these are tailored towards couples, families or groups, rather than those travelling solo.
Some Marrakech tours and experiences require at least two people to book while others are available for solo travellers, albeit at a higher price tag. This is understandable since tour companies need to cover their expenses and pay their staff, which can only be feasible with a minimum number of participants.
Fortunately, there are several small-group tours in Marrakech that allow solo travellers to book a single spot, making it easier to enjoy the experience without bearing all the costs alone. The added benefit is that you have the opportunity to connect with other like-minded travellers and perhaps even make lifelong friends.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best small-group tours in Marrakech for solo travellers, from cooking classes to weaving workshops and day trips beyond the medina. All of these small-group tours in Marrakech for solo travellers come with glowing reviews from previous guests, giving you peace of mind that they maintain high standards when it comes to guiding and transportation.
If you want to learn more about group tours vs independent travel in Morocco, you can check out the pros and cons of each here.
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Free walking tour of Marrakech
Best small-group guided tour of Marrakech medina
Beginning at 10 am every day of the week, this three-hour guided tour of the Marrakech medina starts outside the L’Adresse Cafe & Restaurant on the edge of Djemaa el Fnaa. It’s run by a company called Marrakech With Locals, which really does exactly what it says on the box – it allows you to explore the “Red City” with the help of local guides who are passionate about sharing their cultural insights with you.
During this small-group tour of Marrakech, you’ll marvel at the intricate tilework adorning the Koutoubia Mosque and learn about the Five Pillars of Islam before admiring the stunning architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Your guide will lead you through the medina’s colourful souks, filled with woven rugs and gleaming brass lanterns, and take you to the fascinating Mouassine Complex.
Throughout the three-hour experience, you’ll gain insight into Moroccan culture, from the myriad languages spoken to the nation’s economic landscape and its upcoming role in hosting the World Cup. It’s a great way to get your bearings on your first day in the city and discover places you want to return later to delve a little deeper.
While this small-group Marrakech tour is billed as being “free”, there is the expectation that you tip, although how much is up to you. Their suggestion is between 10 and 50 Euros, depending on your budget and how valuable you thought the experience was. If the glowing reviews are anything to go by, the guides who run these tours are among the city’s best!
Small-group hot air balloon flight over Marrakech with breakfast
Best hot-air balloon flight over Marrakech for solo travellers
A hot air balloon flight over Marrakech at sunrise really is an unforgettable experience. Not only will you get a bird’s eye view of the “Red City” and incredible panoramas of the Atlas Mountains but you’ll get to enjoy them in the atmospheric early morning light.
This small-group hot air balloon flight from Marrakech is an affordable option for solo travellers as you’ll share the experience with other travellers. It boasts almost 3,000 positive reviews on Viator and was an Experience Award Winner in 2025, recognising it as one of the top experiences for travellers in Marrakech.
Group sizes are limited to 15 people, giving you plenty of space in the basket to capture photos of the spectacular scenery. You can select between two flight times – 6 am and 7 am – with the earlier time taking off during sunrise and the later flight shortly after.
As you gently lift off, the first rays of sunlight paint the sky in a dazzling array of oranges, pinks and golds, illuminating a vast expanse of ochre desert dotted with palm groves and Amazigh villages. Throughout the flight, your experienced pilot provides insightful commentary, pointing out landmarks and sharing fascinating details about the region’s history, culture and geography.
After a gentle landing, you’ll be whisked away to a traditional tent to enjoy a delicious breakfast spread and relive the morning’s adventure.
This small-group tour in Marrakech for solo travellers includes door-to-door service from your riad or hotel. Remember to bring a warm jacket as the air can be incredibly chilly at this time of the morning!
Small-group day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
Best tour from Marrakech to Essaouira for solo travellers
The whitewashed coastal city of Essaouira feels completely different from Marrakech – there’s an artsy, bohemian vibe here that is endlessly enchanting. While I would highly recommend spending a night or two here, if your itinerary doesn’t allow for that, it’s incredibly easy to visit on a day tour.
This small-group tour from Marrakech to Essaouira is limited to a maximum of 17 participants and saves you the hassle of having to navigate public transport. It includes pick-up from your hotel or riad (no costly taxi fares to the bus station required), as well as the services of a knowledgeable local driver.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a women’s cooperative that specialises in producing argan oil, a prized local product known for its cosmetic and culinary uses. Be sure to try the amlou (a combination of almonds, honey and argan oil) – it’s delicious! You’ll also pass by groves of argan trees native to the region.
Once you arrive in Essaouira, you’ll have around four hours to explore at your leisure, with your driver designating a pickup point for later in the afternoon. This is plenty of time to wander the medina with its art galleries and artisan workshops, learn about the city’s Jewish heritage in the mellah and soak up the views across the Atlantic Ocean from the Skala de la Kasbah.
