The Ourika is the mountain valley Marrakech goes to when the city gets hot: an hour and a half up the road, with a river running down the middle of it, terraced fields on both sides and Berber villages built into the slope. The shared minibus leaves in the morning, stops for a small Berber breakfast and at a women's argan oil cooperative, and gives you the middle of the day in the valley. At Setti Fatma you can walk up to the waterfalls over uneven paths and steps, or stay by the river where the restaurants put their tables in the water. Seven to eight hours door to door, back in Marrakech by six.
An hour and a half from Marrakech, and several degrees cooler
A shared air-conditioned minibus with daily departures, from €15
Berber villages built into the slope above the Ourika river
A women's argan oil cooperative, with the pressing done by hand
Setti Fatma and the optional walk up to the waterfalls
Riverside restaurants with their tables in the shallows
A small Berber breakfast on the way up is in the price
Monday is market day in the valley, if you want it busy and local
Travel comfortably in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
The day, hour by hour
One day, Marrakech to the Ourika Valley
Open the day to see every stop, from the pickup to the drop-off.
Duration1 day
RouteMarrakech → Marrakech
VehicleShared air-conditioned minibus
DriveAbout 1.5 hours each way
Back by17:30–18:00
Best dayMonday — market day in the valley
Day 1 · 7 stops
Marrakech → Ourika Valley → Marrakech
Argan cooperative · Berber villages · Setti Fatma
MorningMorningPickup in MarrakechThe minibus collects you at your hotel or riad. Pickup details are sent the evening before.Start
MorningMorningBreakfast on the way upA small Berber breakfast as the road climbs out of the plain.
MorningMorningWomen's argan oil cooperativeA stop at a cooperative run by local women. Buying is optional.
Late morningLate morningInto the Ourika ValleyThe river, the terraced fields and the red villages built into the slope.
MiddayMiddaySetti Fatma waterfalls (optional)The walk up to the falls has uneven paths and steps. It is optional — moderate fitness is enough.
AfternoonAfternoonFree time by the Ourika riverRiverside tables with their feet in the water. Lunch can be added when you book.
Late afternoonLate afternoonBack to MarrakechDrop-off between 17:30 and 18:00.End
Day 1 · Marrakech → Ourika Valley → Marrakech
DriveWay backStop50 km
Is this day for you?
The shortest way to the mountains — and the cheapest
A good fit if…
You have half a day to spare and want out of the heat
You like walking but do not want a whole day of it
You are travelling on a budget — a seat costs less than a taxi
You want to see a Berber village without driving yourself
You are travelling with children; the river is the whole point for them
Think twice if…
You cannot manage uneven ground — the waterfall walk is optional, but it is the main walk
You want a full day; this one is back in Marrakech by six
Lunch, drinks and anything you buy are paid on the day
You want your own timing — the private Ourika trip lets you choose it
Seven to eight hours, Marrakech to the first mountain valley and back, in a shared minibus with daily departures. Here is how the day actually runs.
The Ourika is the closest mountain valley to Marrakech — an hour and a half, and the temperature drops as you climb. The minibus collects you in the morning, stops for a small Berber breakfast on the way up, and calls at a women's argan oil cooperative where the oil is still pressed by hand. Then the valley proper: a river running down the middle of it, terraced fields on both sides, and red villages built into the slope. At Setti Fatma there is a walk up to the waterfalls over uneven ground and steps — take it if you like walking, or stay by the river, where the restaurants put their tables in the shallows. Mondays are market day in the valley, which is the day to come if you want it busy and local. Back in Marrakech by six.
The valley is cooler than the city all year and genuinely cold in winter, so take a layer — the best time to visit Marrakech guide has the weather month by month. If you would rather set your own timing, the private Ourika day trip runs the same route with your own driver, and the sunset and riverside dinner tour goes up in the afternoon instead. Or tell us what you want on the custom tour page.
Choose your option
Pick the plan that suits you
Same tour, same route — just choose what’s included. You can change this any time in the booking box.
Option 1Book Ourika Valley Trip - Without Lunch€35€15per adult
Discover the beauty of Ourika Valley with a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains, visits to Berber villages, and a guided hike to the waterfalls. A refreshing day…
Best choice
Option 2Book Ourika Valley Trip - With Lunch Included€60€35per adult
Explore the stunning Ourika Valley with a scenic drive, traditional Berber villages, and a guided walk to the waterfalls. Enjoy a delicious local lunch by the riverside. A…
Free cancellation up to 24h — confirm your plan in the booking box.
What's included
What the seat covers, and what you pay on the day
Included
9 items
Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.Details sent the evening before
Shared transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.Modern and air-conditioned
Professional licensed driver speaking English, French, and Arabic.English, French and Arabic
Comfortable journey through the High Atlas Mountains.About 1.5 hours each way
Visit to a traditional women's argan oil cooperative.Buying is optional
Scenic stops for photography throughout the valley.Stops wherever the view is good
Small breakfastOn the way up the valley
Lunch is available: Entry + Plats + Dessert (option 2)Added at booking, Option 2
Opportunity to relax beside the Ourika River.Tables in the shallows
Not included
Local mountain guide (optional)If you want one
Personal expensesSouvenirs and tips
Bring cash for lunch and the souks — cards are not taken in the valley.
