Must-Do Day Trip to Ourika Valley & Waterfalls from Marrakesh

Looking to escape the madness of the Marrakesh medina? A day trip to the Ourika Valley, Waterfalls, and Atlas Mountains is an absolute must. Just a short 90 minute drive from the city, this stunning escape offers the perfect setting for a scenic hike into the Atlas Mountains, exploring traditional Berber villages, and enjoying the most picturesque lunch. On my first visit to Marrakesh 8 years ago, I skipped this trip and definitely regretted it, so this time (2025), I knew I had to make it happen. I always use Get Your Guide for trips but there were so many options to choose from that all seemed incredibly similar. So, I’m sharing the experience I chose and the things I wish I had known before I went. Happy hiking!

Choosing the right day trip for you in Marrakech

I’m a huge fan of GetYourGuide for booking trips, I’ve found them to be affordable, well organized, and a great way to take the stress out of logistics. However, for this trip, the options were overwhelming. So many tours sounded similar! In the end, I chose one that ticked all the boxes: a reasonable start time, return by 5pm, a hike in the Atlas Mountains, riverside lunch, and a stop to see Berber argon oil being made. And a bargain at £24 pp. Those who have booked this trip are split into small groups of eight, which made it more personal, perfect for solo travellers. Of course, you can also hire a car or private driver if you prefer and have the cash!

Is there Wifi in Ouirka Valley?

There was no Wi-Fi for this trip that I found. But I wasn’t desperate for it either. So if you need to be in contact with the world then get data!

What to expect from pick up to arrival in the Ourika Valley

The communication from GetYourGuide and our driver was really good which is always a a reassuring start. I had an initial confirmation on WhatsApp and then the day before another confirming our pick up time. We were all personally collected from our hotels (or those in the medina, as near to their accommodation) from 08.45 – 09.30.

First tip: If you get travel sick, make sure to inform the driver when they text or on the day of the trip so you can sit in the front. I hadn’t been travel sick in years and didn’t think it would be an issue, but after just half an hour, I had to switch seats!! I would also suggest not getting carried away on red wine and doing shots at the most incredible rooftop dinner the night before! Read more here to go another night! Being in the front also is a must for any one wanting footage as get ready for some of the most scenic views.

Our first stop was supposed to be a traditional Berber house for mint tea (I was hanging for this to help with my travel sickness) but there were already tons of minibuses there. Our driver said we’d stop by on the way back. We did not stop on the way back. We were all so shattered we opted to skip, so if it is important to you go on the way there.

Next, we made a photo stop at a classic viewpoint, an absolutely breath-taking moment, surrounded by the famous mountain ranges of the Atlas Mountains.

Stop at Argan Oil Co-operative

Next, we stopped at an argan oil cooperative to learn about traditional Berber culture and watch the oil-making process. We were also treated to some local oils served with bread and dips. (By pure coincidence, I’d grabbed some gluten-free bread at breakfast, or I wouldn’t have been able to participate!)

To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure why we stopped there, other than it being a partner of the tour company perhaps it’s a spot for tourists to make purchases, which some did, though without any pressure. I was a bit gutted as I was travelling on hand luggage so couldn’t buy anything and there were some great gift ideas.

By 11:30, we were back on the road, passing a collection of colorful restaurants along the river before stopping in Sti Fadma. We were offered the option to either have lunch first and then hike to the Ourika Waterfalls, or hike first. Thankfully, we all chose to hike first, as there’s no way I would’ve wanted to tackle the hike after lunch! Plus lunch as the reward waiting… especially as the restaurant we had for lunch had a rooftop! It’s like they knew I was coming!

The Hike to the Ourika Waterfalls

First and vital part of the hike, we all had our toilet stop as you wont see one of those again until you are back down in two hours. Our driver handed us over to our mountain guide, Karim who started the hike by a photo op with the local monkeys!

Then the hike to the Ourika Waterfalls really begins with a wobbly walk over a bridge that feels straight out of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. Below you will pass a vibrant collection of riverside restaurants with colourful seating, as the goal after the trek.

As you continue, you’ll wander through charming villages and vibrant market stalls, including a quirky outdoor fridge. The melting snow from the mountains trickles down, providing ice cold running water that chills drinks, ready for you to purchase. It’s a refreshing and unexpected way to enjoy a cool beverage while taking in the local atmosphere.

Up until this point, everything had felt quite civilized; paved stones and well maintained walkways providing a stable, easy platform for our climb. But soon, it became clear this wasn’t going to be the moment I could break into a rendition of The Hills Are Alive and twirl through a lush green meadow channelling Julie Andrews. The smooth paths quickly gave way to jagged rocks and slippery pebbles, winding over streams of water.

Being hypermobile, I was a bit nervous at this point, fearing for my ankles, after all, I’ve broken my ankle on much less, and many times! But our guide was absolutely amazing. Anytime I felt uneasy, like a ninja, he would appear out of nowhere and offer a steady hand to help me through any tricky spots. Turns out, my friend, Ayla (mama_aylas_adventures) was a secret hiker, too, and she was equally vigilant, making sure no falls happened on her watch either! She also was a great photographer capturing my bemusement!

Soon, the pathway completely disappeared, and actual rock climbing was happening. Naturally, I had to ask, had anyone ever died doing this? Our guide assured me not, but a few had broken some bones. The thought of being hoisted off the mountain on the shoulders of two locals terrified me enough to make me even more cautious with every step!

However when we reached the Ourika Waterfall, all was forgiven. I had seen the photos and like mine, it really doesn’t do it justice. You have to see it for yourself. It is far more impressive than you can imagine.

