Located 30 km south of Marrakech, ourika stretches at the foot of the Atlas. Green, it is watered by the Ourika Valley surrounded by adobe hamlets, small houses, and small hotels, nestled in the mountains. At 1500 m altitude, you can reach Arhbalou, and further setti fatma; from there begin excursions and hikes to eventually reach the 7 waterfalls. Arriving at the top, we discover a breathtaking view of the entire village.
Our ourika vally day trip is one of the best excursions to make during a stay in Marrakech, it is totally exotic. You enter the High Atlas and can discover the Berber tribes.
The landscape is pleasant with its terraced crops and adobe houses backed by the mountains. This valley allows the Marrakchis to breathe a bit of fresh air and see a little greenery. One day is possible, but nothing beats two days to fully enjoy it. This valley is not served by bus.
The grand taxi or your own car (2 hours without counting the many stops and detours) will be your means of transport. It takes 15 dh for the taxi.
Places to visit in Ourika Valley.
The saffron garden:
A guided tour of the artisanal farm is offered to learn all about Crocus Sativus, this fragile purple flower from which saffron is extracted.
The Organic Aromatic farm:
Located in the village of Tnine Ourika.
The proposed walk is a real delight for the senses.
Setti Fatma and the waterfalls:
1500 meters above sea level. Guide for around 50 dh to reach the first waterfall and for 100 dh for the complete walk. The hike of the seven waterfalls is famous and poses no particular problem. In an hour’s walk, you reach the first waterfall. You will then see a series of small waterfalls all pretty in the middle of a magnificent setting.
You can swim there. Then count two and a half hours to reach the other waterfalls. This worth the pain.
Going back down to Setti Fatma, magnificent views of the village and the valley await you. Many accommodation and catering facilities are available.
Imlil day trip Excursion from Marrakech
Our Imlil day trip will start at 8 a.m. towards Asni, the most attractive valley of the Grand Atlas. You will discover the Toubkal National Park, the village of Imlil and several villages perched above agricultural terraces.
Once you arrive at the village of Imlil, perched at an altitude of 1,745 m and the preferred starting point for hikers to discover the High Atlas mountains, you will discover the Berber way of life and their customs and you will also have the opportunity to do an hour hike (optional) with a local guide to the prestigious village of Armed.
Back in Imlil you will taste a delicious traditional Berber meal at the inhabitant’s house composed of a Berber tagine, Moroccan salads and homemade bread where you will also have the opportunity to initiate yourself in the preparation of the famous Berber mint tea . Then you will take a short relaxing break at the foot of a hill in the village.
Then you will find your vehicle on the way back to Marrakech enjoying the scents of olive and apricot orchards and also beautiful views of the cereal crops of the Haouz plain.
Your Atlas Mountains day trip will be end at 19 :00 pm.
Strong points:
Explore the Atlas Mountains on your day trip.
Discover the famous village of Imlil and opt for a hike (optional) to Armed village.
Taste an excellent Berber tagine for lunch with a very welcoming local Berber family.
