Ourika Valley

Approx. Time: 4 hours
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

You won't often come across areas as green and fresh as the Ourika Valley in Morocco.

The Ourika Valley is an attractive string of villages along the dangerous river carrying the same name. The landscape is fresh and green, and in summer a popular destination when Marrakech is boiling. But in winter the Oued Ourika can be dangerous, and floods sometimes destroy villages, roads and tear up trees.

The Ourika Valley starts about 30 km south of Marrakech, and the tarmac road will slowly bring you 37 km into the valley until you reach Setti Fatma, famous for its seven waterfalls.

Setti Fatma is at the end of the road through the Ourika Valley. The locals have started to exploit the tourist potential, but still there is a laidback feeling here. Setti Fatma is divided by the forceful river into two parts. As you come up, there is a mud-brick village on your right side. Across the river, are a number of cafés, and paths leading up into the mountains, in order to explore the water falls. There are seven waterfalls, and all too willing guides are there to help you, but other visitors can easily give you the directions you need. But bring good shoes.

If you stop your car, and look over the mountains you might be lucky and spot the Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa.

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