Mountains and hiking · High Atlas

Ourika valley and Setti Fatma waterfalls

A rocky path beside the Ourika river from the village (about 1,500 m) to the first of seven cascades, with wooden bridges and riverside cafés.

When to go

How high

The trek at a glance

• Start: Setti Fatma
• From the city: Marrakech, 1-1.5 hours by car from Marrakech (about 60 km)
• Height gain: about 200 to the first fall
• Where you sleep: Day trip from Marrakech; guesthouses in the valley
• When not to go: Midday and weekends are crowded; arrive before 10:00 or after 14:00. November to March, heavy rain can flood the road and flash floods have killed people here; skip it when the river runs high. Winter can ice the upper falls.
• Guide: Not required; local guides offer to lead.
• How Moroccans hike it: Marrakech families come to cool off, mostly on summer weekends; the August moussem fills the valley with pilgrims and traders.