Marrakech: Ourika Valley Waterfalls and Berber Villages Day Trip
Description
Discover the Ourika Valley, Berber villages, and Setti Fatma Waterfalls on a full-day sightseeing tour from Marrakech. Begin with a pickup from your hotel and journey toward the majestic Atlas Mountains, where lush green meadows and 16th and 17th-century Berber villages await. Your local guide will lead you through the valley, where you'll enjoy a cup of tea with a Berber family and embark on a hike to the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma. Learn about Morocco's famous argan oil at a women’s cooperative. If your tour is on a Monday, explore a vibrant roadside souk. Follow the Ourika River, passing fruit-laden trees, charming hamlets, riverside dining spots, and luxurious summer residences. Conclude your journey in Setti Fatma, where you can refresh in the invigorating waters before being dropped off back at your hotel in Marrakech.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Experience the stunning Atlas Mountains, where towering peaks and deep valleys create a breathtaking panorama. The natural landscapes are a visual feast, with lush greenery contrasting against rugged, rocky terrain. The colors shift with the changing light, offering a dynamic and captivating view. Explore the vibrant contrast of fertile fields, terraced gardens, and ancient Berber villages nestled among the hills, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this magnificent region.
En route to Ourika Valley, stop at a traditional Berber village to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. Wander through narrow streets lined with mud-brick houses, visit local artisans, and engage with friendly villagers eager to share their way of life with you.
On the way to the Ourika Valley waterfalls, we’ll stop at Berber villages to immerse ourselves in their unique culture and hospitality. This journey offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery and natural beauty.
Discover the wonders of Ourika Valley, where lush greenery, clear rivers, and diverse wildlife create a serene environment. Explore a traditional Berber marketplace, available only on Mondays, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, colorful stalls, and local crafts. Visit a local women's argan oil cooperative to see how this precious oil is made using traditional methods, supporting the community and preserving a vital cultural practice.
Opt for an optional guided walking tour to the top of the seven stunning Setti Fatma waterfalls. Marvel at the cascading waters and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty as you trek through picturesque trails. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, simply relax by the serene river, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and enjoying the lush scenery. After your morning activities, delight in a delicious lunch at a charming riverside restaurant. Savor traditional Moroccan dishes while you listen to the gentle sounds of the flowing river and take in the beautiful views. The combination of good food and a tranquil setting makes for a truly memorable dining experience.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If you're staying in the historic center, please meet your driver in front of the Café de France in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square by 9:30 AM. If your accommodation is outside the historic center, you will be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 AM.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
We arrived at Ourika Valley, 1400 metres above sea level. Our guide Hussein was so considerate, going at our pace and even giving me his walking pole as some of the ground is precarious. He was so knowledgeable about the area. Hussein has been a guide for 15 years and climbed all of the mountains. We only went as far as the first waterfall but it was well worth it. We had a 3 course lunch by the river which was 330 mad including soft drinks. A thoroughly enjoyable day. The fee for a guide is between 150 - 200 mad which is about £12 - £16.
You will arrive at the Ourika valley after a 50 minutes drive from Marakesh. The valley is packed with people, the river quite nice. You will find cafes and restaurants along the river. You can hike up, through some Berber settlements (lots to buy here, if you like souvenirs) to the waterfall, which is OK. The short hike up is quite steep and the rocks slippery. Sneakers, or similar recommend. Overall an average experience.
Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your insights and recommendations. The Ourika Valley offers a unique experience, and we hope you still enjoyed the natural scenery and Berber culture. Safe travels!
incredibly well-organized, from the beginning to the conclusion. Our guide was outstanding, and Mustapha was wonderful with the other driver! They were fluent in English and gave us thorough explanations of each station we visited. It was well worth the money, and we thoroughly enjoyed this excursion!
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you had an enjoyable and well-organized trip with Mustapha. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon!
We took a taxi to get us to the waterfalls, but he seemed to fall into the pattern of this tour. The drive up was lovely, although not really wanting to get a Berber house tour we went along, found it quite interesting, guide was very pleasant and respectful. Did the same stop as others at the waterside restaurants. They are beautiful and quaint. Being brutally honest the cushion seating is not a comfortable sitting position for the majority of Europeans to eat. We decided against food and just had a smoothly..not loved by the staff. Went up the waterfalls without a guide, not really a problem, you just need to keep asking on the early stages. Cooling stations for the soft drinks and fruit are a photo opportunity! The walk, even to the first waterfall is not for the faint hearted or the slightly infirm. Glad I went.
Fine, but... The road from Marrakech to ourika is just a succession of rubbish...an hour and a half of landscapes saturated with garbage of all kinds. The visit to the Berber village was pleasant. Lunch by the river on colorful cushions was very friendly, although the meal was very average. The climb to the waterfalls is sporty or even acrobatic but with a guide it is possible. It's better to have good shoes... the view is nice.
The valley is very beautiful, scenic. People live off us Touris, at least. So you should have your no thanks, then there's no problem. But : I would strongly warn against going to the waterfall if you have a problem with heat radiation, are not sure of kicks and/or are not dizzy. It's easy 30 minutes without shade up on loose debris and down on slippery stones. Not to mention the constant oncoming traffic.There are two routes, the review refers to the route that runs above the watercourse. Conclusion You can make the trip, you don't miss anything if you don't.
Amazing beautiful place. Deff worth a visit just make sure you have trainers on. Loved this place it was so cultural & the waterfalls were gorgeous. What a gem
City fatima city of scamers and crooks, iam moroccan warn my fellow american avoid this dirty place , i took my familly and i will never go back, dont trust the guys who book the trip dont trust the bus driver he will take you to the dirtiest resturant by the water, where ever he droppes you he makes money on you ,they charge lot of money for smal tagine, they charge me less because i was speaking morrorcan, one american was taking same trip with ,they told me let us deal with him, i felt bad, because i heard if you fight some one the all get involve i had my wife and kids with me, no cops no security you are on you own, no protection at all
An exceptional day. Tagines and couscous as far as the eye can see. A refreshing river and waterfalls. Everybody's in care. A Guide to the Top. A treat of discovery. We're tourists and we love it
