atlas mountain : Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech

Escape the City – Road to the Atlas

After the final pick-up at 9:00 AM, your journey begins as you drive out of Marrakech. Within minutes, the noise of the medina, the motorbikes, and the busy souks fade away.

The road opens toward the High Atlas Mountains, where wide skies and fresh air replace the city’s heat and bustle. The landscape changes quickly — red earth, olive groves, and the first Berber villages appear, hinting at the adventure ahead.

It’s the moment you feel you’ve truly left Marrakech behind and stepped into nature

First Photo Stop – Ourika Valley Panorama

About an hour into the drive, you reach your first viewpoint over the Ourika Valley. From here, the scene is breathtaking: the river cuts through the valley floor, villages cling to the hillsides, and snow-dusted Atlas peaks rise in the distance. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the mountain air, and take your first photos of Morocco’s wild beauty — a glimpse of what awaits deeper in the valley.

Argan Oil Discovery & Berber Breakfast

Arrive at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where warm Berber hospitality awaits. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional mountain breakfast — fresh bread, local honey, olive oil, and mint tea served with a smile. After breakfast, the women will show you how they transform argan nuts into Morocco’s famous “liquid gold” using centuries-old techniques. You’ll watch the hand-grinding process, taste pure argan products and sweet amlou, and learn how this cooperative supports local families and keeps traditions alive.

Optional Hike to the Waterfall in Setti Fatma

Arrive at the village of Setti Fatma, the starting point for the famous Ourika waterfall hike. Here, you can choose your experience:

Join the hike: Follow your guide on an hour and 30 minutes climb along mountain trails and small bridges to reach the waterfall. The path passes Berber homes, rocky cliffs, and river views, rewarding you with fresh mist and panoramic scenery at the top.

Relax by the river: If you prefer to skip the hike — perfect for guests with knee or back issues — you can stay near the river in Setti Fatma. Enjoy the peaceful sound of flowing water, browse local craft stalls, or simply rest in the cool mountain air until the group returns.

After the hike, everyone comes back together to continue toward lunch.

Riverside Lunch – Traditional Flavors of the Atlas

After your adventure in Setti Fatma, relax by the river for a delicious traditional Berber lunch. Enjoy fresh starters, followed by a choice of main dishes like couscous, slow-cooked tagine, or flavorful kebab, with a vegetarian option available. Finish your meal with sweet Moroccan desserts and fresh mint tea, all served in a peaceful setting surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and mountain air. It’s the perfect way to taste authentic local flavors and recharge before the journey back.

Scenic Drive Back to Marrakech

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Marrakech through the beautiful Ourika Valley and the High Atlas Mountains. Watch the changing landscapes pass by — from green valleys to rugged peaks — as you leave the peaceful countryside behind. This is the perfect time to reflect on your day of adventure, culture, and nature before arriving back in the city in the early evening.