Explore Ourika Valley Morocco

The Ourika valley is a large area located south of Marrakech city, Stretching for around 32Km, towards the Atlas Mountains. Being only a 40 minutes drive from the city to the village of Setti Fatma, makes the Ourika Valley high on the list of Things to do in Marrakech.

The valley follows along a section of the Ourika River which stretches for around 120Km from the high Atlas Mountains in the south, to where it meets the Oued Tensift in the north of the Marrakech region.

Driving southwards out of Marrakech city, the rural landscape begins, with sights of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. Travelling along the P2017 road, which is commonly known as the Route D’Ourika, the road passes some popular Hotels such as Fellah Hotel, Les Jardins de Zyriab resort and Pickalbatros Aqua fun club.

The route also passes through several villages such as Douar bou Azza,

Reaching closer towards Ourika, there are some interesting locations which can be visited along the way.

NATUROM/TRACE Shop

A wellness store which displays and offers great natural products with healthy ingredients. Naturom wellness shop in Ourika Valley is a rural based sister shop which also has a branch in Marrakech Medina. Be sure to check the shop opening times if you wish to make a visit to this store.

Ourika Park Ferme pédagogique

This is a Children’s playground with gardens, a petting zoo, a lake with ducks and an outdoor café to enjoy Coffee, tea and snacks. The grounds are quite extensive with lots of greenspace for children to burn off some energy. Entry to the park is free and you can stroll around and enjoy the facilities.

Smile Park

Smile park is an amusement & Theme park with fairground rides which include Bumper cars (Dodgems), Quad bikes, Buggies, Camel rides, an indoor computer console games centre, restaurants, Paintball and hosts themed days regularly throughout the year.

Anima (André Heller Garden)

Created by universal artist André Heller, billed as an opulent, 3-hectare botanical staging garden, it is a magical place of sensuality, of wonder, of contemplation, of joy, of healing, and of inspiration. Visitors can stroll along shady paths, between precious trees and shrubs, miracles of flowers and fragrances, pavilions and sculptures. The gardens also includes a Café serving meals, sandwiches, soups and sweet & savoury snacks. They use local farms and homegrown ingredients such as saffron, mint or olives as much as possible. You can also enjoy a breath-taking view of the Mount Toubkal at the high Atlas Mountains, while relaxing on on the rooftop terrace.

Read more about Anima Andre Heller garden

Paradis du Safran Maroc

Is an organic botanical garden, growing Saffron, medicinal plants, citrus- and exotic fruit trees. Owned and operated by a Swiss lady, Christine Ferrari.

Ourika Valley day trip

There are several options available for visiting the Ourika Valley. Which option you choose will depend upon your budget, the level of comfort and itinerary flexibility that you require and also the overall quality of the experience that you would like.

If you decide to opt for an Ourika Valley day trip, most companies will depart from Marrakech at around 8am, which means that you arrive at Setti Fatma at approx 9:00 AM. However, be aware that the majority of these day trips will be “group shared” trips, where you will join other tourists in a Minibus and the itinerary is fixed with no personal variation. You literally have to follow the crowd.

if you want to have an extra special experience at the Ourika valley, it is best to take a private day trip.