Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech: Berber Villages & Waterfalls
Why Choose This Ourika Valley Day Trip
This Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech takes you into a green valley of the High Atlas, only about one hour from the city. To begin with, you drive past olive groves and red earth villages. Then you share mint tea with a Berber family, walk along the river and, if you like, hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Throughout the day, you also travel privately with your own driver-guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. As a result, you can stop for photos whenever you like. In fact, the valley is a favourite summer escape for local families, because the river keeps the air cool.
However, if you prefer an easier day in the desert, see our Agafay day trip. Also see all our day trips from Marrakech.
| Duration | Full day, about 8:30 to 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Driving time | About 1 hour 15 minutes each way |
| Main visits | Berber house, argan cooperative, Setti Fatma, river cafes |
| Walking | Optional hike to the waterfalls, about 1 to 2 hours |
| Price | From 85 € per person |
Highlights of the Ourika Valley Day Trip
- To begin with, drive past olive groves and earth villages towards the High Atlas.
- Then enjoy mint tea and bread with a Berber family in their home.
- Also, visit a women’s cooperative that makes argan oil by hand.
- After that, walk along the river to the village of Setti Fatma.
- Later, hike with a local mountain guide to the first waterfalls.
- Finally, have lunch by the river before you return to Marrakech.
Ourika Valley Day Trip: Itinerary
Morning: Marrakech – Berber Villages – Berber House
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your hotel or riad at about 8:30. Then you drive south across the plain, while the snowy peaks of the Atlas rise ahead in winter and spring.
Soon the road enters the Ourika Valley, with its terraced fields, walnut trees and earth houses. There you also visit a Berber family, who serve mint tea and bread from their clay oven.
Late Morning: Argan Cooperative and the River Road
After that, you stop at a women’s cooperative, where you learn how argan oil and amlou are made by hand. Then you follow the river road up the valley. Along the way, small bridges and cafes line the water, so you can stop wherever you like.
Midday: Setti Fatma and the Waterfalls
Later, you reach Setti Fatma, the last village of the road, at about 1,500 m. In general, a local mountain guide leads the hike to the first waterfalls. However, the path is rocky and steep in places, so good shoes are essential. Otherwise, you can simply relax by the river.
Afternoon: Lunch by the River and Return
Then you have lunch at a riverside restaurant, for example a tagine at a table near the water. Afterwards, you enjoy a last mint tea in the shade.
Finally, you drive back down the valley to Marrakech. As a result, you reach your riad at about 17:00.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Wear shoes with a good grip, because the rocks near the waterfalls are often wet. In addition, avoid the valley after heavy rain, since the river can rise very fast. Also, go on a weekday in summer, because weekends are busy with local families. Finally, keep cash for the guide, lunch and drinks.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Mint tea with a Berber family
- Visit to a women’s argan cooperative
- Free time in the valley and at Setti Fatma
- Not included
- Lunch
- Local mountain guide for the waterfall hike
- Drinks
- Tips
Good to Know Before Your Ourika Valley Day Trip
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at about 8:30.
- Hiking: the waterfall walk is short but rocky, so it suits people with good balance.
- Weather: the valley is cooler than Marrakech, so bring a warm layer from November to March.
- Safety: we change the plan after heavy rain, because the river can flood.
- Families: children enjoy the river and the Berber house, so the trip suits all ages.
- Higher mountains: see our Atlas Mountains day trip to Imlil.
- Longer trips: for more of the Atlas, see our trekking tours in Morocco.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the Ourika Valley Day Trip
Prices start at 85 € per person, because every trip is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Ourika Valley → Setti Fatma → Marrakech
FAQ About the Ourika Valley Day Trip
How far is the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?
In general, Setti Fatma is about 65 km from Marrakech, so the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Is the waterfall hike difficult?
It is short, but the path is rocky and steep in places. Therefore, it suits people with good shoes and good balance.
Do we visit a Berber family on the Ourika Valley day trip?
Yes, in fact you share mint tea and bread with a Berber family in their home.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you can choose. For example, many restaurants serve tagines by the river.
When is the best time for the Ourika Valley day trip?
In general, spring and autumn are best. However, summer is also popular, because the valley is cooler than Marrakech.
Is the trip suitable for families?
Yes, in fact the trip suits all ages, and children love the river and the cafes.
What time do we leave and return?
In general, we leave Marrakech at about 8:30 and return at about 17:00.
What should I bring?
Above all, bring good shoes, a warm layer, sunscreen and cash for lunch and the guide.
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