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Snow-capped High Atlas mountains seen from Marrakech, where the Ourika Valley begins

Photo: Paul Macallan / Unsplash

Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech

A green day in the High Atlas: a Berber family house, argan oil, the Setti Fatma waterfalls and lunch by the river.

  • Duration1 day
  • StartMarrakech
  • EndMarrakech
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Ourika Valley day trip takes you into the High Atlas mountains, only about one hour from Marrakech. You visit a traditional Berber house, see how argan oil is made and walk with a local guide to the waterfalls of Setti Fatma. Lunch is by the river, where tables stand close to the water.

The walk to the falls is rocky, so good shoes are important. For more nature, try our Ouzoud waterfalls day trip, or see all day trips.

Highlights

  • Traditional Berber house with mint tea
  • Argan oil cooperative
  • Walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls with a local guide
  • Lunch by the Ourika river
  • Green valley and High Atlas views

Schedule of the day

  1. 09:00 – Pick-up at your riad or hotel

    Your private driver picks you up in Marrakech. You drive south toward the High Atlas, and soon the snowy peaks appear in front of you (in winter and spring).

  2. 10:00 – Berber house visit with tea

    You visit a traditional Berber house built from earth and stone. A local family shows you their kitchen and the way they live, and offers you mint tea with bread and olive oil.

  3. 11:00 – Argan cooperative

    You stop at an argan cooperative run by women. You see the steps to make argan oil and can buy oil and cosmetics directly from the producers.

  4. 11:45 – Setti Fatma and the waterfalls walk

    In the village of Setti Fatma, at the end of the road, a local mountain guide walks with you to the first waterfalls. The path crosses the river and climbs over rocks for about 1 hour each way. You can stop at the first falls or continue further.

  5. 13:30 – Lunch by the river

    Enjoy lunch in a small restaurant with tables beside the Ourika river (lunch not included). Tajine and fresh orange juice are popular. Then relax and enjoy the sound of the water.

  6. 15:30 – Return drive

    You start the drive back down the valley, with photo stops at villages and terraced fields along the way.

  7. 17:00 – Drop-off in Marrakech

    You arrive back at your riad or hotel in Marrakech around 17:00.

Route map

Marrakech → Ourika Valley

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the day (1–6 people)
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Visit to a Berber house with mint tea
  • Stop at an argan cooperative
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Local mountain guide in Setti Fatma (recommended, paid locally)
  • Optional activities such as quad bike or zip line
  • Tips and personal expenses

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Is the walk to the waterfalls hard?

The path is rocky and steep in some parts. It is fine for people with normal fitness who wear good shoes. Children should be watched carefully.

Is the valley open all year?

Yes, but after heavy rain the road and path can close for safety. We check the weather before your trip.

Is this trip good in summer?

Yes. The valley is cooler than Marrakech, so it is a popular escape on hot days.

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