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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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:
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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