Overview of This Ourika Valley Day Trip
The Ourika Valley is the closest green valley to Marrakech: about an hour’s drive into the foothills of the High Atlas, with a river, Berber villages and, at the end of the road, Setti Fatma and its waterfalls. Our private Ourika Valley day trip lets you see the whole valley at your own pace and be back in Marrakech by late afternoon.
On the way up are villages of earth houses, terraced fields and cooperatives where women still crack and press argan nuts by hand. At Setti Fatma, a footbridge crosses the river and a path climbs over boulders to the first of the waterfalls, about 30 minutes away. Afterward, lunch at one of the cafés set right on the riverbank.
- The road into the valley along the Ourika river
- Villages, terraced fields and walnut trees
- An argan oil cooperative run by local women
- The walk to the first Setti Fatma waterfall
- Lunch at a café on the riverbank
Your Day, Hour by Hour
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9:00 am
Pickup and the drive south
About 1 h 15 driving · 65 kmFrom your riad or hotel across the plain to the mouth of the valley, where the road starts to follow the river.
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10:15 am
Villages and an argan cooperative
Stop in a village to see how houses of earth and stone are built, and at a cooperative where argan oil is made by hand. You can taste the oil with bread; buying is never expected.
- Stops
- Ourika Valley villages
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11:30 am
Setti Fatma and the waterfalls
About 30 min drivingCross the river and climb to the first waterfall, about 30 minutes each way over rocks and steps. The higher falls need a longer scramble, best done with a local guide found on the spot.
- Stops
- Setti Fatma
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1:30 pm
Lunch by the river
Cafés in Setti Fatma put their tables on the riverbank, some almost in the water. Grilled meat and tagines are the local choice.
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3:00 pm
Back to Marrakech
About 1 h 30 drivingDown the valley with a last stop for photos, and back at your riad or hotel around 4:30 pm.
Route Map: Marrakech to the Ourika Valley
Setti Fatma, at the top of the valley, is about 65 km from Marrakech.
What’s Included in This Day Trip
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Local guide for the upper waterfalls (optional)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Ourika Valley Day Trip Prices
Our day trips cost from about $40 per person, for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price for this trip depends on two things:
- Group sizeThe vehicle and driver cost the same whatever the size of your party, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.
- ExtrasLocal guides and activities are added only if you want them, and priced in your quote.
Customize This Day Trip
Combine the Ourika Valley with Imlil in one long day, spend longer in the villages, or skip the waterfall walk for a slower day. Tell us what suits you.
Customize This Day Trip
Your driver/guide
A professional, English-speaking driver/guide who knows the road from Marrakech, in an air-conditioned car or minivan for your group. Other languages are available on request.
Meet our drivers and guidesOurika Valley Day Trip FAQ
Ourika Valley or Imlil: which is better?
Ourika is closer and livelier, with the waterfalls and the riverside cafés. Imlil is higher and quieter, with better views of Toubkal and better walking. For variety choose Ourika; for hiking choose Imlil.
Is the walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls difficult?
The walk to the first waterfall is short but rocky, with some scrambling; good shoes are enough. The higher falls are steeper and best done with a local guide.
When is the best time to visit the Ourika Valley?
Spring, when the valley is green and the river is full, and fall. In summer it is a cool escape from Marrakech but busy on weekends. After heavy rain the river can rise fast, and we may change the plan.
How much does the Ourika Valley day trip cost?
Our day trips start from about $40 per person for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price per person depends on your group size. We reply with an exact price within 24 hours; a 30% deposit confirms your booking.
