Overview

Just 30 minutes from Marrakech on the road to Ourika, Anima Garden is a poetic creation by designer André Heller: a 4-hectare botanical labyrinth where sculptures by African artists, exotic plants and enchanting pools blend together in a fairy-tale atmosphere. After exploring the garden, continue on to the Ourika Valley to discover its Berber villages and waterfalls – a refreshing half-day, off the classic tourist trail.

Itinerary ≈ 4h round trip

Two departure times available: 8:00 or 14:00. The times below correspond to the 8:00 departure (add 6h for the 14:00 departure).

1. 8:00Depart from Marrakech 30 min drive — Pickup at your accommodation (an afternoon departure at 14:00 is also available).
2. 8:30Arrive at Anima Garden 1h30 free visit — Short drive along the Ourika road to this 4-hectare botanical labyrinth, then explore its sculptures by African artists, exotic plants and pools at your own pace.
3. 10:00Drive to the Ourika Valley 25 min drive — Continue toward the valley along the Ourika road.
4. 10:25Berber villages & valley scenery 45 min — Discover the valley's Berber villages and flowing waters.
5. 11:10Drive back to Marrakech 50 min drive — Drive back to your accommodation.
6. ≈12:00Arrival in Marrakech — Back at your accommodation, end of the excursion.

Best Time to Visit

Anima Garden is pleasant to visit year-round thanks to its shaded paths and water features, and spring is especially rewarding when the garden's plants and flowers are in full bloom. For the Ourika Valley portion, spring – right after the winter snowmelt – is clearly the best time: this is when the valley's streams carry the most water and the scenery is at its greenest and prettiest. To be honest, by summer the streams run much lower and are noticeably drier, though summer mornings still offer a cooler, pleasant start to the day before the afternoon heat sets in.

Good to Know

• Duration Half-day, approx. 4 hours round trip (08:00 or 14:00 departure)
• Good for garden and nature lovers, families, travelers short on time
• Includes private air-conditioned transport (round trip), professional bilingual driver (French/English), Anima Garden entrance fee, 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 (only the Anima Garden entrance fee is charged per person):

• 1–4 people (4x4): 980 DH (€98) + 160 DH (€16) / person (Anima Garden entrance)
• 5–8 people (Van): 1,260 DH (€126) + 160 DH (€16) / person (Anima Garden entrance)
• 9–20 people (Minibus): 1,820 DH (€182) + 160 DH (€16) / person (Anima Garden entrance)

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