Ourika Valley High Atlas hike waterfalls day tour

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/12

Duration7h–8h

GroupUp to 32

LanguagesEN · FR +1

PickupAt your hotel

Hike to mountain waterfalls and step inside a traditional Berber home in one morning

A day tour from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley combines a guided hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls with a visit to a Berber family home, a traditional market stop, and lunch by the river. The tour departs at 9:30 am, includes hotel pickup and an air-conditioned minibus with a local guide, and returns around 6:30 pm. Choose between a shared group tour or a private option.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains

Scenic drive from Marrakech
Visit traditional Berber market
Drive through High Atlas Mountains
Visit traditional Berber house
Scenic drive along Ourika River
Guided hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls
Explore mountain cafés and shops
Lunch by the river at Setti Fatma
Return drive to Marrakech

The Experience

The day starts with a 9:30 am departure from your hotel in Marrakech, traveling by air-conditioned minibus through the Ourika Valley toward the High Atlas Mountains. The road winds through green fields, orchards, and centuries-old Berber villages, with panoramic views of terraced hillsides and Atlas peaks opening up as you climb. On market days—typically Mondays and Fridays—you'll stop at a traditional Berber souk to see local vendors selling grains, olives, spices, and produce under canvas tents, giving a direct look at daily life in the valley.

Your guide leads you to a welcoming Berber family home nestled in the mountains, where you step inside to see traditional Atlas architecture and learn about local customs. If you're interested, you can watch how to prepare authentic Moroccan mint tea. After this stop, the route follows the Ourika River downstream, lined with palm trees, fruit orchards, and small cafés clinging to the valley slopes. The landscape shifts as you approach Setti Fatma, a mountain village at the base of the famous Seven Cascades.

The hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls is moderate in difficulty and follows well-trodden paths with your local mountain guide. As you climb, you pass small cafés and artisan shops tucked into the rocky slopes, with views over the valley opening below. The waterfalls themselves offer a cool spray and shade to rest in—a natural break from the city heat. After the hike, you have free time for lunch at a riverside restaurant, where you can order from a menu of Moroccan tagines, grilled meats, and fresh salads while listening to the water. The return drive to Marrakech takes the late afternoon, with drop-off at your original hotel around 6:30 pm.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.
air-conditioned minibus transport throughout the day.
experienced local guide fluent in English, Spanish, or French.
access to a traditional Berber family home and the Ourika Valley market.
guided hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls with a mountain guide.
free time for lunch at a riverside restaurant (meal cost separate).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Great Travel Morocco

Is this one for you?Book the shared group tour if you're comfortable meeting other travelers and want the best value; choose the private VIP option if you prefer a dedicated guide and vehicle for your group. Either way, you'll need a moderate level of fitness for the hike to the waterfalls—the paths are well-trodden but involve climbing and uneven terrain.