Marrakech: Atlas & Ourika Valley Day Trip with Waterfalls

Seven Waterfalls & a Berber Kitchen: One Day in the Atlas

You travel 1.5 hours by air-conditioned minibus to a Berber family home, then visit an argan cooperative run by local women, before heading to Sitti Fatma to hike around seven waterfalls with a guide. Lunch is included in the Ourika Valley, and the return journey to Marrakech includes an optional photo stop. The whole day is organized and priced upfront, so you show up and go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Ourika Valley2h
2. Marrakech Medina1h

Atlas and Ourika Valley excursion

• Drive from Marrakech to Atlas
• Visit typical Berber house
• Visit Moroccan women's argan cooperative
• Travel to Sitti Fatma village
• Hike and explore seven waterfalls
• Lunch by the valley or under tree shade
• Relax and start return to Marrakech
• Optional photo stop or camel ride

The experience

You might think a day trip from Marrakech means more of the same medina chaos, just somewhere else. But ninety minutes north in an air-conditioned minibus and the noise drops away. The Atlas Mountains rise up, the air cools, and you're standing in front of a Berber family's house, not a museum version, but the actual place where someone lives. They show you how they work, how they cook, what the day looks like up here. It's the kind of stop that feels less like a photo op and more like you've been let in on something.

After the village, the route passes through the argan cooperative run by local women in Oulmas. This is where the tour includes a chance to see how they extract the oil, what plants grow in the Ourika Valley and the surrounding mountains, and yes, the tonics and cosmetics they make. You're not buying anything you don't want, but if you do, you know where it comes from. Then comes the part most people come for: the drive to Sitti Fatma and the seven waterfalls. A local guide takes you up to wander around them, photograph them, sit by the water if you want. The valley is loud with birds and the sound of water running over stone.

Lunch happens here, either at a table overlooking the valley or under the shade of a tree. The tour leaves that choice to you. After you eat and rest, the minibus takes you back toward Marrakech. There's a stop on the way if you want to take photos or try a camel ride (that costs extra and is optional). The whole day is built around the fact that you don't have to arrange transport, figure out which villages are worth the detour, or negotiate with drivers at the side of the road. The price is fixed and reasonable, and the schedule gets you back before evening.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, transport by air-conditioned minibus to the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley, a visit to a Berber family home, entry to the women's argan cooperative in Oulmas, a guided walk to the seven waterfalls at Sitti Fatma, and lunch in the valley. The return journey includes an optional photo stop, and camel rides are available for an extra fee.

Information

Lasts 7h 8m, runs every day at 09:30 and 18:00, from US$ 23 per person, with a live guide in English, French and Arabic and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 18:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, French and ArabicOther languages ›

Audio guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.12 with pickup ›

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 to 69 years) · Child (1 to 5 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by trekmarrakech

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to leave Marrakech's heat and crowds for a day in the mountains without arranging your own transport or figuring out which stops matter: the fixed itinerary and price mean you just show up and the day unfolds.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Marrakech to the waterfalls?

About 1.5 hours each way by minibus.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes, lunch is included and served in the Ourika Valley, either at a table overlooking the valley or under a tree.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. The walk to the waterfalls is moderate, but you set your own pace. It's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health.

Is the minibus air-conditioned?

Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned.

Can I do a camel ride?

Yes, there's an optional camel ride available on the return journey for an extra fee.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Marrakech is included.

What is the argan cooperative visit about?

You visit a women-run cooperative in Oulmas where local women produce argan oil and natural cosmetics and tonics from plants grown in the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley.

Are there stops in Berber villages?

Yes, you stop in a typical Berber village to see everyday life and visit a local family home before heading to the waterfalls.