Our guide also doubled as a videographer and photographer, making sure everyone got some great shots. The classic ‘Insta vs. Reality’ problem was alive and well here. With so many groups gathering at the same spots, it was a challenge to snag a clean shot without someone else popping into the frame! But if you are patient and stubborn it is possible!

It was then time to start the descent, which our guide assured us would be much easier. I was not entirely convinced, though landing feet first on the way down felt much riskier! However, when he led us to the best photo spot of the day and snapped some incredible pictures for us, all was forgiven.

At this point, I started to feel the effects of the altitude, with a bit of a headache creeping in. I quickly realized that two hours of hiking was definitely a better choice than two days for me! Soon enough, we were back down to civilization, and lunch was waiting to refuel us and shockingly I didn’t choose the rooftop!

Can anyone do the Hike to the Ourika waterfall?

This hike is not as ‘accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical fitness’ as it’s billed in the booking details. I know several people who simply couldn’t have done it. If you suffer from vertigo, have a weak bladder, weak ankles, knees, or a bad back, I recommend either bringing a walking stick and wearing super supportive shoes. You could even skip the hike altogether and enjoy a Moroccan tea by the river! That said, there’s a difference between those who absolutely couldn’t do it and people like me, who could, but might have been a bit of a scaredy cat! Had I read something like this before going, I might have skipped the hike… and that would have been a huge mistake. So, I’m writing this for anyone relating to the fear who might be the fence but ultimately doesn’t want to miss out. As it was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip.

I’m not exactly an outdoorsy type, but I’m definitely a gym bunny, maybe a slightly obsessive one! So, fitness wasn’t a concern, but hiking on holiday isn’t exactly the same as sipping champagne on a rooftop. Still, I’d always wanted to experience this part of the world. I’m hypermobile and dyspraxic, which makes me pretty clumsy with weak joints. I found the hike tough, not because I wasn’t fit, but because I was terrified of losing my footing, slipping, or twisting my ankle.

However, as I’ve mentioned, it turned out my friend was secretly a hiking pro, and our guide, Karim, was incredible. The reason they say ‘anyone can do this’ is because ‘our guide will provide assistance throughout,’ and he really did. He quickly identified the two of us who needed extra support and was there every step of the way, holding my hand over the slippery rocks. Karim is the reason I didn’t end up in a cast!

Riverside Lunch in Ourika Valley

After two hours hiking it wasn’t an hour to an hour an half as billed, it was two full hours) we earnt our lunch! There were so many beautiful restaurants lining the river that I would have struggled to choose! Thankfully, as part of our booking, we were taken to Restaurant La Vallee., the rooftop one, of course. It’s a spot where the guides themselves eat, so you know the food is decent. While you can’t reserve a specific area, our driver helped us pick the perfect spot to enjoy our feast.

The best spots are on the floor with low level tables and Berber cushions scattered around. If you have mobility issues, you can request a small stool or sit at one of the tables to the side or, of course, head up to the rooftop!

The menu is simple and available in multiple languages and three courses were included. However, because this is such a popular spot, the service was a little slow as everyone arrived after their hike. That said, with the backdrop of flowing water, mountains, and the stunning setting, we weren’t in a rush. The only thing that would have made it perfect? If it hadn’t been a dry restaurant! After that hike, a glass of ice-cold rosé was what I was craving and friends we made, wanted a beer! We would have to wait till later when we went dancing as we clearly hadn’t burnt off enough energy!

The food was surprisingly tasty, but a word of warning: don’t order Coke to drink unless you’re okay with sharing it with the wasps that seem to appear out of nowhere. They will be after your food, you and your Coke! Also an important note, the toilets here are clean and decent, and although I had packed a small tissue pocket, I never needed it. All in all, this was an absolute dream, like something out of another world.

What to wear for Hiking to the Ourika Waterfalls

What to wear for the adventure to the Ourika Waterfalls might seem obvious, but I passed several girls in summer dresses and flip-flops! Our guide mentioned that this is more common in summer, but it still happens. I can understand why if they’re unaware of what lies ahead. So, first things first: hiking boots or trainers are a must. My friend wore Converse and was fine, but definitely no sandals. As for clothing, go for trousers or shorts, don’t worry about being overly modest here. It’s a hot climb, and comfort is key.

I wore leggings, a gym vest, and a hoodie. It was February, and I needed that hoodie until about 20 minutes into the climb. I can’t imagine doing it in any hotter weather, though! Since I was traveling with hand luggage only, I packed a tiny foldable backpack, which was perfect for stashing my hoodie as tying it around my waist would have sent it tumbling down the mountain! It was also the ideal outfit for when you are sat on the ground for your riverside lunch.

Top Items to Bring for Your Ourika Valley Adventure

These are the essential items I would encourage everyone to take with them for this amazing day trip:

Sunscreen: A spray version proved easier to apply when balancing on the edge of a cliff!

Antibac spray/ cloth: Some of the rocks have animal poo on them – which one person landed his hand in with no way to wash it.

Cash: You’ll want to tip your guide for saving your life! We decided on 100 Dirhams each for such great service. Plus while lunch was included, the drinks weren’t.

Water bottle: You can buy water on the way up, which I did to refill mine from the morning drive but for those that had forgotten it was useful option. (I was a bit hesitant at first, but it turned out to be perfectly fine.)

Sunglasses: A must for posing for your photos to hide the look of fear in your eyes!

Camera or phone: To prove you did it! There is no phone signal! I kept mine on a lanyard so I never had to worry about slipping and losing it to the vast abyss below.

Small back pack: You will need your hands for climbing not holding a shoulder strap of a bag!

Good humour and enthusiasm: If you embrace the experience you will get so much more from it. Even if our guide thought it was hilarious to get my friend to rock the bridge on the way back while I was on it! Book now you wont regret it. And no, I wasn’t paid or comped for this. Genuinely loved it.