Ourika Valley Waterfalls Hike: Setti Fatma & Berber Villages

Waterfalls, argan oil, and a riverside lunch in the Atlas Mountains

A full-day hiking tour from Marrakech into the Ourika Valley with a local mountain guide, taking in Setti Fatma's waterfalls, a women-led argan oil cooperative, and Berber village culture. The day includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, a guided hike, and a traditional riverside lunch (on the lunch option). A guide speaks English, French or Arabic.

The Experience

The drive from Marrakech takes an hour through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, passing Berber villages and terraced fields before you reach the Ourika Valley. Once there, you'll visit a women-run argan oil cooperative to see how the oil is made—the process is labor-intensive and the cooperative supports local families. Then you meet your mountain guide for the hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls, a scenic climb with plenty of stops for photos and views across the valley.

Lunch happens beside the river in the heart of the valley (if you choose the lunch option), a traditional Moroccan meal eaten in the setting where the day's hiking ends. You'll have free time to explore the valley floor, take more photos, and sit with the fresh mountain air before the return drive to Marrakech. The whole outing runs about seven hours door to door.

A local guide leads the hike and explains the landscape and Berber traditions along the way. Hotel or riad pickup is included, and the van is air-conditioned for the drive. The hike itself is manageable for most fitness levels, though it does involve climbing to reach the waterfalls. Infants and small children can come along—specialized seats and prams are available if needed.

What’s included

• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.
• air-conditioned transport to and from the Ourika Valley.
• visit to a women-run argan oil cooperative.
• local mountain guide for the hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls.
• guided experience of Berber villages and local culture.
• free time to explore the valley.
• traditional Moroccan lunch and drinks (on the lunch option).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Amlal Desert Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike to a real waterfall and see how argan oil is made, rather than just drive past the valley—the guide and the cooperative visit turn the day into something more than a scenic loop. The lunch option works well if you'd rather not arrange a meal separately in an unfamiliar place.

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Top questions

How long is the hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls?

The hike to Setti Fatma's waterfalls is part of a full-day tour that runs about seven hours total, including the drive from Marrakech, time at the argan oil cooperative, the hike itself, and lunch. The climbing is steady but not extreme, and your mountain guide sets the pace.

What's included in the lunch option?

The lunch option adds a traditional Moroccan meal eaten riverside in the Ourika Valley, with drinks included. If you book without lunch, you'll still have free time to explore and rest during that part of the day.

Will I have a guide who speaks my language?

Your guide speaks English, French, or Arabic—you'll choose your language when you book. The guide is a local mountain expert familiar with the Setti Fatma area and Berber culture.

What does the argan oil cooperative visit involve?

The argan oil cooperative is women-run and shows you how Morocco's famous argan oil is produced, from the nuts to the finished product. It's a working cooperative, so you see the process firsthand and learn about the families who depend on it.

Does pickup from my hotel in Marrakech come with the tour?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech is included, along with air-conditioned transport for the full day. The driver will collect you in the morning and return you at the end of the tour.

Can I bring young children or infants on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can come along. Specialized infant seats and prams are available if you need them, making it easier to manage the day with little ones.