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Everything you need to know about the Ourika Valley

Written on : 29 January 2020
By : Colombe Taddei
Everything you need to know about the Ourika Valley

Are you heading to Marrakech in the near future and are currently planning an itinerary for your stay? Though there is an abundance of activities to take part in, Marrakech, as well as major cultural sightseeing spots not to be missed, it can appear rather pleasant to head outside of Marrakech for a day trip to escape from the hustle and bustle of the red city and deepen your cultural knowledge even more.

Located 30 kilometres south of Marrakech, Ourika Valley is the ideal place to get away from the rush and dynamism of the center of the city for a day or perhaps just a few hours. The beauty of Ourika is its close proximity to the red city despite having a totally different culture and a more traditional mountain kind of lifestyle. The population itself differs from the one in Marrakech as the Berber minority lives in the Ourika Valley and they have their own dialect called ‘chleuh’.

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What to see?

What to see?

A day trip to the fascinating Ourika Valley is not only relaxing and a breath of fresh air but it is also educational and cultivating for travellers as well as for children. As you walk through the area, you will have the opportunity to discover the major sightseeing spots:
 

  • Setti-Fatma:  The valley is renowned for its various charming waterfalls. Excursions to visit these are organised and their starting point is in the traditional village of Setti-Fatma.
  • Traditional markets: Similarly to the souks in Marrakech, these are the optimal place to meet the locals and learn more about their culture and hear some of the most amazing stories you will ever hear. The more popular ones are situated in Ourika and are open on mondays. The markets in Aghbalou on thursdays are also renowned for their charm and are an unavoidable sightseeing spot.
  • Ourika’s waterfalls: Ourika Valley is not solely ideal to cultivate yourself, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. The valley includes various waterfalls, some being easier to access than others with climbs included. After the effort, the reward: beautiful deserted waterfalls in the middle of a valley in the heights of the Atlas mountains.
  • Traditional berber houses: Part of the charm of the valley is the berber houses and lifestyle. While visiting the locals’ traditional and authentic houses, you will be likely to be greeted with mint tea, a hospitality tradition in Morocco.

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How to get there?

How to get there?

As it is located 30 kilometres away from Marrakech and is a traditional area with no public transport, there are 3 options to choose from when planning a day trip to the Ourika Valley. The first option is to rent a car and make your own way to the valley. This option is the most suitable for families with children as it provides flexibility as well as autonomy. For those who don’t wish to drive, it is possible to rent a taxi for the whole day or just a few hours to take you to the valley and then drive you back. A final option is to book an excursion organised by an agency. The latter usually includes transport from your accomodation to the valley, guided exploration of the site as well as discovery of the local handicrafts as well as argan oil making followed by encounters with the berber minority, an opportunity not to miss!

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