The drive and the valley
The road follows the Ourika river and climbs gradually towards the mountains. Berber villages cling to the slopes and the air gets cooler as you go up.
Setti Fatma is the last village reachable by paved road. It is the starting point of the walk to the waterfalls.
Setti Fatma and the waterfalls
A walk of about forty minutes leads to the first of a series of seven waterfalls, among rocks and walnut trees. The ones further up require a much more demanding walk.
Pick your level: the first waterfall is enough for a lovely day, and the riverside terraces are there to rest.
Verified figures
- Distance
- About an hour by road from Marrakech.
- Last village
- Setti Fatma, at the end of the paved road.
- First waterfall
- About forty minutes’ walk.
- Waterfalls
- A series of seven waterfalls.
- Market
- A weekly souk on Monday, in a village of the valley.
Setti Fatma and the Monday souk: public geographic sources (Wikipedia). Drive, walk and waterfalls: our excursion to the valley.
Villages, souk and cooperative
A weekly souk is held on Monday in a village of the valley. If you want to see it, check the day of your trip.
Depending on the day’s itinerary, the excursion may include a stop at an argan oil cooperative or a traditional house.
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Our practical tips
Wear walking shoes: the rocks near the water are slippery. Bring a light jacket, as it is cooler than in Marrakech.
Leave in the morning to walk before the heat and have lunch by the river.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the first waterfall?
About forty minutes’ walk from Setti Fatma. The next ones require a more demanding walk.
Is the walk difficult?
The first waterfall is within reach of most walkers with suitable shoes. The ones beyond are more demanding.
Ourika or Ouzoud: which one?
Ourika is about an hour away and suits a first outing. Ouzoud is about three hours away, with 110-metre falls: choose it if you have a full day.