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

Summary

Berber souks, river lunch and waterfall hikes in the Atlas foothills

You’ll wake up among walnut trees in Ourika Valley, wander Monday’s lively Berber souk with your guide, taste fresh argan oil at a women’s cooperative, hike shaded trails up to Setti Fatma waterfalls, and share riverside tajine with locals before heading back to Marrakech—probably still thinking about those mountain views.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the van in the Ourika Valley was how sharp the air felt—like someone had opened a window after days in Marrakech’s heat. Our driver, Hassan, grinned at my surprise and pointed out the walnut trees lining the road. We stopped at a women’s argan oil cooperative; I tried grinding a kernel myself (not as easy as it looks), and one of the women laughed softly when I almost dropped it. The smell inside—nutty, a little grassy—still clings to my memory. Mondays are souk days in Tnine-Ourika, and we wandered through stalls with locals bargaining over everything from mint to tin teapots. I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight but probably mangled it; the vendor just smiled wider.

Setti Fatma sits at the end of a winding road that gets narrower until you’re not sure two cars can pass. There’s this wooden footbridge over the river—I hesitated for a second because it wobbled, but our guide Youssef just waved me on like it was nothing. The hike up to the waterfalls took about an hour and a half (bring sneakers, really), mostly shaded by walnut branches that kept dropping little leaves onto my shoulders. We passed kids splashing in cold water and an old man selling oranges he’d peeled right there. At one point, Youssef pointed out tiny villages clinging to the slopes across from us—he said his cousin lives in one, though I couldn’t spot which.

Lunch by the river is something I didn’t expect to enjoy so much—plastic chairs half-sunk into pebbles, feet dangling just above freezing water, steam rising off tajine pots while everyone talked over each other in three languages. There was this moment where time felt slow: sunlight flickering on water, someone’s radio playing quietly somewhere upstream. On the way back down another path, we got these wide views across the valley—patchwork fields and red earth against green poplars—and I remember thinking how close all this is to Marrakech but how far away it feels at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma

• Depart from Riad/Hotel at 09:00
• Drive through Ourika Valley and learn about argan oil
• Visit Berber house and learn about culture
• Stop at Tnine-Ourika souk (Monday market)
• Arrive at Setti Fatma village
• Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls (1h30)
• Picnic break with valley views
• Walk on heights towards woods
• Lunch by the river or in Berber house

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

It takes about 1 hour by car from Marrakech to reach Ourika Valley.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup is included for all guests.

What should I wear for hiking to Setti Fatma waterfalls?

Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes are recommended for the 1.5-hour hike.

Is lunch included on this tour?

You’ll have lunch at a typical riverside restaurant or Berber house near Setti Fatma.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation is wheelchair accessible but some hiking sections may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

When is the Berber souk open in Tnine-Ourika?

The main Berber souk takes place every Monday in Tnine-Ourika village.

How long is the walk to Setti Fatma waterfalls?

The guided walk takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way under shade trees.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup from Marrakech with transportation into the Atlas foothills, guidance throughout by a local expert, stops at an argan oil cooperative and Berber house visit, time at Tnine-Ourika’s Monday souk if you go then, a guided hike beneath walnut trees to Setti Fatma waterfalls with panoramic valley views on return, plus lunch beside mountain streams before heading back in late afternoon.