Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech: Setti Fatma Waterfalls & Lunch

Atlas Mountains & Ourika Valley from Marrakech

You're picked up from your Marrakech hotel at 9 AM and driven into the Atlas Mountains to the Ourika Valley, where you visit an argan oil cooperative, hike to Setti Fatma Waterfalls with free exploration time, and eat a traditional Moroccan lunch by the river before returning around 4:30 PM. Transport, guide, tea, and lunch are included. Water and soft drinks are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech

• Pick up from accommodation at 9:00 am
• Drive through Atlas Mountains and Berber villages
• Visit local women’s argan oil cooperative
• Guided walk to Setti Fatma Waterfalls
• Free time to explore waterfalls
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan lunch by the river
• Return to Marrakech by 4:30 pm

The experience

The van is already rolling when you settle in at 9 AM: your driver navigates out of Marrakech's medina noise and into the foothills within minutes. The road climbs steadily through olive groves and terraced fields, and the air shifts from city heat to something cooler, sharper. About an hour in, you'll stop at a women's argan oil cooperative tucked into a village where the process still happens by hand: cracking nuts, grinding paste, pressing oil in the traditional way. It's not a museum setup: women are actually working, and they'll walk you through what takes months to understand in twenty minutes.

From there, the Ourika Valley opens up. The river runs alongside the road, and the villages get smaller and quieter. Your guide leads a walk to Setti Fatma Waterfalls. It's not a scramble, but it's real hiking, maybe an hour round trip with some uneven ground and a few stream crossings. The water is cold and the canyon walls narrow as you go higher. You get free time to sit by the falls, wade in if you want, or just stand there and let the sound fill your head. No rushing.

Lunch happens at a riverside restaurant in the valley: a tagine (chicken or beef, vegetarian on request), Moroccan salad, bread, and seasonal fruit. The mint tea comes before, after, or both. Water and soft drinks cost extra, so bring cash or ask your driver. By 4:30 PM you're back in Marrakech, the kind of tired that comes from a full day outside the city but not exhausted. The drive back is quiet, most people sleep.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 9 AM in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided walk to Setti Fatma Waterfalls, visit to a women's argan oil cooperative, traditional Moroccan lunch at a riverside restaurant, mint tea, and return transport to Marrakech by 4:30 PM.
• English and Italian-speaking driver included.
• Soft drinks and bottled water are not included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Lunch is not part of the Ourika Valley optionGuide in 5 languages · 09:00Pickup is included

Includes lunch in the Ourika ValleyGuide in 5 languages · 09:00Lasts 7 hours and includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Maroc Adventure

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Marrakech without a rental car who want a full day in the Atlas Mountains without arranging transport or logistics themselves. The hike is moderate and takes about an hour, so plan for a day that includes walking on uneven terrain and stream crossings. That's what gets you to the waterfalls.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 far is the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

About an hour's drive from the city center.

Is the hike to Setti Fatma Waterfalls difficult?

It's moderate: roughly an hour round trip with some uneven ground and stream crossings. You need a moderate level of fitness.

What time do you return to Marrakech?

Around 4:30 PM.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a traditional Moroccan lunch at a riverside restaurant. Water and soft drinks are paid separately.

Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes, vegetarian tagine is available on request.

Is the argan oil cooperative visit included?

Yes, you'll visit a local women's cooperative to see traditional production methods.

What should I bring?

Comfortable hiking shoes, water (or cash to buy it), sunscreen, and a light layer for the mountains.