Ourika Valley

What you actually see

The road follows the Ourika river up from the plain into the foothills of the High Atlas. Along the way you pass Berber villages built into the slopes, small fields and cafés with tables set right over the water.

At Setti Fatma, where the road ends, a path climbs past a series of waterfalls. They are often called the seven waterfalls, though how many you count depends on the season and how far up you go. The first is reachable fairly quickly; the higher ones mean scrambling over rocks.

Don't expect a single big cascade like Ouzoud. The appeal here is the walk, the river and the cooler air.

How the day runs

Tours leave in the morning and take about 1–1.5 h to reach the valley. Typical stops include a traditional Berber house, where you're offered tea, and a cooperative selling argan oil or cosmetics.

At Setti Fatma, a local guide usually leads the walk to the waterfalls, which can take a couple of hours there and back if you go beyond the first fall. Lunch is often by the river, and you're back in Marrakech by late afternoon.

Because the drive is short, Ourika also works as a half day. Some tours combine it with other Atlas valleys under a 'three valleys' label; check how much time each valley actually gets.

Guided tour or going on your own

Group tours are cheap and easy. Going alone is straightforward too: grand taxis run from Marrakech to the valley and Setti Fatma, and you can share one or hire it for the day. Agree the price and the return time before you set off.

At the waterfalls, young men will offer to guide you. The path is unmarked in places and some sections are slippery, so a guide can help, but agree the fee first.

A private driver suits you if you'd rather stop where you like, for example at a quieter village lower down the valley.

What to check before booking

The valley floods after heavy storms. Rain in the mountains can raise the river quickly even when Marrakech is dry, so check the weather, keep away from the riverbed when storms are forecast and follow local advice.

Weekends and public holidays bring crowds and traffic from Marrakech. A weekday visit is noticeably calmer.

• The forecast for the mountains, not just for Marrakech
• Whether the waterfall walk and a local guide are included
• How many of the stops are shops or cooperatives
• Footwear: you'll cross rocks and wet sections

Best season

Spring is the classic time, with snow on the higher peaks, full waterfalls and green fields. In summer the valley is cooler than Marrakech, which is exactly why it fills with families from the city on hot weekends.

Autumn and winter can bring storms, so pick a settled day. In winter the higher rocks by the falls can be icy. The seasonal weather guide covers what each month is like around Marrakech.