Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is where Marrakech meets the mountains. Just 30 kilometres south of the red city, this verdant river valley carves through the foothills of the High Atlas, offering a dramatic change of scenery that feels a world away from the medina's bustling souks.

The Ourika River, fed by snowmelt from the Atlas peaks, has shaped this valley for millennia. Along its banks, terraced fields cling to steep hillsides, walnut and cherry trees line the road, and traditional Berber villages of mud-brick and stone cluster on the slopes above. This is the Morocco that existed long before tourism, a place where Berber (Amazigh) culture remains vibrant and genuine.

At the head of the valley lies Setti Fatma, a small village famous for its seven waterfalls and the starting point for mountain hikes. Between Marrakech and Setti Fatma, the valley unfolds with a string of attractions: the artistic Anima Garden, organic saffron farms, pottery cooperatives, women's argan oil workshops, and the famous Monday market at Tnine Ourika.

Whether you come for a few hours or stay overnight, the Ourika Valley rewards visitors with authentic experiences, breathtaking scenery, and some of the best traditional food in the Atlas region.