Casablanca Day Trip: Atlas Mountains, Ourika & Afagay Desert

Walk to mountain waterfalls, then watch the Atlas peaks rise from the desert floor

A shared day trip from Casablanca to the Atlas Mountains combines a guided walk through Ourika valley to its waterfalls with a visit to the Afagay desert for views back toward the peaks. An English or French-speaking guide leads the full-day outing, which includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and WiFi on board. The trek itself takes about an hour on foot through the heart of the valley before reaching the waterfall pools.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip to Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains

• Travel from Casablanca to Ourika Valley
• Explore Ourika Valley's nature and plants
• Visit Setti Fatma mountain village
• Hike one hour to Atlas Mountains waterfalls
• Take photos at the waterfalls
• Visit Afagay desert with Atlas views
• Enjoy included lunch

The experience

You leave Casablanca in the morning for a day that splits between two landscapes. The Ourika valley, one of Morocco's most preserved valleys, is the first stop: a place of rare plants, spices and Barbary Macaques tucked into the Atlas foothills. Your guide meets you at your hotel and handles the drive. The van is air-conditioned and carries WiFi, so you can stay connected during the ride out.

From Setti Fatma, one of the last mountain villages before the waterfalls, the trek begins. You walk for about an hour into the heart of the Ourika mountains, where the waterfalls appear: a place built for photographs and for sitting still. The pools are cold and clear, and the walk itself is steady but not steep. The operator rates it suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns.

After the valley, you head to the Afagay desert for the afternoon's second view. From there, the Atlas Mountains rise on the horizon, and you get the reverse perspective: the desert floor looking back at the peaks you walked among hours before. Your guide stays with you throughout, and the van returns you to Casablanca by evening. Bottled water is provided during the day.

What’s included

• Shared transportation from your Casablanca hotel.
• an English or French-speaking local guide for the full day.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• bottled water throughout the outing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (5 to 85 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Medina Selection

Is this one for you?At 11 to 12 hours total, this day trip fills most of your time in Casablanca but leaves room for an early dinner back in the city. The shared van and fixed itinerary mean you don't arrange transport or plan the route (your guide handles both), so you show up at your hotel and the day unfolds on schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 actual walk to the waterfalls in Ourika valley?

The trek from Setti Fatma to the waterfalls takes about an hour on foot through the heart of the Ourika mountains, following a steady path to the waterfall pools.

What are the Barbary Macaques, and where do I see them in Ourika valley?

Barbary Macaques are rare primates found in the Atlas Mountains. The Ourika valley is one of the few places where they live, and your guide will point them out as you move through the valley's preserved landscape.

What's included in the day, and what do I need to arrange separately?

Hotel pickup, shared transportation, bottled water, WiFi on board and an English or French-speaking guide are all included. Lunch, alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not included and are your own expense.