THE GREAT ESCAPE

DAY TRIP TO OURIKA VALLEY

A full-day escape from Marrakech into the High Atlas: Berber villages, the Setti Fatma waterfalls and green river valleys.

The Ourika Valley day trip takes you about 60 km south of Marrakech into the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, following the Ourika River through Berber villages up to Setti Fatma and its seven waterfalls. It is one of the easiest and greenest day trips from Marrakech, leaving from the Jemaa el-Fna area in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Why visit the Ourika Valley

Just an hour’s drive from the heat of the medina, the Ourika Valley is where people from Marrakech go to cool down. The road climbs alongside the river past terraced fields, walnut and cherry trees, and small Berber villages built into the hillsides. In spring the valley is lush and green; in winter you can see snow on the peaks above.

What you will see

Setti Fatma & the seven waterfalls — a short mountain walk leads to a series of cascades tumbling down the rock; the first fall is reached in about 30–40 minutes on foot.
Berber villages — traditional pisé houses, communal bread ovens and everyday mountain life along the valley.
Riverside cafés — tables set right in the shallow river where you can stop for a mint tea or a tagine.
Argan & craft stops — a women’s argan-oil cooperative and small pottery workshops are common stops along the route.

Good to know

This is a full-day trip on mostly paved mountain roads. Wear comfortable shoes if you want to walk to the waterfalls, and bring a light layer — it is noticeably cooler than Marrakech. The pace is relaxed and the route is family-friendly. For the walk up to the higher falls a local mountain guide can be arranged on the spot.

The Ourika day trip pairs well with the rest of our day trips from Marrakech. Prices start from €35 per person for a small group — message us on WhatsApp to confirm departure and group size.

What's included

Round-trip transport from Marrakech (air-conditioned vehicle)
Local driver-guide
Small-group tour

Not included

Meals and drinks
Entrance fees and tickets
Gratuities (tips)

Departure & return

Time : 08:00
Meeting point : Pick up from your accommodation, hotel, or riad in Marrakech. If your accommodation is not accessible by car, you will be provided with a nearby meeting point instead.
Return : Drop off in your accommodation, hotel, or riad in Marrakech. If your accommodation is not accessible by car, you will be provided with a nearby meeting point instead.