Marrakech: Ourika Valley & Setti Fatma Falls Day Trip

Ourika Valley & Waterfalls from Marrakech

You're picked up from your hotel at 9am and driven 67 kilometers into the High Atlas to reach Setti Fatma Falls, where seven waterfalls cascade into the Ourika River. The day includes a visit to a traditional Berber home, lunch by the river, time to walk toward the falls, and a stop at the argan oil cooperative. You return to Marrakech by evening with your guide and driver handling all logistics and navigation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma

• Pick up from accommodation at 09:00
• Drive through Mohamed VI street
• Travel to Ourika Valley in High Atlas Mountains
• Stop frequently to enjoy landscape and take photos
• Arrive at Setti Fatma village
• Visit Setti Fatma waterfalls
• Visit a traditional Berber home
• Enjoy a meal near the river
• Drive back to Marrakech hotel or Riad

The experience

"How many waterfalls are we actually hiking to?" The question came up in the minibus before we'd even left Mohamed VI street, and the guide smiled: he'd heard it before. The Ourika Valley sits 67 kilometers south of Marrakech, tucked into the High Atlas Mountains, and Setti Fatma Falls is the reason most people make the drive. Seven cascades drop into the Ourika River, each one visible from different points along the valley floor, and the walk between them is steep enough that you feel it but short enough that you're not climbing for hours. The pickup happens at 9am from your hotel or riad, and the drive itself is part of the day. You stop several times just to stand and look at the layers of the Atlas as they rise up around you.

The Berber village visit comes before the falls, and it's quieter than you'd expect. A local family opens their home (red mud walls, low ceilings, the smell of cooking fire), and you sit while someone makes mint tea and explains how the argan oil cooperative works. It's not a performance. The cooperative is real. Women actually press the oil there, and you can buy it if you want, but there's no hard sell. After that, lunch happens near the river, usually tagine or couscous, and then you have time to walk toward the falls. The hike isn't technical, but it's uneven stone and you're moving uphill, so wear shoes that grip. If Monday is your day, the Tnin Ourika souk fills the valley floor: the market where locals buy vegetables and cloth and haggle the way markets have worked for centuries. It's crowded and real, not staged for tourists.

The drive back to Marrakech takes the same route, and by then you've seen the valley twice (once going in, once coming out), which means the landscape settles differently in your head. Your guide has WiFi on the vehicle if you need it, and the air conditioning works. You're back at your accommodation by evening, probably tired in the way that feels good, your phone full of photos of water and mountains and the red earth that gives the valley its color.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide and driver.
• You visit a traditional Berber home, tour an argan oil cooperative, enjoy lunch near the river, and have time to walk toward Setti Fatma Falls.
• WiFi is available on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 82 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marrakech Sweet Travel

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Marrakech without a car who want to see the High Atlas and waterfalls in one day. The hike to the falls is moderate and uneven, so plan for steady walking on stone paths. That's what gets you close enough to feel the water and see all seven cascades.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 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 long is the drive from Marrakech to Ourika Valley?

About 90 minutes each way. The route passes through the High Atlas Mountains with several photo stops included.

What is the Tnin Ourika souk?

A local market that operates on Mondays in the valley, where Berber vendors sell produce, textiles, and goods. It's open to visitors, and you can browse and buy if you choose.

Do I have to hike to see the waterfalls?

You walk on uneven stone paths to reach the falls, but it's not a technical climb. The terrain is steep in places, so moderate fitness and good footwear are recommended.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes. Lunch is served near the river and typically includes tagine or couscous.

Can I visit a Berber home on this tour?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to a traditional Berber house where you'll see how families live and have mint tea. You'll also visit an argan oil cooperative.

What time does pickup happen?

Hotel or riad pickup is at 9:00 am. You return by evening.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, but the hike to the falls involves uneven stone paths and steep sections, which may not be suitable for all mobility levels.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, sun protection, and layers. The mountains can be cooler than Marrakech, even in warm months.