Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakesh - Everything you need to know!
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Destinations > Africa > Morocco > Marrakesh > Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakesh
Ourika Valley Day Trip
Taking an Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakesh is a great way to see the beauty of Morocco. You can probably book a tour from your riad or hotel (that's what we did), or go to the medina and haggle the price down there. We paid 25 euros each, but we spoke to another guy on our tour who paid 35 euro booking it at the medina. You don't have to book them far in advance, the day before is just fine and that way you can make sure to go when the weather is favorable!
If you don’t enjoy haggling, you can avoid haggling and book your Ourika Valley day trip online.
There wasn’t a lot of information about the Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakesh when we went, so we wrote up our experience to let you know what to expect. It is helpful to have a little culture & customs guide to know what to expect.
Pick up and Shuttle Buses
We were told a driver would pick us up at 08:30AM, but he showed up around 08:45AM. He took us to Jemaa el-Fnaa in the medina to meet up with the tour group. The tour buses are more like 15-passenger vans – the van we went in accommodated 8 plus the driver.
We sat around for about 35-45 minutes while they shuffled people around – it seemed like they tried to keep same language speaking people together as much as possible. It made it easier for the local guides we met later to give tours of their area since they only had to say their spiel once or twice instead of 4 or 5 times.
Souvenir & Photo Stops
On our way to Ourika, we made a few stops for photos. There were also small shops that tried to encourage us to buy a souvenir or two. But with airline luggage restrictions getting tighter and tighter, I have to wonder who is able to fit a large mosque replica or tajine pot in their bag?
Some places will also have people offering to teach you how to tie and wear a head scarf and take your photo. They will expect a tip, so be prepared if you decide to take part. You can politely decline if you’re not interested. We did look around but then just bought a tea at the convenience store next door.
Argan Oil Process
We made two other stops on the way as well. At the first place we learned about how argan oil is made and used. We were shown some samples of argan oil and argan lotion while being offered some tea.
We were then brought to the store where there were plenty of aran-related products available. The prices were labeled on the products, but you'll be told "don't worry, we can give you a discount." The more you purchase, the more you can haggle the price. Don’t take the price labels at face value.
Traditional Berber House
The second stop was at a traditional Berber house. It was a pretty sizeable house with two large bedrooms, one for the parents, and one for many kids. There are tagines for cooking and tea pots for Moroccan mint tea, a kitchen and pantry, and an animal shed.
It's a pretty cool little stop that adds some traditional Moroccan culture to your trip! However, the family who lives there does ask for a donation at the end of the mini-tour, so bring some change to place in their "family box."
Hike Up the Ourika Valley & Waterfall
TOUR TIP: Bring snacks and water. Lunch isn’t until after the hike.
Our favorite parts of the Ourika Valley day trip were after all the souvenir stops. It was about midday when we made it to the bottom of the valley, and started our hike to the top of a waterfall. The first thing you'll do is hike is walk through the small town - which is built along the trail and steam. You'll see dozens of other shops and such, but the guide will keep you moving as you'll have time to shop on the way back down.
The Valley Trail & Stream
Once you get to the trail, expect the hike up to be fairly easy. We were wearing sneakers, and there were a few parts where we wished we had worn our hiking boots to scramble up some rocks, but the local guides help you out and offer their hand during the slippery or steep areas. At one point you cross a heavy stream on a bridge made of logs, at another point you cross a gentle stream using stepping stones.
The Waterfall Area
Once you reach the Waterfall, you'll be in a shaded area under some beautiful trees. There is a cafe there with plenty of chairs where you can grab a snack and a few beverages - like Moroccan mint tea! You are permitted to relax for a little while before the hike continues.
The Ladder & Viewpoint
When your break at the Waterfall is over you'll head behind the Cafe to a metal ladder that is leaning against the mountainside. It has 10 steps, but that isn't the difficult part. Once you make it to the top, the ledge that it's leaning against is not flat, it's at about a 45 degree angle going upwards and - apart from another guide or person that went before you - there is nothing else to really grab ahold of as you transition off the ladder onto the angled rocky ledge.
Honestly, it sounds like it should be easy… But, I have to admit that this part was a little scary for me, and probably the most challenging part of the whole hike. However, the guides are there to help and people do lend their hand to pull you up!
When you make it to the top the view is incredible, and a welcome reward for that climb. You'll have a great view of the Waterfall and path that you took up the trail. Just ahead, you get another breathtaking view of the Ourika Valley!
As you continue onward you will eventually end up back at the trailhead that was at the top of the town, so you'll follow that path through the town to end the hike (and buy some souvenirs on your way down if you wish).
Post-Hike Lunch
After hiking up to see the various waterfalls and making it up the mountain to look down into the valley, we made it back to our tour van around 2:30PM. Our driver took us to a restaurant just down the road from where we had started the hike. There are loads of restaurants all along the riverbeds. The one we were at had a large rock across the way and a family of Berber apes were hanging out.
Drop off at Jemaa el-Fnaa
After lunch along the river, you leave Ourika Valley and head back to Marrakesh. The tour vans bring you back to Jemaa el-Fnaa in the center of the medina. If you’re staying outside of the medina, you’ll need to find your own way back unless you’ve arranged transportation ahead of time. There are many taxis near Jemaa el-Fnaa if you need one.
Day trip tips and info:
If you book at your hotel or in the medina, you may be able to haggle a lower price than what is posted - alternatively you can book online here.
On a tight budget? Pack your own lunch. The food at the restaurant was delicious, but pre-priced at 120 dirham (approx. $12 USD). If you bring your own you can save a lot.
Bring coins and small bills. Even if you don't buy any souvenirs, the Berber house, the local waterfall guide, the ladies who clean the restrooms – they all ask for a tip.
Wear shoes with good traction. The rocks and mud can be slippery when hiking.
Take a day trip from Marrakesh! Ourika Valley is beautiful and the visit was one of our favorite days in Morocco.
Comment below if you've ever visited Ourika Valley, or if you're planning to go!
More of Morocco: The Red City of Marrakesh and its Amazing Excursions | Eating on a Budget in Marrakesh | Ouzoud Falls Day Trip
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