The Ourika Valley is a green river valley in the High Atlas mountains, and it is one of the closest escapes from Marrakech. This Ourika Valley guide covers how to get there, the Setti Fatma waterfalls hike, the Monday market, the gardens, the best time to go and what to eat, so you can plan an Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech. It pairs well with a visit to Marrakech and with 7 days in Morocco.
Ourika Valley at a glance
Wikipedia places the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas along the Ourika River, roughly 30 km from Marrakesh. It says the population is mainly Berber (Amazigh), most people speak Shilha, and the valley has kept much of its traditional mountain life despite being so close to the city. Riad Al Ksar says the valley stretches about 68 km, from the edge of Marrakech to Setti Fatma at roughly 1,500 m, so the 30 km figure is where the valley begins, not where the road ends.
Things to do in the Ourika Valley
Hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls
Wikipedia says Setti Fatma is the last small settlement reachable by paved road and the starting point for many mountain excursions, and that the easiest and most popular hike follows a mountain stream up to waterfalls. Villa Dinari says there are seven cascades and that the first is about a 30 minute walk, described as a steep climb. Riad Al Ksar gives the same 30 minutes on a rocky path with small streams, and about 2.5 hours for a longer walk to the others, though it is unclear whether that covers all six. Wear sturdy footwear.
Visit the Monday market
Wikipedia says the valley holds a weekly souk on Mondays, called tnine in Arabic. Villa Dinari calls Tnine Ourika the valley’s largest open-air market. If you want the market, plan your Ourika Valley day trip for a Monday and confirm it locally.
Eat by the river
Villa Dinari says riverside restaurants in Setti Fatma serve freshly made tajine, and Riad Al Ksar says Berber restaurants line the route up to the falls. The photo shows low seating beside the water. For dishes to try, read our Moroccan food guide, and bring cash; see cash in Morocco and tipping in Morocco.
See the gardens, saffron and Berber villages
Wikipedia names the Anima Garden, a botanical and sculpture garden by the Austrian artist André Heller, as a main attraction. Riad Al Ksar lists the Tafza Berber ecomuseum, the Timalizene terraced garden, the Douar Elhaddad herb garden (best from March to June) and a saffron farm at Tnine about 34 km from Marrakech that is open from late October to mid-November during the harvest. That article is from 2017 and 2019, so confirm opening. Villa Dinari adds that visitors are often offered mint tea in village homes, and that women weave carpets on family looms. For a related story, read about the women of Morocco’s argan oil cooperatives.
How to get to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech
Riad Al Ksar gives about two hours or more from Marrakech, though its own summary says one hour, so the sources conflict, and weekends and holidays are slower. It lists a private car with or without a driver, a public bus or shared big taxi to Tnine l’Ourika and then a big taxi onward, or a private taxi, but its prices are from 2017 to 2019 so we do not repeat them. Compare modes in train versus bus versus rental car in Morocco and see how longer drives feel in the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara.
The best time to visit the Ourika Valley
Villa Dinari suggests spring and early summer, when Marrakech heats up and locals head to the cooler valley, and Riad Al Ksar says spring after the rainy season is when the valley is greenest. Villa Dinari also mentions a four day summer moussem in August, but its source is undated, so confirm. Compare Morocco in summer, Morocco in November and Morocco in winter, or the full best time to visit Morocco. Our what to wear in Morocco for women guide helps with layers.
The Ourika Valley and the rest of your trip
Prefer another waterfall day? Read about the Ouzoud Waterfalls. For higher Atlas walking, see climbing Toubkal, and for more scenery see the natural wonders of Morocco. Back in the city, read Jemaa el-Fna and the El Badi Palace. Many travelers stay in a riad; see riad versus hotel. For romance, see the best places in Morocco for couples. Heading for the dunes? Compare Agafay desert and Merzouga. Solo? Read the solo female travel guide, and learn a few Darija phrases. Plan your time with how many days you need in Morocco.
Ourika Valley FAQ
How far is the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?
The valley begins about 30 km from Marrakesh, according to Wikipedia, and stretches about 68 km to Setti Fatma, according to Riad Al Ksar.
How many waterfalls are there in the Ourika Valley?
Villa Dinari and Riad Al Ksar both describe seven waterfalls above Setti Fatma.
How long is the walk to the first waterfall in the Ourika Valley?
About 30 minutes from Setti Fatma on a steep, rocky path, according to both guides.
What day is the Ourika Valley market?
Monday, according to Wikipedia.
Is the Ourika Valley worth visiting?
Yes, if you want mountains, a river and waterfalls within reach of Marrakech.
Want the Ourika Valley on your Morocco route? Message us your dates and we will plan it with you.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your Ourika Valley day and the rest of your route, from the Atlas to the dunes.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Ouzoud Waterfalls Morocco, Natural wonders of Morocco, Climbing Toubkal, Is Marrakech worth visiting?, Imlil Morocco.
