Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma

The Nearest Mountain Valley To Marrakesh, About An Hour South, Ending At The Village Of Setti Fatma And A Rough Scramble Up To A Chain Of Seven Waterfalls · Setti Fatma, Marrakesh-Safi

The Ourika is the nearest mountain valley to Marrakesh, a bit over an hour south of the city, and that proximity is both why it is famous and why it disappoints people. The road climbs beside a cold river through terraced villages, red earth walls and walnut trees, past a long strip of cafes with their tables set out in the water, and ends at Setti Fatma, where a rough scramble leads up to a chain of seven small waterfalls. On a hot Marrakesh afternoon the change in the air is worth the drive on its own, and the upper valley above the cafes is genuinely beautiful. Be clear about what it is not. This is the single most heavily sold day trip from Marrakesh and it shows: the lower valley is a near-continuous line of stalls and cafes, the falls are modest rather than spectacular and only the first is easy to reach, and a typical coach day here bundles a camel ride, an argan stop and a tagine, which is mostly shopping with a walk attached. Come early, go past the crowds, and it is a good day out.

The Ourika valley road south from Marrakesh, ending at Setti Fatma about 65 km from the city, Setti Fatma, Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco

The valley road is public and open at all hours, and there is no gate, ticket or opening time for the waterfalls - you simply walk up from the end of the road at Setti Fatma. The cafes along the river run roughly from mid-morning to early evening, later in summer and at weekends, and many close or keep skeleton hours from about November to February. The scramble to the falls needs daylight and dry rock: set off before about 14:00 if you want to come down in comfort, and do not start up it late in the day. Getting there: Setti Fatma is about 65 km from Marrakesh, an hour and a quarter without stops and far longer with them; grands taxis for the valley leave from a stand near Bab er-Rob on the southern edge of the Marrakesh medina, six to a car at a fixed rate per seat, and local minibuses run as far as Aghbalou. Nothing needs booking, guides included - they are hired at the bottom of the falls path. Snow and heavy rain can close the upper road in winter, so confirm locally before driving up.

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