Ourika Valley – A Natural Setting in the Heart of the High Atlas

Between river and mountain

Nestled at the foot of the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley stretches for nearly 68 km, from the outskirts of Marrakech to the charming Berber village of Setti Fatma, perched at an altitude of 1,500 meters.

Easily accessible from the Medina or Guéliz, just 30 km south of the ochre city, it is one of the most visited valleys in the High Atlas. Renowned for its spectacular landscapes and lush vegetation, it captivates visitors with its picturesque Berber villages scattered along the wadi, offering an authentic immersion in the local culture.

A river at the heart of the valley

The Ourika River rises in the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains and winds through the valley that bears its name, before joining the great Oued Tensift. In Arabic, oued means "river." For centuries, its course has irrigated the villages and crops that line its banks.

While its beauty is enchanting, it also serves as a reminder of the power of nature: during violent storms, its banks can quickly overflow. The devastating flood of 1995 remains etched in our memories, having claimed the lives of thousands of people.

A Generous and Changing Nature

Benefiting from a pleasant climate, the valley is adorned with fertile fields, olive groves, and almond and cherry orchards. Its winding road, punctuated by hills, reveals a dazzling panorama in spring—after the rainy season—of bright red earth, terracotta hues, and lush vegetation. The air cools as you ascend, offering temperatures up to 15°C cooler than in Marrakech in summer, and the panoramas follow one another, ever more breathtaking.

A Living Heritage

The name Ourika comes from Urika, a reference to the Masmouda tribe (Imasmoude in Amazigh), one of the largest Berber groups and founders of the Almohad dynasty. Even today, the local population is predominantly Berber-speaking, speaking the Chleuh dialect and perpetuating an ancestral way of life and traditions.

Must-see places to discover - Ourika Valley

Mule Ride

• Setti Fatma Waterfalls: Hike along picturesque trails leading to the famous waterfalls, with the option of lunch by the wadi. A refreshing and unmissable experience.

  
  

• Immersion in Berber Villages: Visit hamlets clinging to the mountainside, meet the locals, discover local crafts (weaving, pottery, woodworking), and taste traditional bread baked over a wood fire.

  
  

• Saffron Gardens: Discover a saffron farm, learn about the harvest, and taste saffron-flavored tea accompanied by local products.

  
  

• Craft Houses and Workshops: Visit women's cooperatives producing argan oil, natural cosmetics, and hand-woven rugs. A wonderful way to support the local economy and take home an authentic souvenir.

  
  

• Traditional Berber Market: Depending on the day, immerse yourself in a weekly souk (especially on Mondays in Tnine de l'Ourika), lively and colorful, with its stalls selling spices, fruits, vegetables, and crafts.

  
  

• Panoramic Lunch: Meal in a traditional restaurant with a terrace overlooking the wadi and breathtaking mountain views, tasting tagines and local specialties.

  
  

• Botanical Tour: Exploration of the Ourika bio-aromatic garden, home to more than 50 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, with explanations of their traditional uses.

  
  

• Nature Experiences: Mule rides, photo shoots among the almond trees in bloom (February-March), or a picnic by the river.