Overview

This full-day excursion takes you from Marrakech into the High Atlas Mountains, just under an hour away. The road climbs through the fertile plains of the Haouz and into the first Atlas foothills, with a stop in Aït Ourir to visit a traditional Berber house and a women's cooperative producing argan oil and cosmetics. From there, the route follows the Ourika River upstream, its turquoise waters flanked by Berber villages perched on the hillsides and terraced fields, before reaching Setti Fatma, gateway to the valley's famous seven waterfalls.

This excursion blends gentle hiking, mountain scenery and authentic Berber culture in a single day, making it an ideal introduction to rural Morocco for travelers staying in Marrakech.

Itinerary ≈ 10h round trip

1. 8:00Depart from Marrakech 45 min drive — Pickup at your accommodation and drive toward the High Atlas, through the fertile plains of the Haouz and into the first mountain foothills.
2. 8:45Aït Ourir 45 min — Visit to a traditional Berber house, followed by a women's cooperative producing argan oil and cosmetics.
3. 9:30Drive up the Ourika Valley 1h drive — Following the river upstream, past Berber villages perched on the hillsides and terraced fields.
4. 10:30Hike to the Setti Fatma Waterfalls 1h round trip — Moderate hike up to the valley's seven successive waterfalls, about 30 minutes each way, on a trail accessible to most fitness levels.
5. 11:30Lunch and free time in Setti Fatma 4h45 — Free time for lunch on a terrace by the river, at your own pace and budget, and to browse the small shops and cooperatives around the restaurants.
6. 16:15Drive back to Marrakech 1h45 drive — Return to your accommodation via the same route.
7. ≈18:00Arrival in Marrakech — End of the excursion.

Best Time to Visit

Spring, right after the winter snowmelt higher up in the mountains, is clearly the best time to visit: this is when the Ourika river carries the most water, and its waterfalls and turquoise currents are at their prettiest for the hike. By summer the river has run much lower and the waterfalls are noticeably less impressive, even though the cooler mountain air remains a welcome escape from the Marrakech heat. Autumn brings milder temperatures for hiking, though water levels stay modest at that time of year as well, well after the spring snowmelt has passed.

Good to Know

• Duration Full day, approx. 10 hours round trip (08:00 to approx. 18:00)
• Good for nature lovers, light hikers, families
• Includes private air-conditioned transport, professional bilingual (French/English) driver, guide to the waterfalls, 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): 1,100 DH (€110)
• 5–8 people (Van): 1,400 DH (€140)
• 9–20 people (Minibus): 1,950 DH (€195)

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