Ourika Valley Day Trip: Find Serenity and Relaxation in the Heart of Atlas Mountains

274 Ratings

Marrakech

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Escape to the tranquil Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Discover its natural beauty and immerse yourself in its healing powers.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Ourika - Originating in the Berber region, this river gently flows along the Atlas slopes, weaving between the Tlemcen summit and the Timeskar Plateau. The valley’s lush greenery, the tranquil stream, and the small Berber villages with their red-earth brick houses perched on the mountainsides create a truly captivating scene.
**High Atlas…

Ourika - Originating in the Berber region, this river gently flows along the Atlas slopes, weaving between the Tlemcen summit and the Timeskar Plateau. The valley’s lush greenery, the tranquil stream, and the small Berber villages with their red-earth brick houses perched on the mountainsides create a truly captivating scene.
High Atlas Mountains - Begin your journey at 9:30 a.m. along the Atlas Road, passing through stunning landscapes of verdant meadows and timeless Berber villages dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The breathtaking panorama will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
Ourika - Visit the local marketplace every Monday and Friday, where butchers, hairdressers, vegetable, cereal, and olive oil vendors, blacksmiths, and artisans gather in tents and reed shelters, with numerous small open-air restaurants scattered throughout.
Ourika Valley - The Ourika Berber House is a delightful traditional home that beautifully showcases authentic local architecture and craftsmanship. Take the opportunity to enjoy this lovely place and perhaps learn the art of preparing exquisite Moroccan tea.
Ourika Valley - Continue through the palm tree-lined valley following the Ourika River. Along the way, discover numerous fruit trees, quaint villages, the river flanked by a few restaurants, and the resorts of the fortunate few.
Setti Fatma et les 7 Cascades - After exploring the Berber house and villages, head to Setti Fatma for a refreshing experience in the shade of the seven waterfalls in this remarkable location.

Feel the cool water on your face and relish this moment away from the intense African heat. Meet some of Marrakech’s genuine residents who have made this extraordinary place their favorite weekend retreat.

Ourika Trek Tour - For those passionate about mountaineering, indulge in an hour and a half of exploration led by an experienced Mountain Guide. Enjoy the stunning views of charming cafes, restaurants, and shops nestled in the mountains’ heart. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Amazigh culture, and at the end of your climb, discover refreshing and picturesque waterfalls that will perfectly conclude your adventure.
Setti Fatma et les 7 Cascades - Savor a hearty traditional meal by Morocco’s most famous river, appreciating the richness of its flavors and cultural heritage.
Marrakesh - Return to Marrakech around 6:30 p.m.

What's Included

Local guide
In-vehicle air conditioning

What's Not Included

Lunch
Gratuities

Additional Information

A day excursion to the Ourika Valley offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Situated in the High Atlas Mountains, this serene location is enveloped by verdant farmland and traversed by a tranquil river, making it a perfect natural retreat for relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation. Known as the “hidden jewel of Marrakech” and…

Location

Station Ola Energy

Rue Moulay Ismail

The meeting point is conveniently located near the vehicle entrance to Jamaa el-Fna Square. You will find one of our friendly representatives at the Ola Energy Services gas station, just across the street from the entrance to the square. We will be delighted to welcome you there!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(274 Ratings)

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129abhayr

Aug 9, 2025

"In the shadow of the mountains and the song of the river, I found a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing." - The first thing I remember isn’t the mountains or the waterfalls — it’s the steam curling out of a small glass of mint tea while the morning chill wrapped around us. We were sitting in the open courtyard of our riad in Marrakech, waiting for our driver, and I remember thinking how quiet the city felt before the shops woke up. That silence didn’t last long. Mohamed, our driver for the day, arrived with a big grin and an even bigger “Namaste, my friend!” as if we’d known each other for years. The van wound its way out of Marrakech, and slowly, the red clay walls gave way to olive groves and the scattered stone homes of Berber families. The road curled like a ribbon through the foothills, sunlight spilling over the peaks ahead. I pressed my forehead to the window, breathing in that mix of anticipation and curiosity you only get before a new place unfolds. Our first stop was an argan oil cooperative run by local Berber women. One of them, Fatima, sat cross-legged, grinding the roasted nuts between two stones, her hands moving with a rhythm that felt older than memory. She laughed as I tried — and failed — to get the paste as smooth as hers. The smell of warm, nutty oil clung to my fingers for the rest of the morning. The hike to the waterfalls was led by Younes, whose easy pace and steady hand made the crossing of a barefoot stream feel less like a challenge and more like a childhood adventure. We stepped over swaying wooden bridges, ducked under shaded cliffs, and passed children splashing in the cool water. At one bend, a monkey darted across our path, stopping just long enough to steal a piece of fruit from a tourist’s bag before disappearing into the trees. The sound of the falls grew louder, echoing off the rock until we stood at their base, cool mist kissing our faces. Lunch was beside the river — a bubbling tajine of chicken with preserved lemon, fresh salad, and warm bread you tear with your hands. The low chairs wobbled on the pebbles, and Mohamed teased, “Careful or you’ll float away with your tajine!” We laughed, and for a moment, time felt unhurried. After lunch, I wandered the small riverside stalls, picking up handwoven bracelets while the water whispered nearby. The drive back was bathed in golden light, music low in the van, everyone pleasantly tired. I leaned back, watching the hills fade into dusk, feeling both full and light at the same time. This Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Highly recommend this day trip to Ourika Valley if you want nature, warmth, and soul.