What to do in the Ourika Valley

The waterfalls walk

This is the main draw. From Setti Fatma, a rocky path leads to the first of seven waterfalls. The waterfalls guide explains timings, the upper cascades and what to bring.

Berber villages and mint tea

The valley is home mainly to Berber (Amazigh) families who speak Shilha, according to Wikipedia. Many day trips include a visit to a village home for mint tea. Ask before photographing people, and expect to leave a small thank-you if you are invited in.

Argan cooperatives

Women’s cooperatives show how argan nuts are cracked, ground and pressed into oil. A listing we checked includes a visit. You are under no obligation to buy; ask the price before you do.

The Monday market

The weekly souk at Tnine Ourika is held on Mondays. Our market guide covers the other weekly markets and the disagreement between sources over which village hosts them.

Gardens and saffron

• Anima Garden: a botanical and sculpture garden founded by the Austrian artist André Heller (Wikipedia). One French guide gives about 27 km from Marrakech, a free shuttle and 9:00–18:00 opening, which you should confirm.
• Aromatic and saffron gardens: guides mention a bio-aromatic garden and a saffron farm near Tnine Ourika. Saffron flowers from about 21 October to 30 November, according to local tourism sources cited by French guides.

Riverside lunch

Family-run cafés on platforms over the river serve tagines, salads, omelettes and mint tea. One guide warns that some places add items you did not order, so check the bill before paying.

Further afield

• Oukaïmeden: the ski station is reached by the road that runs through the valley (a French guide). It is usually a separate trip, not part of the standard day.
• Aghmat: Best Life Morocco describes it as a medieval archaeological site, an early Almoravid capital in the 11th century.

Frequently asked questions