Immersion in the heart of Berber land
Approximately thirty kilometres away from Marrakech, the Ourika valley spreads between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Despite it being so close to Marrakech, this beautiful lush green valley is definitely one of the best preserved valleys in Morocco.
A progressive climb towards another world
Here, there is a lot of water but not much land.
After crossing the fertile Haouz plain and its numerous olive-groves and citrus-tree orchards, visitors will soon arrive at the edge of the banks of the Oued Ourika (river) with the imposing Atlas summits in the background. At Km 34, there is the douar (shanty town) of Tnine-de-l’Ourika. This charming little township is the region’s nerve centre, thanks to its souk. Every Monday, inhabitants from neighbouring hamlets meet there to negotiate their precious harvests, purchase essential items and simply chat about the region’s latest gossip, all in an indescribable atmosphere; a mixture of peddlers’ shouts, hold-ups caused by old donkey-drawn carts and rousing good humour.
When continuing the journey along the Ourika valley, visitors are astounded by the banks of the Oued where the prairies are generously shaded by poplar trees and other weeping willows, unusual under this latitude. Visitors rave about this multicolour landscape which blends the ochre of the land perfectly with the neighbouring green. The hard labour of the Berber people in the region is amazing; they don’t think twice about hauling up the hillside the equipment required for building the small houses that cling onto the mountainside or for manufacturing the terraces required for farming in a difficult area. “Here, they explain, there is a lot of water but not much land, whereas as lower down, it’s the water that’s lacking, not the land.”
Further along the road, for those who have not been tempted by the sights offered by the Oukaimeden, the village of Arhbalou is attractive with its multitude of small restaurants situated along the water’s edge. Located at an altitude of 1500 m, it is a tempting place to take a break for numerous families seeking cooler air, during Marrakech’s long hot season. The air here is pure but also much cooler than in the Haouz plain (10 to 15°C lower). Continuing the journey will lead to km 68 in the village of Setti-Fatma.
Setti-Fatma and its 7 waterfalls
An unrestricted view over the Yagour massif and valley
An essential terminus of the climb towards the Atlas summits, the village of Setti-Fatma is a compulsory and sporting break on any outing in the Ourika valley. A series of walks, of differing levels, leaves from there. The most popular walk is undoubtedly the discovery of the 7 waterfalls. After having negotiated the services of a local guide, walkers will cross the wooden bridge over the Oued before starting a slippery climb along the banks of a small mountain stream. Less energetic walkers may be content to simply admire the first waterfall and then the unrestricted view over the Yagour massif and valley; whereas others may leave for walks of more than 2 hours to discover these 7 famous waterfalls. The more courageous and experienced walkers may embark on climbing the Mount Toubkal, whose peak is almost as high as that of the Mont Blanc, or may seek the famous rock carvings of the Djebel Yagour.
Other attractions in the Ourika valley
As well as the unspoilt beauty of this splendid valley, visitors are gladly tempted by the new “eco-tourist” attractions that flourish in the valley. Gourmets shall brush up on their knowledge of spices at the Ourika Safranière, whereas scent-lovers will be seduced by the rich exhalations of the bio-aromatic garden of the Ourika. Otherwise, of course, visitors may also visit the striking gardens of Timalizene, whose architecture is designed by Rémi Aubrée.
Practical information | OURIKA VALLEY
Where to sleep ?
- Jardin de Timalizene : Simple lodging in a superb gardenWhere to eat ?
- Le Maquis : An Inn appreciated by families and treckers
- Dar Piano : Bed & Breakfast in the village of Oulmès.
- Anergui : A perfect Atlas gîte for treckers
- Le Maquis - km 45 Aghbalou - Ourika - Tél : +212 (0) 24 48 45 31
- The restaurants bording the river.