While lunch isn’t included in this small-group tour from Marrakech to Essaouira, there are HEAPS of places in the Medina where you can grab a bite to eat, from traditional tagines to Western cafe fare. At the port, you can select your seafood and have it grilled to perfection at one of the nearby barbecues, complete with a Moroccan salad and bread.
While the distance between Marrakech and Essaouira is less than 200 kilometres, the journey can take around four hours once you factor in stops. It’s also worth keeping in mind that this isn’t a Marrakech tour for solo travellers who want to be guided through the Essaouira medina but I think the affordable price tag reflects that.
Small-group rug-making workshop in Marrakech
Best weaving workshop in Marrakech for solo travellers
This is one for the crafters! What better way to connect with Moroccan culture than by participating in a hands-on rug-making workshop. During this small-group experience in Marrakech, you’ll step into the world of traditional artisanship while learning the time-honoured techniques of weaving under the expert guidance of local women.
It all begins with a visit to a historic weavers’ market, where you’ll witness firsthand the incredible skill and dedication that goes into each handmade piece. Back at the workshop (a government-sponsored traditional art training centre), you’ll have the opportunity to create your very own masterpiece, choosing from a rainbow of wool colours and working with authentic tools of the trade.
As you weave, you’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan hospitality – I’m talking aromatic mint tea and tasty local delicacies. The workshop takes place over three or four hours, so there’s plenty of opportunity to chat with the weaving wonder women who run this workshop and share stories, all while picking up expert tips and tricks.
The small-group setting of this Marrakech weaving workshop ensures personalised attention and fosters a spirit of camaraderie and shared creativity. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a skilled crafter, it offers a window into Morocco’s fascinating heritage and a chance to take home a truly special memento. You’ll come away with a beautiful, handcrafted rug that will always remind you of the experience.
As you’d expect, this small-group rug-making workshop in Marrakech comes with incredible reviews, plus the Viator Badge of Excellence. Everyone raves about the experience, whether they’re travelling as a couple, with the family or solo. When booking, you can select the time that suits you and you won’t pay more as a single than anyone else!
Small-group day trip to the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley
Best day trip to Atlas Mountains from Marrakech for solo travellers
Visible from many rooftops in the Marrakech medina are the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and there’s no better way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle than by venturing there. On this small-group day trip to Ourika Valley, you’ll do just that while enjoying the fresh mountain area and spectacular scenery.
After being picked up from your riad or hotel, you’ll travel south from the “Red City” in an air-conditioned van. The arid landscapes of the plains will eventually give way to the rugged terrain of the Atlas foothills, peppered with traditional Amazigh villages and terraced fields. Along the way, your guide will share tidbits of information about the area and insights into life in the Atlas Mountains.
In around an hour, you’ll be in Ourika – it’s hard to believe the scenery can change so dramatically in such a short space of time. There are several options available once you’re here – you can hike to the waterfalls of Setti Fadma, visit an argan oil cooperative or simply relax at one of the riverside cafes with your feet soaking in the water.
One of the great things about this small-group tour from Marrakech to Ourika is that it’s incredibly budget-friendly for solo travellers and there’s some level of flexibility in the itinerary. You have three hours in the valley itself and can chat with the guide if you don’t want to do exactly what the rest of the group is.
Provided you’re back at the meeting point in time for the return trip to Marrakech, you can take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and just enjoy the natural surroundings. Keep in mind that lunch is not included in the price, but there are plenty of riverside cafes serving tagines and other Moroccan specialties.
Small-group cooking class in a Marrakech riad
Best cooking class in Marrakech for solo travellers
Tucked away in the Marrakech medina lies Riad Dar Zaman – a highly rated riad where you can immerse yourself in the aromatic world of Moroccan cuisine. This intimate cooking class, limited to just six participants, offers a hands-on experience while also allowing you to experience an authentic local neighbourhood.
It all begins with a visit to a nearby souk where you’ll handpick the ingredients for your feast – colourful vegetables, fragrant spices and freshly butchered meats. Next, a stop at the local baker reveals the time-honoured tradition of communal bread-making – you bring the dough and they cook it for you.
Back at the riad, in the shaded tranquility of the courtyard, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Moroccan salads like tangy zaalouk made with roasted eggplant. The centrepiece of your meal is a classic tagine – perhaps chicken slow-simmered with preserved lemons and green olives or lamb infused with the sweetness of prunes. Dessert is a simple yet addictive dish of orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon.
Perhaps the best part of this small-group cooking class in Marrakech is sitting down to enjoy your creations and savouring the fruits of your labour. Sitting on the sun-dappled terrace of Riad Dar Zaman, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of your hosts and get to know your newfound culinary friends a little better.
