Ourika day trip from Marrakech: is the closest day trip destination from Marrakech. Due to its many waterfalls and wondeful nature, it is a very popular attraction. The Ourika valley spreads between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Despite it being so close to Marrakech. This beautiful lush green valley is definitely one of the best preserved valleys in Morocco.
At about 64km from Marrakech, the village lays at the end of the road, but an offroad (to Timichi). Then a mule track continues up the valley to pass to Tacheddirt and Oukaimeden. which has the best skiing station in Morocco and interesting prehistoric rock carvings. The path also continues through the mountain to Imlil and Toubkal, making it a useful starting/finishing point for trekkers. So this day trip to the picturesque village of Ourika will allow you to experience some of the beauty of the North African countryside without sacrificing the comforts of your hotel or riad.
Going arround the valley takes a bit of effort and good shoes and comfy clothes, there is a little bit of climbing rocks here and there to reach all the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma. All treks are led and supervised by qualified and experienced guides and mule handlers, drawn from the local populace. You will also be crossing many berber bridges to get from one side of the valley to the other, a great spot to catch some wonderful panoramic pictures !!
Your Ourika valley day trip starts at 09am from your accommodation in Marrakech. After a short drive from Marrakech into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. We will take the road along the valley of Ourika, then you enter through a succession of clinging mountain villages. stop to see wonderful landscapes full of vibrant colours as we move through the hillsides. Our first stop will be in a traditional house of a Berber family who lives in the valley. The family often open their home to visitors who wish to enjoy their surroundings, the family will offer us tea and serve us their local breakfast which consists of bread, honey, butter and olive oil. Ourika day trip from Marrakech will give you the chance to ride camels for half an hour deeper in the valley.
Later on we will continue our tour to reach Setti Fatma, a favorite weekend destination for many Moroccans. Highly appreciated for its beautiful streams and 7 waterfalls, beautiful cliffs, green valleys. You will explore a region which still practice a medieval agricultural tradition. Walk around the valley to take photos of the views of green terraces, surrounding the Atlas mountains, hike with a local guide to the first waterfall. After the hike we go back for lunch in a nice restaurant with a beautiful view over the mountains, lunch will be composed of variety of Moroccan dishes (Vegetarians are welcome). Then we return to Marrakech around 05pm.
Timing :
Departure at 9 am, tour ends around 4 pm.
Tip 1: Wear good sport shoes to fully enjoy the hike (flipflops are not recommended).
Tip 2: Ourika & Essaouira are the best places to buy pure argan oil if you are interested.
