Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech: Waterfalls & Local Souks

Summary

Setti Fatma Waterfalls & Tnine Ourika Market Tour

You’ll swap city noise for mountain air on this Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech. Wander through a real Amazigh market, hike up to Setti Fatma’s waterfalls, and relax with lunch by a rushing river—feet in the water if you like.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the cool air—such a relief after Marrakech’s heat. We left the city early, and within an hour or so, the landscape changed completely. Red earth gave way to green fields and little Amazigh villages tucked into the hills. Our driver pointed out Tnine Ourika, where locals gather every Monday for the valley’s biggest market. It’s not just tourists; families come from all around to buy everything for the week—spices, fresh bread, even chickens clucking in baskets. The smell of mint tea mixes with dust and grilled corn from roadside stalls. If you’re there on a Monday, don’t miss it.

We kept winding up into the foothills, passing clusters of houses painted in faded pinks and yellows. At Tafza village, our guide suggested a quick stop at the Amazigh Ecomuseum. It’s small but packed with old photos, jewelry, and woven rugs—stuff you’d never see in a big city museum. Patrick and Hamid, who run it, are always happy to chat about Amazigh traditions if they’re around.

By midday, we reached Setti Fatma. The village sits right below the High Atlas Mountains, and you can actually hear the river before you see it. We grabbed a table at Café des Cascades—feet dangling in the water while we waited for our tagine to arrive (the trick is to order before hiking). The walk up to the seven waterfalls isn’t hard if you take your time, but wear good shoes—the rocks get slippery from all that spray. Locals sell fresh orange juice along the trail, and kids splash in little pools under the falls. I remember dipping my hands in; even in summer, that water’s icy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ourika Valley Exploration

• Visit Tnine Ourika souk market
• Explore Amazigh ecomuseum and Amazigh towns
• Lunch and hike to 7 waterfalls in Setti Fatma

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! The drive is comfortable, and there are easy walks plus stroller access in most spots. Just watch little ones near the river or on slippery rocks by the waterfalls.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes with grip are best for hiking near Setti Fatma’s waterfalls. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket—the mountain air can be cool even in summer.

Is there WiFi available during the trip?

Yes, there’s WiFi on board during transport between stops so you can share photos or check maps along the way.

Are meals included?

No meals are included, but there are plenty of riverside cafés in Setti Fatma where you can order local dishes like tagine or grilled fish.

What’s included

You’ll have WiFi on board for the journey, and our guides know all the best local stops—from market stalls to riverside cafés. Service animals are welcome, and we can accommodate strollers or prams for little travelers.