What I particularly love about this experience is the opportunity to explore an area of the Marrakech Medina that most tourists don’t. Riad Dar Zaman is located in a quiet corner of Diour Jdad, far from the hawkers and hassle of Djemaa el-Fnaa. Menus can be altered based on your dietary preferences – just let them know at the time of booking.
Small-group two-day tour to Mount Toubkal from Marrakech
Best trekking tour to Toubkal for solo travellers
If you want to scale North Africa’s highest peak, this small-group trekking tour from Marrakech is a hassle-free option. It takes place over the course of two days, transporting you from the hustle and bustle of the Marrakech Medina to the 4,167-metre (13,671-foot) summit of Mount Toubkal.
Your knowledgeable local guide will lead the way as you wind through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, starting from the village of Imlil. Mules carry your gear, allowing you to focus on the incredible landscapes unfolding around you – terraced mountainsides, gushing river valleys and traditional Amazigh villages dotting the hillsides.
As you climb higher, the terrain transforms into a rocky, lunar-like environment, with patches of snow even in the warmer months. An approximately 6-hour trek brings you to the Neltner Refuge, a comfortable mountain hut at 3207 metres where you’ll enjoy a well-earned meal and overnight either in the shelter or camping under the stars.
The next morning, an early alpine start has you navigating the final 960 metres of loose scree and boulders to reach Toubkal’s summit. At the top, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama over the undulating peaks and valleys of the Atlas range, all the way to the Sahara Desert shimmering in the distance.
After revelling in your accomplishment and the unbeatable views, you’ll descend back to the refuge for lunch before continuing down to Imlil. From here, you’ll be driven back to the “Red City”.
This two-day trekking excursion to Mount Toubkal includes round-trip transportation from your Marrakech accommodation and a night in the refuge, as well as the services of your guide. It’s worth noting that guides are mandatory to climb Toubkal, so if you travel to Imlil independently, you’ll still need to secure the services of a guide.
Small-group three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Best desert tour from Marrakech for solo travellers
There are plenty of tours from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, but many require a minimum of two people or are private. This three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is perfect for solo travellers who want to experience the best this magnificent region has to offer without a hefty price tag.
It takes you through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, winding along the iconic Tizi n’Tichka pass with its stunning panoramic vistas. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village renowned for its traditional earthen clay architecture, and explore the beautiful Valley of the Roses.
After overnighting at a guesthouse in Tinghir, you’ll enjoy a short walk through Todra Gorge, famed for its towering walls. Once you reach Merzouga, you’ll embark on a camel trek into the dunes and witness a breathtaking sunset from your traditional desert camp. In the evening, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable night of stargazing – there really is nothing like it!
The next day, after an equally memorable sunrise (and even a spot of sandboarding), you’ll return to Merzouga by camel and start the long drive back to Marrakech. It’s worth noting that this is a really long drive (around 9 hours) so be prepared. As you’re travelling the same way you came, there’s no need to feel guilty if you dose off at some point!
This small-group desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga includes two dinners and two breakfasts, with the opportunity to purchase lunches from restaurants along the way. Sometimes these are a bit pricey, so bring your own snacks if you’re watching your dirhams. It boasts more than 10,000 positive reviews on Viator (that’s incredible!) and the guides always receive glowing praise.
Want to learn more about travelling to the Sahara solo? Check out my detailed planning guide here.
Small-group three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
Best desert tour from Marrakech to Fes for solo travellers
Not everyone knows this but it’s possible to travel from Marrakech to Fes with a Sahara Desert tour thrown in. There are many Moroccan desert tours that begin in one city and end in the other, travelling via the Sahara gateway town of Merzouga. I think it’s an incredible way to transfer between the two ancient medinas because you get to see a lot (and I mean a LOT) of Morocco along the way.
Serving as a transfer-tour hybrid, this three-day small-group adventure from Marrakech to Fes offers a blend of ancient history, stunning natural landscapes and authentic desert experiences, all at a relatively affordable price tag for solo travellers. You’ll be sharing the experience with up to 14 others, although it’s not always booked to capacity.
After leaving Marrakech and travelling over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, you’ll make a stop in Ait Benhaddou, which has served as a backdrop to numerous Hollywood films. In the afternoon, you’ll stop for tea in the Valley of Roses gateway town, Kalaat M’Gouna, before continuing onto Tinghir where you’ll spend the night.
The following day, you’ll have time to explore the towering cliffs and narrow canyons of Todra Gorge, a natural wonder that showcases the raw beauty of Morocco’s countryside. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga where you’ll embark on a camelback safari to your desert camp. It’s here that you’ll be treated to warm nomadic hospitality and an unforgettable night of stargazing.
