Ourika day trip from Marrakech

Morning: Departure from Marrakech

Your adventure begins around 8:30 AM, with a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As you leave the city behind, the landscape quickly changes from flat plains to rolling hills, olive groves, and rugged mountains.

Scenic Drive Through the Atlas Mountains

• Stop at a local Berber market (if it’s market day) to see how villagers shop for fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
• Visit a traditional Berber house and enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea while learning about Berber culture and lifestyle.
• Pass through stunning landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to take photos of the mountains, valleys, and river.

Midday: Arriving in Ourika Valley

Once you reach Setti Fatma, the main village in the valley, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, with the Ourika River flowing through the valley and traditional Berber houses built into the hillsides.

Things to Do in Ourika Valley

Hike to the Waterfalls

• The highlight of Ourika is the Setti Fatma waterfalls, a series of seven small waterfalls tucked into the mountains.
• The hike takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. It’s a moderate hike with some rocky sections, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• A local guide can be arranged to help navigate the trail.

Relax by the Ourika River

• If hiking isn’t your thing, just relax by the river and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
• Many small cafés and restaurants have tables set up right in the water, where you can dip your feet while sipping Moroccan mint tea.

Enjoy a Traditional Lunch
After the hike, enjoy a delicious Berber lunch at a riverside restaurant. Options include:
Lamb or chicken tajine
Couscous with vegetables
Fresh salads and homemade bread
Sweet Moroccan tea

 Visit an Argan Oil Cooperative

• Learn how Berber women produce argan oil using traditional methods.
• Try some argan-based beauty products or taste the delicious argan nut butter (Amlou).

Afternoon: Free Time & Return to Marrakech

After a relaxing day, start your return journey in the late afternoon, enjoying the beautiful mountain views one last time. You’ll arrive back in Marrakech by early evening—just in time to unwind after a day in nature.