Marrakech: Ourika Valley tour with waterfalls & Berber lunch

Summary

Walk the Atlas foothills, taste Berber tagine, and feel the valley’s rhythm

You’ll ride from Marrakech into the green folds of Ourika Valley with hotel pickup included. Walk with a local guide to Setti Fatma’s waterfalls (yes, you might get wet), visit an argan oil cooperative run by Berber women, and share laughter over traditional tagine for lunch if you choose. It’s one of those days that lingers long after you’ve rinsed off the mountain dust.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my shoe in the mud before we’d even left Marrakech — not exactly how I pictured starting a day trip to the Ourika Valley. Our driver just grinned and handed me a napkin, like he’d seen it all before. The city faded fast behind us, replaced by that dry, sun-baked smell you get heading toward the Atlas Mountains. I kept craning my neck at every twist in the road; somehow, the hills looked both close and impossibly far away.

We stopped at a women’s cooperative where they make argan oil by hand. The grinding stones made this low, steady sound — almost like a heartbeat — and one of the women let me try cracking an argan nut (I was terrible at it). Li, our guide, explained how important these places are for local families. He switched between French and English without missing a beat. I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight; everyone laughed but it felt warm, not embarrassing.

The real climb started at Setti Fatma. There’s this moment when you first hear water rushing somewhere above you — not loud, but insistent — and suddenly you’re scrambling over rocks with cold spray on your face. The walk isn’t long (maybe an hour?), but I did have to catch my breath once or twice. At the top, seven waterfalls tumble down into pools so clear you can see every pebble. Kids were splashing each other while their parents drank mint tea nearby. I just sat there for a minute, shoes off, toes numb from the water.

Lunch was optional but honestly? Don’t skip it. We ate tagine and couscous on a terrace overlooking the valley — steam rising up as birds darted between olive trees below. I still think about that first bite: rich spices, slow-cooked lamb, something sweet underneath it all (apricots maybe?). The drive back felt quieter; everyone half asleep or staring out at those mountains that seem to change color every few minutes. Funny how quickly a place can get under your skin.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains Tour

• Pickup from hotel near Cafe de France Jamaa Lafna Square
• Visit weekly souk (market)
• View landscapes and visit Berber women's Argan oil cooperative
• Trek from Setti Fatma to seven waterfalls

Top questions

How long does the day trip to Ourika Valley from Marrakech take?

The tour is a full-day experience including transport from Marrakech and time spent walking in Setti Fatma.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ourika Valley tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Marrakech or nearby meeting points like Café de France Jamaa Lafna Square.

Do I need to be very fit for the waterfall walk?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended as there is about one hour of walking over uneven ground.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Lunch is optional and paid directly by guests if they choose to join; traditional tagine and couscous are offered.

Can I visit a Berber market during this tour?

You may visit a weekly souk depending on local market schedules during your day trip to Ourika Valley.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What is included in the price of this Ourika Valley tour?

The price includes hotel pickup/drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, all fees/taxes, and a guided walking tour at the waterfalls.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Marrakech or at Café de France Jamaa Lafna Square, all entry fees and taxes covered, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle through the Atlas foothills, plus a one-hour guided walk to Setti Fatma’s waterfalls with time to relax or explore before heading back—lunch is available as an optional extra if you want to try Berber cooking firsthand.