Ourika Valley & Setti Fatma Waterfalls Day Trip
The easiest escape into the High Atlas from Marrakech: an argan cooperative and Berber family visit in the Ourika Valley, a hike to the waterfalls above Setti Fatma, and lunch by the river.
Excursion Overview
The Ourika Valley cuts into the High Atlas just south of Marrakech, a green ribbon of walnut trees, terraced gardens and earthen villages along a mountain river. It’s where people from Marrakech come to cool off in summer.
Good to know
- Best months: March to June and September to November. In winter the peaks are snow-capped and the mornings are chilly.
- Weekends are busy with local visitors, so weekdays are quieter.
- Want a real mountain walk? The Imlil & Atlas villages day trip goes deeper into the Toubkal National Park.
Excursion Highlights
- Only about 1.5 hours from Marrakech
- Tea with a Berber family in their traditional earthen home
- Hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls with a local mountain guide
- Lunch on a riverside terrace
- Tnine Ourika's weekly souk if you travel on a Monday
Your Day, Hour by Hour
- 09:00
Pickup in Marrakech
Head south towards the snow-capped High Atlas.
- 10:00
Argan cooperative and Berber house
Stop at a women's argan cooperative, then share mint tea with a Berber family and see how their traditional home is built and used.
- 11:00
Up the valley to Setti Fatma
Follow the Ourika river past terraced gardens and mountain villages to Setti Fatma at the end of the road.
- 11:30
Waterfall hike
With a local mountain guide, climb over boulders and rocky paths to the first of the Setti Fatma waterfalls. Fitter walkers can continue to the higher falls.
- 13:30
Lunch by the river
Tagine on a riverside terrace, with your feet almost in the water.
- 15:30
Return to Marrakech
Arrive back at your riad or hotel around 17:00.
Times are approximate and adjusted to the season, traffic and your pace.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Marrakech riad or hotel
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel
- Berber family visit with mint tea
- Local mountain guide for the waterfall hike
What's Excluded
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Optional Extras (on request)
- Visit the Anima Garden by André Heller on the way
- Camel ride in the valley
- Combine with the Oukaimeden ski station in winter (snow permitting)
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