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

271 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, the river flows gently along the Atlas slopes, meandering between the Tlemcen summit and the Timeskar plateau. The valley’s lush vegetation, the tranquil stream, and the small Berber villages with red earth brick houses clinging to the mountainsides create a truly enchanting scene.
**High Atlas…

Ourika - Originating in the Berber region, the river flows gently along the Atlas slopes, meandering between the Tlemcen summit and the Timeskar plateau. The valley’s lush vegetation, the tranquil stream, and the small Berber villages with red earth brick houses clinging to the mountainsides create a truly enchanting scene.
High Atlas Mountains - Journey through the Atlas from 9:30 a.m., passing through stunning landscapes of meadows and authentic Berber villages that have stood since the 16th and 17th centuries. The panorama is breathtaking, and the beauty of nature will leave you in awe.
Ourika - Visit the local market 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 around.
Ourika Valley - The Ourika Berber House is a charming traditional home that beautifully reflects authentic local architecture and craftsmanship. Take the time to enjoy this beautiful place and perhaps learn the art of preparing delicious Moroccan tea.
Ourika Valley - Continue through the valley of palm trees following the Ourika River. Along the way, discover many fruit trees, tiny villages, the river bordered by some restaurants, and the remnants of holiday homes of a fortunate few.
Setti Fatma and the 7 Waterfalls - After visiting Berber houses and villages, head to Setti Fatma for a refreshing moment in the shade of the seven waterfalls located in this stunning spot.

Feel the water splashing on your face and enjoy this moment sheltered from the scorching African heat. Meet some authentic locals from Marrakech who have made this amazing place their favourite weekend destination.

Ourika Trek Tour - For mountaineering enthusiasts, indulge in an hour and a half of exploration guided by an experienced mountain guide. Take in the breathtaking views of the charming cafes, restaurants, and shops nestled in the heart of the mountains. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of Amazigh culture, and at the end of your ascent, discover refreshing and picturesque waterfalls that will perfectly conclude your adventure.
Setti Fatma and the 7 Waterfalls - Enjoy a hearty traditional meal by the most famous river in Morocco, savouring the richness of its flavours 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 trip to the Ourika Valley offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, surrounded by lush farmland and traversed by a tranquil river, it serves as an ideal natural sanctuary for relaxation, meditation, and healing. Often called “the hidden jewel of Marrakech” and “the pharmacy of plants of…

Location

Station Ola Energy

Rue Moulay Ismail

The meeting point DE is ideally located near the DE vehicles entrance to Jamaa el-Fna Square. You will find one of our friendly EN representatives at the Ola Energy Services service station, just across DE the entrance DE the square. We will be delighted DE welcome you there!

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.9

(271 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.