Looking for the best places in Marrakech for a day trip? Ourika Valley is the best destination for Marrakech day trips. This valley is just an hour’s distance from Marrakech. It means you can kick-start your trip without travelling for longer. Ourika Valley is nestled in the dusty mountains, surrounded by lush greenery, the coolest flowing rivers, and a unique Berber culture. This will be a refreshing journey for you in the hustle of cities like Marrakech. Whether you are a nature lover, a cultural enthusiast, or a traveler, Ourika Valley ensures that it provides you with warm hospitality and the outstanding taste of Moroccan rural life. Explore the article to have a look at how to plan a perfect day trip to Ourika Valley:
Journey to the Valley: From Marrakech to the Atlas Foothills
Your journey to Ourika valley starts from Marrakech. The valley is just 30 to 40 km to the southeast of Marrakech. It will be a short yet serene and incredible. For travelling to Ourica Valley from Marrakech, you need to look for a suitable option such as:
- A taxi driver (Affordable but not convenient). Also, in hilly areas, getting taxi rides is limited.
- Self-driving a rental car ( For this, you must have an international driving license)
- Public transport tourism company ( Affordable, but lacks privacy)
- Booking a private chauffeur ( best option for luxury)
Way to Ourika Valley
Always choose a comfortable transportation option, such as hiring a private chauffeur or joining a guided tour. On your way towards Ourika Valley, you will see beautiful fields of olive trees and a small local market before reaching a mountainous area. You will also see small argan oil cooperatives. Women run these cooperatives. You can stop at the roadside and learn about the way of oil extraction, or take samples from the organic oil.
Exploring the Ourika Valley Waterfalls
After your short journey from Marrakech to Ourika Valley, the first thing you will want to see is the Ourika Valley waterfalls. Ourika Valley waterfalls are located in Ourika village, known as Setti Fatma. It’s a beautiful village with incredible natural wonders.
Setti Fatma: The Heart of the Valley
Setti Fatma is the centre of beauty in Ourika Valley. It’s a small, charming village which is the Gateway to Ourika Valley waterfalls. It’s a series of seven beautiful Cascades that fall together from a height. To see this beautiful view, you have to hike a little bit from Setti Fatma.
The hike is around 1 to 2 hours. Hiking from Setti Fatma is not very complicated; you will just have to go through narrow trails and a rocky path. The hike begins from one edge of Setti Fatma and follows a river, small bridges and some shaded spots. The first waterfall is easily accessible. It does not require any effort. But to reach the last waterfall, you need to be very careful, as it requires a little climbing and proper foot grip.
Berber Villages: Culture and Tradition in the Atlas
After enjoying waterfalls at Setti Fatma, you can explore the surroundings of Ourika Valley. The Berber culture of this region is renowned. Berbers are also known as Amazigh. These are highly reputable people who have been living in this region for thousands of years. Life in these villages is very simple, and houses are made of clay and stone. People follow the same old lifestyle, which dates back centuries.
Visiting a Berber Village
Visiting Berber Villages Atlas will be a new experience. You can also stay at a Berber’s home to experience their life. Tourists are welcomed with mint tea and other homemade snacks. You can enjoy the lunch with a beautiful view. You can also see the grinding of grains on stones, the making of handmade carpets, and poetry. People are famous for their hospitality. You can ask them about their stories and learn about their culture. Many guest houses also have small showcase displays of jewellery and old traditional handicrafts.
Dining by the River
Dining by the Ourika River will be the best part of your day trip. Many family restaurants located on the banks of the Ourika River serve traditional Moroccan cuisine. You can have a variety of options with a perfect view to make your day. You can also dip your feet in the cold water until you arrive. Most of the restaurants have a menu, including:
- Chicken or lamb tengine
- Meatball with eggs.
- Freshly baked bread
- Fresh salad with olives and seasonal fruits
- Mint tea
Souks in the Valley
The best part of the Marrakech day trip is exploring the souks. These are open markets with a unique kind of trading system. Here you can also do bartering or exchanging items to get your required items. Tourists often buy silver jewellery and antique ceramic products from these souks. Sunday Souks are famous because there you can find a variety of products from all over the world.
Artisan Cooperatives
Carpet weaving workshops and the Argan Oil Cooperative are frequently visited places by visitors. Watching little details, such as how local people crack argan nuts and process them to form hair, skin, and cooking oil, is very satisfying.
Tips for a Perfect Day Trip
You can make your Ourika Valley waterfall strip memorable by considering the following things.
- Always consider the season before starting your journey.
- Pack your stuff, considering the season. Ensure you pack comfortable footwear, as you have to hike at almost every place.
- Keeping a water bottle and a backpack is a must so you can keep your sunscreen, heart and other accessories with you,
- Consult a local guide who can show you the way.
Conclusion
A day trip to Arika Valley is a day full of fun, excitement, and serenity. The immersive beauty of the Atlas Mountains, Ourika waterfalls, and the river make this place a beautiful countryside. From hiking to enjoying riverside lunch, every moment will be worth living. Hire a personal driver so you can have a personalized experience. Moreover, it will help you explore each corner of the Ourika valley. So booo your chauffeur from Private Driver Morocco to enjoy your day trip to the fullest.
