Marrakech: Ourika Valley & Waterfalls Guided Day Trip

This lush, fertile valley hides many Berber traditions and ancient cultures, gifted artisans and exceptional scenery. Just one hour from Marrakech it is an ideal place to visit and explore for groups, individuals and families alike. An optional extra is the opportunity to climb the waterfalls at Setti Fatma with a local guide, (suitable footwear essential).

Enjoy your lunch at one of the many waterside restaurants with excellent local cuisine, you can even choose to have your table actually in the river if you wish. Take home some of the locally grown fruits and soak up the atmosphere and incredible scenery of this secluded verdant jewel in the heart of rural Marrakech.

Along this valley there are also saffron farms, an important archaeological site, interactive gardens and organic farms. Argan Co-ops run entirely by women are situated in the valley. Although the Argan tree does not grow in this region, the kernels are processed here to produce culinary and cosmetic oil, soaps, creams and a dip for bread known as amlou. The co-operatives are run to support divorced, widowed or unemployed women in the local region. You can visit and see the manual preparation of the oil from the kernels.

There are many Berber villages along this route and you can stop off at some Berber Houses to visit and enjoy tea. This is also a location for many artisans and craft workers and you will see many places selling a range of products. Pottery workshops line the part of the route where the rich red earth lends itself particularly well to the craft.