Before you travel
What to know before you go up the valley
Still have a question? Read the FAQ or message us on WhatsApp.
Important information
Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before departure.
Pickup details are sent the evening before your tour.
The waterfall hike is optional and suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to hike.
Vegetarian meal options are available upon request.
The excursion operates daily throughout the year.
Return to Marrakech is approximately between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
The drive from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Maximum 9 travellersNine is the largest party we take on this tour.
“Une très belle excursion pour découvrir les montagnes de l'Atlas. La vallée de l'Ourika est magnifique, avec ses rivières, ses villages berbères et ses paysages verdoyants. J'ai beaucoup apprécié la promenade jusqu'aux cascades et l'accueil chaleureux des habitants.”
“A very fine trip for seeing the Atlas mountains. The Ourika valley is magnificent, with its rivers, its Berber villages and its green landscapes. I greatly enjoyed the walk up to the waterfalls and the warm welcome from the people there.”
Written in French
“Una excursión perfecta para escapar del bullicio de Marrakech. El valle de Ourika es precioso y ofrece paisajes increíbles. Disfruté mucho visitando los pueblos bereberes y caminando hasta las cascadas. Todo estuvo muy bien organizado y el ambiente fue muy relajante.”
“A perfect excursion for escaping the bustle of Marrakech. The Ourika valley is lovely and offers incredible landscapes. I greatly enjoyed visiting the Berber villages and walking up to the waterfalls. Everything was very well organised and the atmosphere was very relaxing.”
Written in Spanish
“Ein wunderschöner Tagesausflug in das Ourika-Tal. Die Natur war beeindruckend und die Wanderung zu den Wasserfällen hat sich wirklich gelohnt. Besonders gefallen haben mir die traditionellen Berberdörfer und die entspannte Atmosphäre abseits der Stadt.”
“A beautiful day trip into the Ourika valley. The scenery was impressive and the walk to the waterfalls was really worth it. I particularly liked the traditional Berber villages and the relaxed atmosphere away from the city.”
Written in German
“Un'esperienza davvero piacevole tra natura e cultura. Il paesaggio della Valle dell'Ourika è spettacolare e il pranzo vicino al fiume è stato molto rilassante. La visita ai villaggi berberi ha reso la giornata ancora più autentica.”
“A really pleasant experience between nature and culture. The landscape of the Ourika Valley is spectacular and lunch beside the river was very relaxing. Visiting the Berber villages made the day even more authentic.”
Written in Italian
“Een geweldige dagtrip vanuit Marrakesh. De combinatie van prachtige berglandschappen, traditionele Berberdorpen en de watervallen maakte deze excursie heel bijzonder. Alles verliep soepel en ik had voldoende tijd om van de omgeving te genieten. Ik raad deze tour zeker aan.”
“A great day trip from Marrakech. The combination of beautiful mountain scenery, traditional Berber villages and the waterfalls made this excursion very special. Everything ran smoothly and I had plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. I would certainly recommend this tour.”
Written in NL
Booking & price
From €15 per person.
It covers the seat on the minibus, the driver, pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, the small Berber breakfast and the stop at the argan cooperative. Lunch can be added when you book; drinks and anything you buy are paid on the day.
You can pay online when you book, or pay the driver on the morning of the trip.
Confirmation is instant.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
Send us one message on WhatsApp and we deal with it the same day.
The Ourika Valley offers one of the closest and most scenic escapes from Marrakech, combining spectacular Atlas Mountain landscapes, traditional Berber culture, riverside relaxation, and authentic Moroccan hospitality. With comfortable transportation, flexible options, and excellent value, it's one of the most rewarding day trips in Morocco.
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from hotels and riads in Marrakech. If your accommodation is inside the Medina, we'll arrange pickup from the nearest accessible meeting point.
The route
The excursion lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including transportation and free time in the valley.
The return journey begins in the late afternoon, with arrival back in Marrakech usually between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
The hike is optional. If you book the guided option, a licensed local guide will accompany you to the waterfalls.
Practical
The first waterfall is suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven terrain.
Yes. Many visitors choose to relax beside the river, enjoy lunch, browse local shops, or simply admire the mountain scenery.
Lunch is included only if you book the lunch option. Otherwise, you'll have free time to choose from several riverside restaurants.
Absolutely. Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice when booking the lunch option.
Yes. This is a family-friendly excursion suitable for children, couples, solo travelers, and small groups.
You may also like
More ways to reach the Atlas in a day
What travellers compare with this one: the private Ourika trip, the sunset dinner tour and Ouzoud.
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