Leave the busy streets of Marrakech behind and take a relaxing trip to Ourika Valley, a peaceful green escape at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains.
Just an hour’s drive away, this beautiful valley is known for its lush green hills, charming Berber villages, and refreshing waterfalls. You can walk along the riverside, explore local markets, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Marrakech
Depart Time: | 8:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 17:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €50 per person |
- Breathtaking Views of the High Atlas Mountains.
- Visit a Traditional Berber House and meet local families.
- Enjoy a Traditional Moroccan Lunch by the river.
- Discover Setti Fatma’s Famous Waterfalls.
- Explore Local Markets and shop for handmade crafts.
- Visit an Argan Oil Cooperative and see the oil-making process.
- Scenic Drive Through the Ourika Valley with multiple photo stops.
Itinerary of the Ourika Valley Day Trip From Marrakech:
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you plan to walk to the waterfalls in Setti Fatma, make sure to wear good walking shoes or sneakers. The path can be rocky and uneven, and you may need to climb small rocks. Flip-flops or sandals are not a good choice for the hike because they can be slippery and uncomfortable.
2️. Bring Some Cash
Many small shops, cafés, and market stalls in Ourika Valley do not accept credit cards. It’s best to bring Moroccan dirhams to pay for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or tips for guides. There are very few ATMs in the area, so it’s better to have cash before you leave Marrakech.
3️. Dress for the Weather
Ourika Valley is in the Atlas Mountains, where the weather is cooler than in Marrakech. In the morning and evening, it can feel chilly, especially in winter. Even in summer, the temperature can drop in the shade or near the waterfalls. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket, sweater, or scarf so you stay comfortable throughout the day.
4️. Lunch is Not Included
Most day trips do not include lunch, but you will stop at a restaurant by the river where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Popular dishes include Berber tagine, couscous, grilled meats, and fresh salads. The cost is around €10-15 per person, and vegetarian options are available. Some restaurants have tables by the water, so you can even dip your feet in the cool river while you eat!
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 45 Km
- Approx. 1-2 (Including Stops)
Included:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech.
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver.
- Visit to a Berber house & Argan oil cooperative.
- Stops for panoramic views & local markets.
- Free time to explore Setti Fatma & Ourika Valley.
- Fuel and all necessary transport costs.
Excluded:
- Lunches, Drinks
- Hiking guide for waterfalls (Optional, costs €5-10 per person).
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes:
If you plan to walk to the waterfalls in Setti Fatma, make sure to wear good walking shoes or sneakers. The path can be rocky and uneven, and you may need to climb small rocks. Flip-flops or sandals are not a good choice for the hike because they can be slippery and uncomfortable.
2️. Bring Some Cash:
Many small shops, cafés, and market stalls in Ourika Valley do not accept credit cards. It’s best to bring Moroccan dirhams to pay for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or tips for guides. There are very few ATMs in the area, so it’s better to have cash before you leave Marrakech.
3️. Dress for the Weather:
Ourika Valley is in the Atlas Mountains, where the weather is cooler than in Marrakech. In the morning and evening, it can feel chilly, especially in winter. Even in summer, the temperature can drop in the shade or near the waterfalls. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket, sweater, or scarf so you stay comfortable throughout the day.
4️. Lunch is Not Included:
Most day trips do not include lunch, but you will stop at a restaurant by the river where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. Popular dishes include Berber tagine, couscous, grilled meats, and fresh salads.
The cost is around €10-15 per person, and vegetarian options are available. Some restaurants have tables by the water, so you can even dip your feet in the cool river while you eat!
Why Take This Day Trip Marrakech to Ourika Valley?
Taking a day trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley is a great idea for several reasons.
First, it offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life of Marrakech, allowing you to enjoy beautiful natural scenery and cooler mountain air. The valley is nestled in the Atlas Mountains, providing stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking or simply walking along the river at Setti Fatma.
You can also learn about Berber culture by visiting traditional Berber houses and experiencing local markets on Mondays. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to discover unique products like Argan oil in traditional villages.
Pricing Overview for the 1-Day Marrakech to Ourika Trip
1-day trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley typically costs around €50 per person. This usually includes comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pick-up and drop-off for convenience.
The trip often comes with a professional driver who ensures a smooth journey, but extras like lunch, drinks, and hiring a local guide are not included in the base price. To fully enjoy the experience, it’s best to bring some extra money for food, activities, and any personal expenses along the way!
Extra Activities For Marrakech To Ourika Valley 1 Day Trip:
Here are the extra activities for a day trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley, explained in more detail with simple language:
1. Hiking: You can walk through the beautiful Atlas Mountains and see amazing waterfalls. This is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.
2. Visit Berber Houses: You can visit traditional Berber homes and learn about their culture. This is a chance to meet local people and see how they live.
3. Argan Oil Visit: You can go to an argan oil cooperative where you’ll see how this special oil is made from argan nuts. It’s interesting to learn about its uses in cooking and skincare.
4. Local Guide Tour: If you want more information about the area, you can hire a local guide who will tell you stories about the history, culture, and hidden spots of Ourika Valley.
Places to Visit on Your Ourika Day Trip From Marrakech:
Here are the places to visit on your day trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley, explained in simple language:
1. Setti Fatma Village: This is a small village where you can start your hike to see the beautiful waterfalls of Ourika Valley. It’s a great place for nature lovers and those who enjoy hiking.
2. Ourika Valley Waterfalls: These are seven stunning waterfalls that you can visit by hiking through the valley. The first waterfall is easy to reach, but you’ll need good shoes for the others.
3. Berber Houses: You can visit traditional Berber homes and learn about their culture by seeing how they live and enjoying mint tea with local families.
4. Argan Oil Cooperatives: Here, you can see how argan oil is made from nuts and learn about its uses in cooking and skincare.
5. Traditional Markets: If your trip falls on a Monday, you can visit the Ourika Market or other nearby markets like Aghbalou on Thursdays.
6. La Safranière de l’Ourika (Saffron Farm): This farm grows saffron, known as Moroccan red gold, which is used in cooking and has health benefits.
The best time to visit Ourika Valley is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Summer can be hot, but it’s still a good time for hiking and swimming in the river. Winter might be cooler, but it’s less crowded.
It takes about one hour by taxi or car, and around an hour and a half if you’re on an organized tour that includes stops along the way
You can hike through beautiful landscapes, visit waterfalls at Setti Fatma, explore traditional Berber houses, shop at local markets (like the Monday market), and learn about argan oil production
Prices vary depending on the type of tour. Shared tours start around €30 per person, while private tours start from €50 per person and additional activities might cost more.
Yes, extras like lunch or hiring a local guide are usually not included in your base tour price. Also, consider bringing money for souvenirs or snacks along the way
Many operators allow booking up until 6 PM the day before your trip1. However, it’s always better to book ahead if possible.
Important:
You can Customize your Trip with Travel-Morocco-Tours to fit your needs.
If you want to visit a charming coastal town, consider our day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira. If you prefer breathtaking natural beauty, think about our day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Ready for an unforgettable experience? Contact Travel-Morocco-Tours today to start planning your dream trip!
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