Your driver will pick you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech at 8:30 AM, beginning your Ourika Valley Adventure into the refreshing landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Within an hour, the scenery shifts dramatically from dusty plains to emerald valleys and snow-tipped peaks.
Your first stop is the Berber village of Tahanout, home to a traditional market and a Jewish cemetery that reflects Morocco’s diverse heritage. Continue toward the village and mausoleum of Moulay Brahim, a Sufi saint whose shrine is an important pilgrimage site. Enjoy warm hospitality with a Berber family who will show you their traditional hammam and clay bread ovens — a glimpse into daily mountain life.
As you reach Toubkal National Park, you’ll arrive in Asni, a picturesque market town known for its lively souks and surrounding orchards. From here, the road winds east toward the lush Ourika Valley, where rivers sparkle and cafés line the water’s edge. Passing through charming hamlets like Asguine, Aghbalou, and Oulmes, you’ll see locals tending fields of fruit trees under the watchful peaks of the Atlas.
At Setti Fatma, join a local guide for a short hike to the waterfalls on the Ourika Valley Adventure. The trails are gentle and scenic, offering stunning views of the valley and its terraced gardens. Along the way, you’ll encounter local artisans and families selling handmade crafts a chance to support the community while discovering the mountain rhythm of life.
If time allows on your return, visit the Paradis du Safran, a peaceful oasis that grows Morocco’s most precious spice. Learn about saffron cultivation and stroll barefoot through the aromatic gardens during your guided visit (entrance about 100 MAD, closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
A few kilometers further lies the magical Anima Garden, created by artist André Heller. This two-hectare dreamscape blends exotic plants, sculptures, and vivid colors in a symphony of art and nature. Every corner is alive with imagination a perfect finale to your Ourika Valley Adventure. You’ll return to Marrakech around 6:00 PM, carrying with you the tranquility, colors, and scents of Morocco’s mountain heartland.
