At a glance
- Duration
- Full day, about 8 hours
- Start
- Pickup 8:30–9:00 am
- Group
- Shared or private
- Where
- Ourika, 65 km south
The Ourika valley is where people from Marrakech go to cool down. An hour south of the city, the road climbs into the foothills of the High Atlas and follows a river lined with walnut trees, terraced fields and cafés with tables set right over the water.
On the way up you visit a Berber house built from mud and stone and a women's argan oil cooperative. At Setti Fatma, the last village in the valley, a local guide walks you up to the first of the seven waterfalls. The walk takes about 45 minutes each way and includes some rocky steps.
Lunch is a tagine at a riverside restaurant before the drive back to Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Tour highlights
- Drive through the Atlas foothills with photo stops
- Traditional Berber house and family tea
- Argan oil cooperative run by local women
- Guided walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls
- Lunch by the river (paid locally, about £8–12)
How the day works
- 8:30–9:00 amPickup in Marrakech.
- 10:00 amStop at an argan cooperative and a traditional Berber house.
- 11:30 amArrive in Setti Fatma. Walk with a local guide to the first waterfalls.
- 1:30 pmLunch at a riverside restaurant.
- 3:00 pmFree time by the river, then drive back.
- 5:00 pmDrop-off in Marrakech.
Times change slightly with the season and sunrise or sunset. We confirm your exact pickup time on WhatsApp the day before.
Prices
| Option | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared day trip | £25 | $32 |
| Private day trip (car + driver) | £75 | $95 |
| Private with local hiking guide | £95 | $120 |
Per person. Children under 12 pay less; ask on WhatsApp. Pay in cash on the day (dirham, euro, pound or dollar) or by card link.
Included
- Return transport
- Driver
- Visit to a Berber house and argan cooperative
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Local waterfall guide (about £5, optional)
- Tips
What to bring
- Trainers or walking shoes with grip
- A light jacket for the mountains
- Cash in dirhams for lunch
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Ourika valley from Marrakech?
About 65 km, or a little over an hour by road.
Is the waterfall walk difficult?
It is moderate. Expect rocks, some scrambling and uneven steps. Older travellers can stay by the river while others walk up.
When is the best time to visit Ourika?
Spring (March to May) for green fields and full waterfalls. Summer is busy with local visitors but much cooler than Marrakech.
Shared or private Ourika tour?
Shared tours are the cheapest option. Private tours let you choose the start time, the stops and how long you stay at the waterfalls.
