Some sixty kilometres south-east of Marrakech, the Ourika Valley climbs towards the High Atlas along a river lined with orchards, walnut trees and earthen villages. The road runs through the market town of Tnine Ourika and ends at Setti Fatma, the starting point of the waterfall trail. It is the easiest mountain trip to organise from the city, by taxi, by car or on a group tour, in a single day.
Highlights
The Setti Fatma waterfalls
The trail follows a mountain stream that forms seven tiered waterfalls. The first one is about thirty minutes' walk from the village, with a few scrambles over rocks. The higher falls call for good shoes and some agility.
The valley and the Monday souk
Orchards, olive trees and villages clinging to the slopes line the river. The town of Tnine Ourika takes its name from its market: "tnine" means Monday. Every Monday, people from the surrounding villages sell fruit, vegetables, spices, pottery and livestock; this rural market is best seen early in the morning.
The road to Setti Fatma
In its upper section, the road follows the river below slopes that are often snow-capped in winter. Cafés and restaurants set their tables by the water, sometimes right on the river.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Shared grand taxis usually cost 30 to 50 MAD a seat to Setti Fatma and leave once full (prices observed in October 2026). Group tours with hotel pick-up are mostly offered for 200 to 400 MAD per person, transport included. In the village, guides offer to lead you up to the waterfalls: agree on the price before you set off. Keep away from the riverbed during storms, as floods can be sudden.
How to get there
Setti Fatma is about 1 h 30 by road from Marrakech, along the Ourika road through Tnine Ourika. Shared grand taxis or a private taxi for the day from Marrakech; group tours with hotel pick-up. By car, follow signs for Ourika from the city walls. Return taxis become scarcer in the late afternoon.
Opening hours
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