The Ourika Valley is a pleasant prelude to the Atlas and an enjoyable escape from the summer heat of Marrakech. It’s a weekend resort for young Marrakchis who ride out here on their mopeds to lie around beside the streams and waterfalls.
The road through the valley has been wiped out by floods countless times over the centuries, most recently (and catastrophically) in 1995. At time of writing, it’s in good shape as far as Dar Caid Ouriki, and being widened and improved from there to Setti-Fatma, the end of the tarmac. Setti Fatma is the place to head for, with its series of waterfalls in the hills above, and one of the country’s biggest moussems (festivals) in mid-August. Poised above the valley to the west is the ski resort of Oukaîmeden.
Getting to the Ourika Valley
Weather permitting, access to Ourika is fairly simple. Grands taxis, buses and a fast minibus service leave Marrakesh’s Bab Er Robb regularly throughn the morning, from around 6am to noom, running down to Setti Fatma (if the road is clear of repair work) and returning in the late afternoon/early evening. if buses can’t get through, minibuses generally take over. The valley is also an easy destination if you rent a moped from Marrakesh, and most of the road presents little problem to a rental car.
Setti Fatma (67Km from Marrakesh) is about two hours from Marrakesh by bus or taxi or Tourist transport. Try to get transport headed there, or at least to Asgaour (63 Km), the last village. before Setti Fatma, and not just to the near end of the valley at Dar Caid Ouriki (33 Km) or Arhbalou (50Km). Returning from Setti Fatma. You might have to walk to Asgaour to pick up a bus or taxi.