Breathtaking Ourika Valley: Atlas Mountains Day Escape

Marrakech was exciting but loud and hectic, so I needed a break to just breathe and listen to nature. Nourddin picked me up early, and as we drove away from the city, the red buildings slowly gave way to green fields and quiet mountain air. We stopped briefly at a small argan oil cooperative, where women patiently crushed nuts by hand. The smell of toasted almonds was comforting — a beautiful reminder of tradition and hard work. Our guide Younes led us on a lovely hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. The path followed streams and rocks, with cool water to cross and even a curious monkey watching us. I slipped on a stone and laughed — a light moment that made the walk even more memorable. Lunch by the river was simple but delicious: chicken tagine, fresh bread, olives, and sweet mint tea. Sitting there with my feet near the water, time seemed to slow down. Returning to Marrakech felt different — calmer and softer. This day trip to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech was exactly the peaceful escape I needed.

Amin was excellent. early hotel pickup. It was impressive that you were able to communicate with everyone in our group in a language they could understand. He was a really vivacious guide who made sure that everyone was taken care of. made the trip enjoyable by teaching us a lot about history. Overall, it was a fantastic trip that was well worth the money.

We had the most wonderful time on this tour. The scenery is just beautiful, the transport was really clean and comfortable. Our tour guide Ibrahim was friendly, knowledgeable, patient, accommodating and a joy to be around. Thank you! Ps wear decent climbing shoes if you can. The terrain up to the waterfalls isn’t the easiest in places, but so worth it!

Ourika valley was amazing, definitely recommend it 👌 we really enjoyed our self. Driver was lovely very kind and polite, water fall was amazing view was spectacular people are lovely soft kind friendly, must visit and definitely try chicken kabab and chips,

Not seen much of Ourika as most of stops are in places where they try to force you buying stuff (pharmacy, house, restaurant) so that in the end you only do a small walk to the waterfall. Also pick up was very messy with 1h waiting for other van.

The trip was really made by our Guide Hassan. He was so helpful and informative. We started with a camel ride (100 DRM) dressed in local Berber clothes. Then to a cooperative for argon oil which I wasn’t that interested in but it was a short interlude & the ladies were so lovely. Then we headed to our walk. The weather was really bad but Hassan was very good and for those who didn’t have a rain coat he stopped at a shop to get us big plastic sheets to put over our clothes (10 DRM) At the top of the mountain my son who’s 13 got a bit of vertigo and was scared and Hassan was so good taking his hand and guiding him the whole way back down. Thank you Hassan for your kindness. A word of advice-the walk is not for anyone with joint or mobility issues as it’s mostly steep walking on stones/rocks which got very slippy with the rain. My 80 yr old Mum who is super fit decided not to do it as it would have been too much for her. The walk was almost 3 hours also, probably longer due to the hard rain. We then went to a great local restaurant with genuine Moroccan food -3 courses for 120 DRM which was well worth it as it was so tasty.

Good to get out of the city and see the countryside. Nice walk up to see the waterfall- about an hour there and back, and peaceful. The town for lunch is a bit tacky with lots of building (our lunch spot was next to a bulldozer). If you want to get out for one day, High Atlas Mountains is a better option

Thank you, the tour guide Hassan was really lovely, best tour guide ever! I really enjoyed the walk up in the mountains.

The shuttle arrived at the hotel on time, and then we set off to the Ourika valley in the Atlas Mountains. Our guide was a very nice person, we received a lot of information both on the way and on the spot. The environment is simply wonderful, the people are kind, the food was delicious.

Really enjoyed this trip. Hassan the guide was a star! Enjoyed the visit to the Co-op - buy your Argan stuff there as cheaper and helps locals more. Enjoyed the walk up to waterfall. Be aware it’s quite steep on way up and down. There is a cafe at top so take money with you. Enjoyed the meal at the restaurant at the end of the path down from the waterfall - 3 courses for 120DH (possible to share)