High Atlas · 1 hour from Marrakech

Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech

The Ourika valley lies 60 to 65 km from Marrakech, about an hour's drive.
We pick you up at your hotel.
The day takes you through Berber villages and an argan cooperative, then up to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, with lunch by the river.

  • Return air-conditioned transport between Marrakech and the valley
  • Professional driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel

Plan your trip to Ourika

Choose a date and Khaoula will confirm availability on WhatsApp.

Book
Estimated total 40 €
Free cancellation Nothing to pay online 4.8/5 · 408 TripAdvisor reviews (Itinerance Plus)

Reviews of the Ourika valley trip

"Our trip to the Ourika valley met and even exceeded our expectations. Everything ran on time, the driver was careful and our local guide looked after me patiently during the whole hike."
Vanna Laura S. · Google review
4.8from 408 TripAdvisor reviews of Itinerance Plus, the agency that runs our trips. Read the reviews
"We visited Ourika and the Berber village. It's worth doing, with a nice hour-and-a-half hike to see the waterfall and take great photos."
Imen N. · Google review · translated from French
"The waterfalls were beautiful and the hike was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Lunch by the river was delicious."
Ryan W. · TripAdvisor, February 2025

Ourika trip price: what you pay for

€20 per adult and €20 per child. Everything is set out in writing beforehand, with no hidden costs.

Included in the Ourika trip

  • Return air-conditioned transport between Marrakech and the valley
  • Professional driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
  • Visit to a Berber house and an argan cooperative
  • Free time in Setti Fatma for the waterfalls

Not included, to budget for in Setti Fatma

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Mountain guide for the waterfalls (on site, optional)
  • Purchases at the cooperative
  • Tips
River and poplars in a Moroccan valley

How the day in the Ourika valley unfolds

The usual plan for a day in the valley. The order of the stops and the times vary with your hotel, the season and the traffic.

  1. Pick-up in Marrakech

    The driver comes to your hotel or riad, or to the nearest accessible point if you are staying in the medina.

  2. Ourika Berber village

    A stop at a traditional mud-brick house, with mint tea and a view over the terraced fields.

  3. Argan and valley gardens

    Visit to an argan oil cooperative and, on some days, a saffron or herb garden.

  4. Setti Fatma

    Walk to the first waterfall, then lunch (not included) on a terrace by the river.

  5. Back to Marrakech

    Drive back down the valley and drop-off at your hotel.

Three ways to get to Ourika

Every option starts from your accommodation in Marrakech. For a first visit, the group day is the simplest and cheapest.

Can't decide between group and private? Ask Khaoula on WhatsApp.

Marrakech to Ourika: tour, taxi or car?

Three ways to get up the valley, compared honestly.

Organised tripShared taxiRental car
Hotel pick-upYesNo, leaves from the taxi rank—
Journey time≈ 1 h≈ 1 h, plus waiting for it to fill≈ 1 h
Berber village and arganIncludedNoArrange it yourself
Evening returnOrganisedNegotiate on siteYes
Mountain roadDriven by a proDriven by the taxiUp to you

Book your day in Ourika

How the day in the Ourika valley unfolds

  • Pick-up in Marrakech

    The driver comes to your hotel or riad, or to the nearest accessible point if you are staying in the medina.

  • Ourika Berber village

    A stop at a traditional mud-brick house, with mint tea and a view over the terraced fields.

  • Argan and valley gardens

    Visit to an argan oil cooperative and, on some days, a saffron or herb garden.

How to book your trip

  1. Choose your trip type, date and number of travellers.
  2. Check the estimated total, then send your request on WhatsApp.
  3. Khaoula confirms availability, price and departure details.
Estimated total 40 €
Free cancellation Nothing to pay online 4.8/5 · 408 TripAdvisor reviews (Itinerance Plus)

The Marrakech – Ourika trip at a glance

The Ourika Valley day trip is a day in a High Atlas valley, about 60 to 65 km south of Marrakech. After pick-up at your hotel, the road follows the river, stops at a Berber village and an argan cooperative, and ends at Setti Fatma, where the waterfall trail begins. The group trip starts at €20 per adult.

Price
€20 adult · €20 child
Distance
≈ 60 – 65 km
Drive
≈ 1 h each way
Departure
9 am (group), your choice (private)
Return
Late afternoon
Languages
French, English, Arabic
Cancellation
Free

Why spend a day in the Ourika valley?

When Marrakech heats up, Ourika is the closest escape to cooler air. In less than an hour, the Haouz plain gives way to the first foothills of the High Atlas. The road then follows the river between walnut trees, poplars and terraced fields. By the water, the air is noticeably cooler than in the city.

The valley is home to Amazigh (Berber) communities. Mud-brick villages cling to the slopes, and you can step inside a traditional Berber house to see the bread oven and the living rooms, and share a glass of tea. Along the way, an argan cooperative shows how the women crack the nuts and press the oil. On some days you also stop at a saffron or herb garden.

