What to do · Marrakech
Ourika Valley
Information
- Price
- Excursion or taxi for the day
- Duration
- 8 h
- Who it's for
- Families with children who walk
What it is
The Ourika valley is the High Atlas valley closest to Marrakesh: it starts about 30 km south-east of the city and follows the Ourika river towards the mountains. It is inhabited mostly by Chleuh-speaking Berbers, and despite being so close it keeps a good deal of traditional mountain life: mud-brick villages on the slopes, orchards beside the river and terraced fields. The name comes from a Masmuda tribe already cited by medieval chroniclers.
It is the simplest day trip from Marrakesh to see the Atlas: river, greenery and, at the end of the road, a trail to waterfalls.
What to do, from bottom to top
- Tnine Ourika. The village at the entrance to the valley, with the traditional weekly Monday souk.
- The gardens. Along the way there are several gardens that can be visited: the ANIMA garden, a botanical and sculpture garden created by the Austrian artist André Heller; the Timalizene mountain garden, with mostly native species, and an organic garden of aromatic and medicinal plants.
- The saffron. At the Ourika saffron farm the best time is from late October to mid-November, during the harvest.
- Tafza. In this village of potters, a Berber ecomuseum shows old photos, ceramics, jewellery and rugs.
- Setti Fatma. The last village the paved road reaches and the starting point for mountain excursions.
The climb to the Setti Fatma waterfalls
The most popular excursion in the valley climbs from Setti Fatma following a mountain torrent to a series of seven waterfalls.
The trail is not a stroll: you have to cross the river, scramble over rocks and use your hands in some places. Bring closed shoes with a good sole, not sandals. In the village guides offer to take you up: it is not compulsory, but it helps to find the good way; agree the price beforehand. If you want to reach the upper ones, allow half a day.
Getting there
- With a driver or an excursion. The most common. Day excursions leave in the morning from Marrakesh and stop at a village or garden before Setti Fatma. If you prefer to go at your own pace, a private driver takes you and waits for you.
- By grand taxi. You can hire a grand taxi for the whole day; agree the price and the wait before setting off.
- By car. The road is paved as far as Setti Fatma. Leave the car in the village and continue on foot.
When to go
From March to June and from September to November. In summer the valley is cooler than the city, but set off early. In winter the water comes down cold and the waterfall trail may have ice.
If it has rained in the Atlas or a storm threatens, do not climb to the waterfalls or go near the river: floods are sudden. The Spanish Foreign Ministry warns of flash floods in the Atlas area in the rainy season.
With children
With children who walk, the walk along the river and the first waterfall work well, holding hands on the rocky parts. With small children or a pushchair, stay in the village, by the river, and in the valley's gardens.
Tips
- Leave Marrakesh early You reach Setti Fatma when it is cool and with time to climb to the waterfalls.
- Closed shoes for the waterfalls The trail crosses the river and climbs over rocks.
- Coincide with the Monday souk The weekly market at Tnine Ourika is the valley people's own.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Ourika valley from Marrakesh?
The valley starts about 30 km south-east of the city; Setti Fatma is at the end of the paved road.
Is it hard to climb to the Setti Fatma waterfalls?
It is not technical, but you have to cross the river and scramble over rocks using your hands. With closed shoes and a bit of agility it can be done.
Do you need a guide?
It is not compulsory for the waterfalls, but it helps on the trail's tricky sections. Agree the price before going up.
As a familyWith teenagers