Marrakech: Ourika Valley Berber Village & Waterfalls Day Trip

Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls, then lunch by the river in a Berber village

You drive an hour into the Atlas Mountains, visit a Berber household and learn about argan oil production, hike to Setti Fatma's cascading waterfalls with a local guide, swim or rest by the water, then eat a traditional Moroccan lunch beside the river before returning to Marrakech. Transport, guide, and food are all included. Groups stay under twelve people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Atlas Mountains hike and lunch

• Drive from Marrakech to Atlas Mountains
• Visit traditional Berber house Dar Zite
• Learn about Amazigh culture and argan oil
• Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls
• Take photos at waterfalls
• Enjoy Moroccan lunch by the river
• Return to Marrakech

The experience

The drive out of Marrakech takes about an hour, and the city noise drops away pretty quickly once you're heading toward the Atlas Mountains. The road climbs and the air changes. You can feel the elevation shift. Your guide will point out the valleys opening up on either side, and after a while you'll pull into Dar Zite, a traditional Berber house where you stop to see how the Amazigh people live and work. They show you how argan oil is made, which is one of those things that sounds simple until you watch someone do it by hand. There's mint tea, and if you want to buy something, they have it, but there's no pressure.

From there you head to Setti Fatma, where the actual hike starts. The waterfalls are the main event. You're walking up to them with your local mountain guide, and the trail follows the water. It's not a brutal climb, but you do need to be able to walk uphill for a couple of hours without stopping. The views from higher up are the kind of thing you take pictures of and then realize the photo doesn't quite capture it. Once you've had enough, you come back down and head straight to lunch at a restaurant right beside the river. The Moroccan food is traditional (tagine, couscous, whatever they're making that day), and you eat sitting close to the water. After lunch, it's the drive back to Marrakech, which gives you time to be quiet and think about what you just saw.

The whole day is structured so you're not rushing between stops, and the groups stay small, which means your guide can actually talk to you instead of herding people. If you're traveling with kids, they can handle the hike if they're used to walking, and there are infant seats available if you need one. The thing to know is that this is a full day. You're out from morning until evening, and you do need moderate fitness for the waterfall hike. That's also what makes it possible to see the mountains, the villages, and eat lunch without feeling squeezed.

What’s included

Comfortable transport from Marrakech, a professional local mountain guide, a visit to Dar Zite to learn about Amazigh culture and argan oil production, mint tea, a guided hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls, and a traditional Moroccan lunch at a riverside restaurant in the Ourika Valley. Small groups keep the experience personal, and the pace allows time to rest and take photographs.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small group option with lunch includedGuide in English, French or Arabic · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Full package option that includes lunch and pickup

A private version of this tour is availableGuide in English, French or Arabic · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00All-inclusive private experience for this tour. Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 7h, runs every day at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00, from US$ 29 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 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesUp to age 78

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Marrakech Outdoor Trips

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Marrakech who want to see the Atlas Mountains and waterfalls without arranging their own transport or guide. Expect a full day out (the morning drive, the two-hour hike, and the return journey), which is what makes it possible to fit the village visit, the waterfall hike, and a proper lunch into one trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Arabic.

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 hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls?

The hike is roughly two hours up to the waterfalls, with time to rest and take photos at the top before heading back down.

What's included in the price?

Transport from Marrakech, the mountain guide, entry to the Berber village, mint tea, the waterfall hike, and a traditional Moroccan lunch by the river.

Is this suitable for children?

Children can join if they're comfortable walking uphill for a couple of hours. Infant seats are available if needed. Child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

How long is the drive from Marrakech?

About one hour each way to reach the Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma.

What should I bring?

Comfortable hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a light layer for the mountains. The altitude is higher than Marrakech, so it can be cooler.

Are there swimming opportunities?

Yes, there are natural pools near the waterfalls where you can swim or cool off if you want to.

What if I'm not very fit?

You need at least moderate fitness for the waterfall hike. If you're unsure, contact the operator before booking to discuss the difficulty level.

Can I buy argan oil at Dar Zite?

Yes, the Berber household sells argan oil and other natural products, but it's optional. There's no obligation to purchase.