Marrakech to Ourika: distance, driving time and how to get there
Marrakech to the Ourika valley: 60 to 65 km and about 1 hour's drive to Setti Fatma. Day trip, shared taxi, transfer or car: how to get there and how long to allow.
- Distance: about thirty kilometres to Tnine Ourika, about 60 to 65 km to Setti Fatma.
- Duration: about 1 hour's drive without stops, a little more at weekends and in summer.
- Road: paved all the way to Setti Fatma, more winding at the end, via Aghbalou.
The Ourika valley begins about thirty kilometres south of Marrakech, and its highest village, Setti Fatma, is about 60 to 65 km away. Allow roughly an hour's drive. The simplest way is the group tour from €20, with hotel pick-up.
- Trip: from €20 per adult on the group tour, from €100 per vehicle private, transfer on request.
- Times: 9 am departure for the group tour, your choice for private. At weekends, leaving early helps you enjoy the waterfalls in peace.
How many kilometres from Marrakech to Ourika?
It depends where in the valley you are going. The road leaves Marrakech heading south, crosses the Haouz plain and reaches Tnine Ourika, at the entrance to the valley, after about thirty kilometres. It then climbs along the river through Aghbalou to Setti Fatma, where the paved road ends, about 60 to 65 km from central Marrakech.
The road is paved all the way. On the last stretch it becomes more winding and passes through several villages, so traffic moves slowly.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Setti Fatma?
Without stops, it takes about an hour from Marrakech to Setti Fatma. At weekends and in summer, when Marrakech families head up for cooler air, traffic can slow down over the last few kilometres.
On an Ourika valley trip, the day includes stops along the way (Berber village, argan cooperative): the group tour leaves at 9 am and returns in the late afternoon. On a private tour, you choose the departure time.
Day trip, shared taxi, transfer or car to Ourika?
- Organised trip: pick-up at your hotel, driver, planned stops and return in the evening. The simplest option for a day, from €20 per adult on the group tour or from €100 per vehicle on a private tour.
- Shared grand taxi: cheap, but it leaves when it is full and does not pick you up at your hotel. You sort out the return on site.
- Private transfer: handy for reaching a guesthouse or a trailhead with your luggage. See our Marrakech – Ourika transfer.
- Rental car: total freedom, but you have to drive a busy mountain road and park in Setti Fatma, where spaces are scarce on busy days.
What stops are there on the Ourika road?
The most common stops are a Berber house where tea is served, an argan oil cooperative and, on some days, a herb or saffron garden. On Mondays, the road crosses the Tnine Ourika souk.
To find out what to see once you are there, read our guide things to do in the Ourika valley.
Should you leave Marrakech early?
Yes, if you want to enjoy the waterfalls in peace. On weekdays and outside summer, crowds stay reasonable. At weekends, leaving early makes a real difference: the private tour lets you set the departure time yourself.
Frequently asked questions about Ourika
How far is the Ourika valley from Marrakech?
About thirty kilometres to the entrance of the valley (Tnine Ourika) and about 60 to 65 km to Setti Fatma, at the end of the road.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Ourika?
About an hour to Setti Fatma without stops, a little more at weekends or in summer.
Can you do Marrakech to Ourika and back in a day?
Yes, it is the most common format. A day trip to Ourika leaves at 9 am on the group tour (at a time of your choice on a private tour) and returns in the late afternoon.
What is the cheapest way to get to Ourika?
The shared grand taxi, but without hotel pick-up or organised stops. The group tour at €20 includes the return trip, the driver and the programme's visits.
Fancy going? Discover our Ourika day trip from Marrakech, or compare the Ourika Valley group tour and the private Ourika Valley tour.