At the end of the paved road, the village of Setti Fatma marks the start of the waterfall trail. The first fall is a short but rocky walk away. Keener walkers carry on to the next ones, often called the "seven waterfalls". Then it's lunch, a tagine on a terrace above the river, sometimes with your feet almost in the water.

An organised trip spares you haggling over a shared taxi and driving a mountain road. The driver knows the stops and the timings. On Mondays, the road crosses the Tnine Ourika souk, one of the liveliest rural markets in the region. To choose your stops and your return time, go for our private Ourika valley tour.

Mud-brick houses surrounded by orchards
KhaoulaAdvisor · every day, 9 am – 8 pm

Your day in Ourika, organised with Khaoula

"I answer every request on WhatsApp. I confirm the date, the price and the driver's pick-up time in writing, and I stay reachable during your trip."
Khaoula, booking advisor
  • No payment to bookNo card is required. The price is confirmed to you in writing.
  • Free cancellationA WhatsApp message is all it takes.
  • Departure from your hotelThe driver picks you up at your hotel, or as close as possible to your riad, and brings you back.
  • Air-conditioned vehiclesProfessional drivers used to mountain roads.
  • Local agencyTrips are run with Itinerance Plus, a travel agency in Marrakech.

Ready to discover Ourika?

Included in the Ourika trip

  • Return air-conditioned transport between Marrakech and the valley
  • Professional driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
  • Visit to a Berber house and an argan cooperative
  • Free time in Setti Fatma for the waterfalls

What to include in your message

  • Share the name of your Marrakech hotel or riad so pickup can be arranged.
  • Include the ages of any children and mention any travel needs.
  • For a private tour, share your preferred departure time and stops.
Estimated total 40 €
Free cancellation Nothing to pay online 4.8/5 · 408 TripAdvisor reviews (Itinerance Plus)

Your questions about Ourika

Question not listed here? Khaoula answers on WhatsApp, every day.

How much does an Ourika valley day trip cost?

The group trip costs €20 per adult and €20 per child, with air-conditioned transport and driver. For a private trip, allow €100 per vehicle for up to 7 people and €150 for 8 to 17 people. The transfer alone is priced on request. Lunch and the waterfall guide are not included.

How far is Ourika from Marrakech?

The entrance to the valley is about thirty kilometres from Marrakech, and Setti Fatma, at the end of the road, about 60 to 65 km. Allow roughly an hour's drive, a little more in heavy traffic or with photo stops.

Do you need to be fit to see the Setti Fatma waterfalls?

The first waterfall is within reach of most walkers, but the trail is rocky, with stretches over stones and a few steps. Good shoes are essential. The higher falls take more effort and the help of a local guide.

Where is the pick-up in Marrakech?

At your hotel or riad. In the medina, where vehicles cannot drive, the driver waits for you at the nearest accessible point. The group trip leaves at 9 am; for a private trip, you choose the time. Your exact pick-up time is confirmed the day before.

Is lunch in Setti Fatma included?

No. You eat on site, usually on a terrace by the river in Setti Fatma, with tagines and Moroccan salads. Bring dirhams in cash.

What is the best time of year to visit Ourika?

Spring (March to May) is the best time: the water is plentiful and the trees are in blossom. In summer, the valley is a refuge from the Marrakech heat. In winter it can be cold and the peaks are often snow-capped. After heavy rain, access to the trail may be restricted as a precaution.

Is the Ourika valley trip suitable for children?

Yes. The drive is short and the child rate is €20. With young children, stay on the terraces and the first part of the trail, and always keep them close by the water.

What should I bring for a day in Ourika?

Closed walking shoes, a warm layer (it is cooler than in Marrakech), water, sunscreen and some cash for lunch, purchases and tips.

Can I cancel the Ourika trip for free?

Yes. No payment is taken when you book and cancellation is free. A message to Khaoula on WhatsApp is enough.

Does the trip run on Mondays, the day of the Tnine Ourika souk?

Yes. On Mondays, the road crosses the weekly Tnine Ourika souk. Depending on the day's programme, a short stop may be offered.

Route

The road from Marrakech to the Ourika valley

About 63 km and an hour's drive to Setti Fatma, at the end of the valley. The driver picks you up at your hotel.

High Atlas Ourika river Marrakech0 km Tnine Ourika≈ 33 km Aghbalou≈ 50 km Setti Fatma≈ 63 km N 10 km
  1. 0 kmMarrakechPick-up at your hotel or riad
  2. ≈ 33 kmTnine OurikaValley entrance, Monday souk
  3. ≈ 50 kmAghbalouBerber villages and argan cooperatives
  4. ≈ 63 kmSetti FatmaEnd of the road, waterfall trail
See the route on Google Maps

Cool Atlas air, an hour from Marrakech

Bring shoes with good grip if you plan to walk the Setti Fatma trail. The riverside terraces are another way to enjoy the valley.

Estimated total 40 €
Free cancellation Nothing to pay online 4.8/5 · 408 TripAdvisor reviews (Itinerance Plus)

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Group tripfrom 20 €
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