Things to do in the Ourika valley
What to see in the Ourika valley in a day: Berber villages, a traditional house, an argan cooperative, gardens, the Monday souk, Setti Fatma and its waterfalls, lunch by the river.
- Berber house: mud-brick house, bread oven, rooftop terrace and mint tea.
- Argan cooperative: free demonstration, tasting of oil and amlou, purchase optional.
- Gardens: aromatic and medicinal plants or saffron, depending on the day.
In the Ourika valley you visit a traditional Berber house and an argan cooperative, stop at a herb or saffron garden, then head up to Setti Fatma to walk to the waterfalls and have lunch by the river. On Mondays, the Tnine Ourika souk adds a very lively stop.
- Souk: Mondays in Tnine Ourika, at the entrance to the valley.
- Setti Fatma: waterfall trail and lunch on a riverside terrace.
Step inside a Berber house in Ourika
The valley is home to Amazigh communities, who farm the terraces along the river. Several families open their mud-brick house to visitors: the living room, the bread oven, the rooftop terrace, and often a mint tea served with bread and olive oil.
It is the stop families enjoy most. It gives a real sense of life in the Atlas, far from the riads of Marrakech.
Visit an argan cooperative in the Ourika valley
The argan cooperatives, often run by women, show every stage: the nuts are cracked by hand, the kernels roasted for culinary oil, then pressed. The visit is free and you are never obliged to buy.
You can taste the oil and amlou, a spread made from almonds, argan oil and honey.
The Ourika gardens and the Monday souk
Depending on the day, the trip stops at a garden of aromatic and medicinal plants, or at a saffron field, whose flower is harvested in autumn.
On Mondays, the big Tnine Ourika souk brings together people from all over the valley around fruit, vegetables, spices and livestock. Our article on the Tnine Ourika souk gives a few pointers.
Setti Fatma and its waterfalls
At the end of the road, the village of Setti Fatma stretches along the river. From there the trail leads to the waterfalls: the first is a short but rocky walk away, the next ones take more effort. All the details are in our guide to the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Lunch by the river in Setti Fatma
The restaurants of Setti Fatma set their tables on terraces above the water, sometimes on little islands linked by footbridges. On the menu: tagines, Moroccan salads and tea. To choose well, see where to eat in Ourika.
Frequently asked questions about Ourika
Is one day enough for the Ourika valley?
Yes, for the villages, argan, Setti Fatma and the first waterfall. To hike higher, plan a longer day on a private tour, or a night in the valley.
Do you pay to visit the Berber house and argan cooperative in Ourika?
They are included in the trip. A tip is appreciated at the Berber house, and purchases at the cooperative are up to you.
Which day is the Tnine Ourika souk?
Monday: "tnine" means Monday in Moroccan Arabic.
What is there to do in Ourika with children?
The Berber house, the footbridges over the river and the first waterfall are big hits. See our article Ourika with kids.
Fancy going? Discover our Ourika day trip from Marrakech, or compare the Ourika Valley group tour and the private Ourika Valley tour.
