Excursion To Ourika Valley

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• Setti Fatma Waterfalls – Seven stunning cascades perfect for hiking, photography, and summer dips
• Mule rides through the mountains – A traditional and scenic way to reach the upper falls (optional)
• Authentic Berber village visits – Experience rural Amazigh life, stone homes, and warm hospitality
• Traditional tagine lunch with mountain views – Served at family-run guesthouses overlooking the valley
• Lush High Atlas scenery – Terraced fields, river trails, olive groves, and snow-capped peaks
• Private round-trip transfers – Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech accommodation

DETAILED ITINERARY:

7:30 AM – Pickup from Marrakech
Your adventure begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your hotel or riad. As you leave the Red City behind, the urban buzz fades into rolling hills, argan trees, and the first glimpses of the High Atlas.

8:15 AM – Scenic Drive Through the Valley
The 45-minute drive itself is part of the magic—winding past olive groves, rose farms, and red-earth villages, with dramatic mountain backdrops growing taller with every turn. Your driver, often a local from the region, may share stories about valley life and seasonal changes.

9:00 AM – Arrival at Setti Fatma Waterfalls
You’ll arrive at the trailhead near the village of Setti Fatma, named after a revered local saint. From here, begin your leisurely hike along the river, crossing small wooden bridges and passing local cafés where mint tea and fresh orange juice await.

Option 1: Hike on foot – The trail to the first 2–3 falls is flat and family-friendly (30–45 mins round-trip).
Option 2: Mule ride – For a more relaxed or adventurous ascent to the upper falls (4–7), hire a local muleteer (200–300 MAD, payable on-site).
During summer months (June–September), the natural pools at the base of the lower falls are perfect for a refreshing swim—a rare luxury in Morocco’s arid climate.

12:30 PM – Traditional Lunch with a View
Refuel at a family-run guesthouse or mountain restaurant perched above the river. Your meal typically includes:
• Slow-cooked lamb or chicken tagine with prunes or olives
• Fresh seasonal salads and warm bread
• Sweet Moroccan mint tea or local fruit
Dining on a shaded terrace with views of terraced slopes and distant peaks is a highlight for many visitors.

2:00 PM – Berber Village Cultural Visit
After lunch, explore a traditional Amazigh village, where stone houses cling to the mountainside and life moves at a gentle pace. You may see women weaving rugs, men tending walnut orchards, or children playing near ancient irrigation channels (khettaras). Many hosts welcome respectful visitors with smiles and stories—offering a genuine cultural exchange.

3:30 PM – Return Journey to Marrakech
Begin your descent back to the city, carrying the calm of the mountains with you. The late-afternoon light bathes the valley in golden hues—ideal for final photos.

5:00 PM – Arrive Back in Marrakech
You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation by early evening, refreshed and recharged after a day in Morocco’s green paradise.