Ourika Valley: Berber Village Lunch & Waterfall Hike Tour

Summary

Discover Berber culture and hike to waterfalls in Ourika Valley

You’ll wind through Berber villages with a local guide, taste homemade bread at a women’s cooperative, enjoy riverside tagine for lunch, and hike up to Setti Fatma’s cool waterfalls. Expect laughter, mountain air, and small moments that linger long after you return to Marrakech.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through the outskirts of Marrakech when our driver, Youssef, pointed out the first patchwork of green fields. I’d read about the Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech, but seeing those jagged Atlas peaks come into view — honestly, it felt different than I’d pictured. The air changed too, cooler and carrying this faint scent of wild herbs. We passed clusters of Berber houses clinging to the hillsides; kids waved, and I tried waving back but probably looked awkward with my camera in one hand.

Our guide, Amina, grew up not far from here. She told us stories about her grandmother making bread in clay ovens — you could hear pride in her voice. At one point we stopped at a women’s cooperative where they made argan oil by hand. The grinding stones made this soft scraping sound that stuck with me. I tried some fresh bread dipped in oil — nutty and warm — and I think I ate more than my share. Lunch was by the river, tagine bubbling away while we dangled our feet over smooth stones. There was laughter from another table; someone dropped their spoon and everyone just kept talking like nothing happened.

The hike up to Setti Fatma’s waterfalls wasn’t as tough as I’d feared (though my shoes did slip once on a wet rock — Amina just grinned and offered her hand). The water was freezing but clear enough to see pebbles at the bottom. Some local kids were splashing each other and shouting in Darija; it echoed off the rocks. On the way down, sun broke through the clouds for a second and everything looked sharper — brighter greens, red earth, white water foaming over stone. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech

• Pick up from your location
• Drive through countryside and Berber villages
• Lunch at local riverside restaurant
• Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls
• Return to Marrakech in late afternoon

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Ourika Valley?

It takes about an hour by minivan from Marrakech to reach Ourika Valley.

Is lunch included on this Ourika Valley day trip?

Yes, a traditional Moroccan lunch by the river is included.

Do you visit Berber villages during the tour?

Yes, you’ll pass through Berber villages and visit a women’s cooperative.

Is there hiking involved on this tour?

Yes, there’s a guided hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls in the valley.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your location in Marrakech is included.

What should I wear for hiking to Setti Fatma waterfalls?

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; some rocks can be slippery near the falls.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Marrakech by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water throughout the journey, guidance from a local expert who knows these valleys well, all taxes covered for peace of mind, plus a traditional Moroccan lunch by the river before heading back in the afternoon.