Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is about 60 km by road from Marrakech in Morocco.

Understand
Situated in the foothills of the High Atlas, it contains a number of Berber villages, female co-operatives manufacturing Argan oil and a set of waterfalls near the village of Ourika itself.

By bus
Finally, you can take the L25 and L40 ALSA buses to Ourika (7.5 dirham) and hire a taxi the remaining 45 minute drive to Setti Fatma. There are some green minibuses used by locals, but very tough to navigate and might bristle at transporting a group of foreign tourists. Benefit of self-organizing is you can skip the forced shop visits and restaurants.

By tour
Most people visit the Ourika Valley as part of organised day trips from Marrakech. Most hotels, riads and hostels will be happy to arrange trips either with a private driver or as part of a larger tourist group.

By taxi
If you are feeling adventurous you could negotiate a fare route with a Grande Taxi which will work out a little cheaper, but be prepared to work out your own itinerary ahead of time.

See
Most people will head up the valley to visit the waterfalls at Setti Fatma.





Do

 * Cross a Berber Bridge. The valley contains a number of rope bridges crossing the fast flowing river. A perfect opportunity for that daring photo—think Indiana Jones.

Buy
The entire valley seems to be focused on the tourist trade. At every stop on the road you will find people selling jewellery, trinkets or alabaster. If you think, you are making any good deals here, you don't understand business. Also, be warned that much of the amethyst being sold is fake.

Eat
120 dirham food with platter, soup, finish it with dessert.

Drink
Only soft drinks.

Go next

 * Marrakech – Just head back.