Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech

Into the High Atlas

The Ourika Valley begins less than an hour's drive south of Marrakech. The road follows the river upstream between red hillsides, terraced fields and Berber villages built from earth and stone, up to Setti Fatma, roughly 65 km from the city and usually about an hour and a half by road.

Life along the river

Walnut and fruit trees shade the riverbanks, and cafés set their tables right beside the water. Along the way, some trips stop at a women's argan cooperative, a garden or a traditional house; which stops are made depends on the option you book.

Villages along the road

The road passes a string of villages on the way up the valley. Tnine Ourika takes its name from its weekly market, held on Mondays (tnine in Moroccan Arabic), which draws people from the surrounding hamlets. Higher up, small footbridges cross the river to cafés and houses on the far bank, and the valley narrows as the mountains close in.

The waterfalls of Setti Fatma

From Setti Fatma, a path climbs the side valley to a series of small waterfalls. Reaching the first one is a short but rocky scramble; going further requires more climbing over boulders.

Weather and safety

The valley is a welcome escape from the summer heat of Marrakech. After heavy rain or storms, the river can rise very quickly, so trips may be changed for safety when the weather requires it.

Practical tips

• Wear shoes you can scramble in if you want to reach the waterfalls.
• Bring a layer: it is cooler in the mountains than in the city.
• Carry cash for drinks and lunch in the valley.

What a particular trip includes, how long you stay and which stops it makes depend on the option you book. They are shown under Ways to do this trip once dates and prices are published.