Overview

This grand panoramic circuit is the ideal way to discover the diversity of the High Atlas in a single day. Set off to conquer three valleys with radically different atmospheres: the lush Ourika Valley with its lively Berber douars, the majestic seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma, and the spectacular climb to Oukaimeden (2,650m) — Africa's highest ski resort — with its 360° panoramas over the Atlas peaks. A day of wide open spaces and unforgettable contrasts.

Itinerary ≈ 11.5h round trip

1. 7:30Depart from Marrakech 45 min drive — Pickup at your accommodation and drive toward the High Atlas Mountains.
2. 8:15Traditional Berber house 45 min — Visit to an authentic Berber home, followed by a women's cooperative producing argan oil and cosmetics.
3. 9:00Drive up the Ourika Valley 1h drive — Following the river upstream, past Berber douars and argan trees on the hillsides.
4. 10:00Hike to the Setti Fatma Waterfalls 1h round trip — Walk up to the valley's seven successive waterfalls, about 30 minutes each way, in an exceptional natural setting.
5. 11:00Lunch in Setti Fatma 1h30 — Free time to choose a restaurant on a terrace by the river, at your own pace and budget.
6. 12:30Drive to Oukaimeden (2,650m) 1h30 drive — Climb to Africa's highest ski resort, accessible in both summer and winter. Possible encounters with nomads and their herds along the way.
7. 14:00Oukaimeden 3h on site — Free time to take in the 360° panoramas over the Atlas range, stroll around the plateau, and enjoy a mint tea at altitude.
8. 17:00Drive back to Marrakech 2h drive — Return via the ridge road to your accommodation.
9. ≈19:00Arrival in Marrakech — Back at your accommodation, end of the excursion.

Best Time to Visit

Oukaimeden is at its most beautiful in winter, when snow covers the peaks — a rather unusual sight so close to Marrakech — though mountain roads can occasionally be uncertain at that time of year. We will therefore always reconfirm the excursion's feasibility based on weather conditions closer to your date during winter. For the Setti Fatma waterfalls, spring — right after the winter snowmelt — is the best season. This is when the river carries the most water and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for the hike and the drive up to Oukaimeden. That said, by summer the waterfalls run much lower with noticeably less water, and Oukaimeden is no longer snow-capped — though the cooler mountain air still makes for a pleasant escape from the Marrakech heat.

Good to Know

• Duration Full day, approx. 11.5 hours round trip (07:30 to approx. 19:00)
• Good for nature lovers, light hikers, families
• Includes private air-conditioned transport, professional bilingual driver (French/English), guide, hotel pickup and drop-off
• Not included lunch and drinks – left to each traveler's choice and budget; personal expenses; tips (recommended)

Prices

All the transport we offer for this excursion is private, for greater comfort and a premium service. We pick you up at your accommodation and bring you back (door-to-door service).

Price per vehicle:

• 1–4 people (4x4): 2,100 DH (€210)
• 5–8 people (Van): 2,400 DH (€240)
• 9–20 people (Minibus): 2,800 DH (€280)

Please note: Pickups from outside Marrakech are available at an additional cost — please let us know your accommodation location when making your reservation.