Rise early to catch a magnificent sunrise over the dunes, then unleash your inner adventurer with an exhilarating sandboarding session. After returning to Merzouga by camel, you’ll make the long drive north to Fes, travelling through the Ziz Valley and the cedar forest of Afrou (home to Barbary macaques.
Visiting Fes? Check out some of the best small-group tours in this ancient city for solo travellers.
Agafay desert tour with camel ride and dinner show
If you don’t have time to go all the way to the Sahara Desert, then Agafay (around 45 minutes’ drive south of Marrakech) is the next best thing. It’s important to say that Agafay is not rolling sand dunes as far as the eye can see but an equally striking rocky desert landscape that’s enchanting in its own right. You can learn more about the difference between Agafay and the Sahara here.
On this late afternoon/evening experience, you’ll get a taste of desert life, including a camel ride at sunset and some incredible stargazing once darkness sets in. It also includes an authentic Moroccan feast, including hearty harira soup, a tagine or couscous of your choice and seasonal fruits for dessert. This is all accompanied by traditional Amazigh hospitality, live music and an incredible fire show.
While this Agafay desert tour is quite a “touristy” experience, it receives rave reviews (more than 1,600 on Viator alone) and I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of Morocco beyond the medina. The guides are really welcoming and they’ll usually make a stop an argan oil cooperative en route so you can see how this prized oil is extracted.
Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off is included in the price, which is the same for solo travellers as it is for those travelling in larger groups. When you consider that dinner is also included, I think it’s really good value. Plus, the views across the rugged landscapes of Agafay really are spectacular…even if it’s not the Sahara!
FAQs
Is it safe to walk around Marrakech alone?
Marrakech is generally a safe city for walking around alone, particularly during daylight hours and in well-populated, brightly lit areas. However, as with any urban destination, it’s wise to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Stick to busy, illuminated streets and avoid venturing down isolated alleys or darkened passageways, especially at night when fewer people are around. In crowded spaces like Djemaa el-Fnaa, be extra mindful of your personal belongings and surroundings, as pickpockets have been known to take advantage of distracted tourists.
If you feel uneasy navigating the city alone, I’d highly recommend hiring a local guide who can help you steer clear of any troublesome situations. Not only that but they’ll provide a wealth of knowledge about the city’s cultural heritage and take you to hidden gems you might not otherwise discover exploring Marrakech independently.
Is Morocco safe to travel independently?
Exploring Morocco independently can be a really rewarding adventure, as most locals are welcoming and known for their generous hospitality. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone may have your best interests in mind.
Like any travel destination, there are individuals who might try to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors, so you should always have your wits about you and act with common sense. Don’t knowingly put yourself in potentially dangerous situations, such as walking down dark alleys alone at night, and avoid disclosing personal details, like your accommodation or the fact that you’re traveling solo, to strangers.
Should I take a guided tour in Marrakech?
Taking a guided tour of Marrakech is highly advisable, especially for those who want to discover the city’s cultural heritage at a deeper level. While you can certainly wander through Marrakech on your own, having a knowledgeable local guide can greatly enhance the experience by providing insights and context that you might miss otherwise.
The Marrakech medina can be quite overwhelming and it’s easy to lose your way in its winding streets. Local guides are intimately familiar with the area and will keep you on the right path, even if you might feel completely disoriented and lose your bearings. Additionally, a guided tour can lead you to hidden treasures or local places that you might not discover alone.
Is Morocco safe?
Many people ask, “Is it safe to travel alone in Morocco?” or “Is Morocco a safe country?” In my opinion, Morocco is a safe place to visit, but it’s important to be mindful of potential risks, just as you would in any unfamiliar location.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, and scams, particularly with taxi drivers, are not uncommon. Nevertheless, violent crimes against tourists are quite rare and assistance is usually close at hand if you face any challenges.
By being cautious and using common sense, most travellers have a memorable time in Morocco. I suggest that solo travellers educate themselves about possible issues or harassment before their trip so they can be adequately prepared upon arrival.
Is Marrakech safe for solo female travellers?
Generally speaking, Marrakech is a safe and enjoyable destination for solo female travellers. But it’s important to be aware that catcalling does sometimes occur and, while relatively harmless, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. The best advice is to just ignore it and keep walking, rather than giving the perpetrator the attention they crave.
As with travelling to any unfamiliar place alone, it’s wise to research the local customs, culture and safety situation before departing so you are aware of potential risks and can take precautions. Dressing conservatively and avoiding walking alone at night is highly recommended for female travellers to stay safe in Marrakech.
Always be alert to your surroundings, keep your valuables secure and politely but firmly decline any unwanted advances or offers. Choosing reputable accommodations in well-trafficked neighbourhoods and perhaps booking a few guided tours or activities can provide added peace of mind.
