Private Day Tour to Ourika Valley Including Guided Hike and Lunch From Marrakech

Escaping the bustling city of Marrakech, this private day tour to Ourika Valley promises a captivating adventure amidst the region’s stunning natural beauty. Travelers can look forward to a guided hike through the breathtaking landscapes, culminating at the serene Setti Fatma Waterfalls. Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rich Berber culture, visiting a local cooperative to witness the traditional extraction of argan oil. And with a delicious lunch at a Berber family home, this excursion offers a truly authentic and immersive experience. What awaits beyond Marrakech’s city limits is a world of natural wonders and cultural insights waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

The private full-day tour from Marrakech to Ourika Valley features Berber villages, mountain peaks, and waterfalls, with a flexible itinerary and activities included.
The tour includes a visit to a local Berber women’s cooperative for an argan oil extraction demonstration, providing insight into the Berber culture.
Hikers can explore the Setti Fatma Waterfalls, navigating narrow bridges to reach seven cascades and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Lunch is served at a traditional Berber family home, offering an authentic dining experience with local cuisine.
The tour is accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility during the hike.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour from Marrakech takes visitors to the scenic Ourika Valley, featuring Berber villages, mountain peaks, and stunning waterfalls.

The flexible itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace, with round-trip transport, lunch, and all activities included.

You’ll visit a local Berber women’s cooperative to see how they extract argan oil, then hike to the picturesque Setti Fatma Waterfalls, navigating narrow bridges to reach the seven cascades.

After the hike, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Berber family’s home, featuring traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, salad, and fresh fruits.

Itinerary Highlights

After visiting the local Berber women’s cooperative, the tour heads to the Setti Fatma Waterfalls, where travelers can hike and navigate narrow bridges to reach the seven cascades.

Along the way, the scenery is breathtaking, featuring:

Towering mountain peaks that rise up on either side of the valley
Lush, verdant vegetation and babbling streams
Charming Berber villages perched on the hillsides

Upon reaching the waterfalls, guests can admire the powerful cascades and take in the serene atmosphere.

This portion of the tour allows travelers to explore at their own pace, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience in the heart of the Ourika Valley.

Berber Village Visit

The tour begins with a visit to a local Berber women’s cooperative, where travelers can observe the traditional process of extracting argan oil.

These resilient women use centuries-old methods to harvest and press the precious oil from the nuts of the argan tree. Visitors can watch as the women sort, roast, and grind the nuts, then press the oil using a stone mill. This cooperative provides vital income and empowerment for the local Berber community.

After the argan oil demonstration, the tour continues into the Ourika Valley, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the Berber people who’ve inhabited these mountains for generations.

Setti Fatma Waterfalls

From the Berber village, the tour continues into the heart of the Ourika Valley, where travelers can hike to the stunning Setti Fatma Waterfalls.

Navigating narrow bridges, visitors can explore the seven cascades that tumble down the mountainside, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.

The hike offers:

Breathtaking views of the cascading waterfalls and lush, verdant landscape
Opportunities to cool off and dip your feet in the refreshing pools
A chance to connect with the natural beauty and serenity of the Ourika Valley

With the assistance of a local guide, guests can set their own pace and enjoy the serene splendor of this natural wonder.

Lunch at Berber Home

Following the hike to the Setti Fatma Waterfalls, guests enjoy a delightful lunch at a traditional Berber family home, savoring authentic local cuisine. This intimate dining experience offers a glimpse into the Berber way of life, with the family proudly serving a hearty meal of tajine, fresh salad, and seasonal fruits. The simple yet flavorful dishes are made using time-honored recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

Menu Item	Description	Price
Tajine	Slow-cooked meat or vegetable stew served with couscous	8€
Salad	Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other seasonal produce	5€
Fruit Plate	Assortment of ripe, juicy fruits	4€
Mint Tea	Aromatic Moroccan green tea infused with fresh mint	3€
Water	Bottled mineral water	2€

Transportation and Guide

Travelers embark on their Ourika Valley adventure in a private air-conditioned minivan or 4WD, accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide who provides personalized attention and allows them to set their own pace during the hike.

The tour’s transportation and guide offer several advantages:

Comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to the Ourika Valley.
The English-speaking driver/guide provides valuable insights and information about the region, enhancing the overall experience.
Flexible pacing during the guided hike enables travelers to explore the area at their own comfortable rhythm, ensuring a personalized and enriching adventure.

With these elements in place, the Ourika Valley tour promises a seamless and memorable journey for all participants.

Inclusions and Amenities

The private Ourika Valley tour includes a range of valuable amenities and inclusions that enhance the overall experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided hiking tour with a professional local guide, and bottled mineral water and fresh mint tea are all part of the package.

Entrance fees, local taxes, and fuel are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free and inclusive journey.

Plus, the tour accommodates various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Gratuities are included, so there’s no need to worry about tipping.

Additional Information

Along With the comprehensive inclusions, the private Ourika Valley tour offers several other valuable details.

Confirmation is received upon booking, ensuring peace of mind. Infant seats are available for families, and the tour accommodates various dietary needs, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it remains suitable for most travelers.

The tour also provides:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, offering flexibility.
A lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers receive the best value.
An impressive 5.0 rating based on 10 reviews, with no negative feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Tour to Include More Hiking?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include more hiking. The flexible itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace and customize the experience to your preferences, including adding extra hiking time along the trails.

Is It Possible to Visit the Berber Markets in Ourika Valley?

Yes, it’s possible to visit the Berber markets in Ourika Valley. The tour itinerary can be customized to include a visit to the local markets where you can explore traditional Berber handicrafts and cuisine.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour offers a private experience, so the group size is flexible. While no specific maximum is mentioned, it’s designed for personalized attention, allowing travelers to set their own pace during the hike.

Do I Need Any Special Hiking Gear or Equipment?

For this hike, comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour provides a professional local guide who can advise on any specialized gear needed. Bringing water and sun protection is also advisable.

Is There an Option to Add a Visit to a Local Berber Family Home?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at a local Berber family home where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch featuring tajine, salad, and fresh fruits. This provides an opportunity to interact with the local community.