Skip to content

Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech

Photos: User:China_Crisis, CC BY-SA 2.5 · Luc Viatour, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Levente32, Public domain · Mouhcine Boudanes, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Michal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY-SA 2.0

Overview

Duration
1 day
Starts in
Marrakech
Ends in
Marrakech

Less than an hour south of Marrakech, the road climbs into the High Atlas and everything changes: the air is cooler, the river runs fast and clear, and the hillsides are covered with walnut trees, terraced fields and villages of pisé houses the same colour as the mountain. The Ourika Valley is the easiest way to feel the real Atlas Mountains in a single day. On the way up you share bread and tea in a Berber family home and see argan oil made by hand. At the end of the road, in the village of Setti Fatma, a local mountain guide walks you up the rocks to the waterfalls at your own pace. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant with your feet almost in the water. AT A GLANCE • Duration: about 8 hours • Start and finish: your hotel or riad in Marrakech • Distance: about 65 km each way (about 1–1.5 hours' drive) • Type: private day trip with driver; local mountain guide in Setti Fatma • Walking: 1.5–3 hours on rocky paths, depending on how far you go • Activity level: easy to moderate WHY THIS TRIP WORKS It is close, it is cool, and it combines nature, culture and a gentle hike without a long drive. It is the perfect break in a Marrakech stay, especially from spring to early autumn. WHO WILL ENJOY IT Families, couples, walkers of all levels, and anyone who needs fresh air after the medina. WHO MIGHT PREFER ANOTHER TOUR For a real mountain hike with views of Toubkal, take the [Imlil and Toubkal National Park day hike](/en-US/morocco/marrakech/tours/imlil-toubkal-national-park-day-hike-from-marrakech/ec0e3b716bbad68797b6158b). To sleep in the valley, choose the [overnight Ourika Valley trip](/en-US/morocco/marrakech/tours/overnight-trip-to-ourika-valley-from-marrakech-mountains-waterfalls-berber-culture/685bbc98c6e9e89b1313442e). PRACTICAL INFORMATION Wear shoes with good grip: the waterfall path is rocky and can be wet. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen and cash for lunch and tips. After heavy rain the river can rise quickly; your guide decides which part of the path is safe.

  • Free cancellation

    Full refund if canceled up to 24 hours before the start of the experience (local time)

  • Reserve now and pay later

    Reserve your spot while maintaining flexibility.

  • Lowest price guaranteed

    Found a lower price online? We'll refund the difference.

Included

Everything included in your package

Luxury · Private5
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Private premium vehicle
  • Professional English or French-speaking driver
  • Bottled water and snacks during the trip
  • Flexible start time
Luxury · Shared4
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Comfortable premium vehicle
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water during the trip
Standard · Private4
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional English or French-speaking driver
  • Bottled water during the trip
Standard · Shared4
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water during the trip

Itinerary

Your route

Tap a day to see it on the map

  1. 1

    Day 1: Marrakech to the Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma

    You leave Marrakech in the morning and cross the flat Haouz plain towards the wall of the High Atlas. Once in the valley you stop at a Berber house and an argan cooperative, then follow the river up to Setti Fatma, where the walk to the waterfalls begins. After lunch by the water, you drive back to Marrakech. SCHEDULE (times are estimates) 09:00 – Pick-up at your hotel or riad. 10:00 – Enter the Ourika Valley at Tnine Ourika; photo stop. 10:15 – Berber house: bread, butter, honey and mint tea with a family (about 30 min). 11:00 – Argan oil cooperative (about 30 min). 11:45 – Drive up the valley, past Aghbalou and the riverside cafés. 12:15 – Setti Fatma: meet your local mountain guide. 12:30 – Walk to the first waterfall (about 1.5 hours return); continue higher if you wish. 14:00 – Lunch at a riverside restaurant (about 1 hour, not included). 15:30 – Free time by the river. 16:00 – Depart Setti Fatma. 17:30 – Drop-off in Marrakech. GOOD TO KNOW • The first waterfall is the most visited. There are seven in total; the higher ones need more climbing. • Young men may offer to guide you on the path; your official guide is already arranged. • On Mondays there is a weekly souk in Tnine Ourika; ask your driver to stop. INCLUDED: private vehicle and driver, local mountain guide in Setti Fatma, bottled water. NOT INCLUDED: lunch, drinks, tips. IF THE WEATHER TURNS: in winter or after storms, the waterfall path may be closed. Your guide then suggests a walk in the villages and orchards instead. WHAT YOU'LL TASTE Fresh bread from the clay oven with argan oil, amlou and honey at the Berber house. Lunch by the river: a tagine cooked over charcoal, grilled meat, or trout from the valley in season. PHOTO SPOTS • Terraced fields and earth villages clinging to the slopes. • Cafés with tables set in the river. • The first waterfall of Setti Fatma. ACCESSIBILITY The Berber house and the cooperative are easy. The waterfall path has big rocks and steep sections; those who prefer not to climb can stay at a riverside café. WHAT YOU TAKE AWAY: mountain air, a taste of Berber hospitality and a cool, green day away from the city.

    Berber house

    Duration: About 30 minutes

    Berber house

    A family home built of earth and stone, where several generations live around a courtyard with animals and a bread oven. The family explains daily life in the mountains and serves tea and bread. Practical: a small contribution is welcome; ask before taking photos of people.

    Argan oil cooperative

    Duration: About 30 minutes

    Argan oil cooperative

    Local women show you how argan nuts are cracked, the kernels roasted and ground, and the oil extracted by hand. The cooperative supports their income. Practical: tasting is free; buying is optional.

    Ourika Valley

    Duration: Drive with stops

    Ourika Valley

    The valley follows the Ourika river into the High Atlas. Walnut, apple and cherry trees grow on terraces, irrigated by channels from the river. It is a popular weekend spot for Marrakchis. Practical: traffic is heavier at weekends.

    Setti Fatma waterfalls

    Duration: About 1.5–3 hours

    Setti Fatma waterfalls

    Setti Fatma is the last village on the road, at about 1,500 m. From here a path climbs up a side valley to a series of waterfalls. The first is reached in about 30–45 minutes; the higher ones take longer. Practical: shoes with grip are essential; the guide adapts the route to your level.

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Child seats or chairs available

Cancellation policy

To receive a full refund for the experience, you must cancel at least 24 hours before it starts.

  • If you cancel the experience less than 24 hours before it starts, the amount paid will not be refunded.

Help

If you have any questions about this tour or need help making the reservation, we will be happy to help. Just call the following number and provide the product code: 110964P11

+34 643 63 5962

Additional information

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate in the experience
  • This tour or activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Earnings influence the experiences shown on this page, learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the walk to the waterfalls?

The walk to the first waterfall takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way over rocks and uneven paths. Good shoes are needed. Those who prefer not to walk can relax at a riverside café.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, so you can choose what you like at the riverside restaurant. A tagine lunch usually costs a modest amount.

When is the best time to go?

From March to October. In spring the valley is at its greenest; in summer it is a cool escape from Marrakech. In winter, rain can sometimes close parts of the walk.

Can children join?

Yes, children love the river and the villages. For young children, we suggest a shorter walk instead of going all the way to the upper waterfalls.

How far is the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

About 65 km to Setti Fatma, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A local mountain guide accompanies you on the waterfall walk in Setti Fatma, and your driver explains the valley on the way.

Is the trip private?

Yes. The vehicle, driver and guide are for your group only.

What should I bring?

Shoes with grip, a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat and cash for lunch and tips.

Similar experiences

90,75 €/ per personChoose your dates