Visiting Morocco

Ourika Valley Day Trip

There are some great day trips from Marrakech that are worth doing if you have time while you are visiting Morocco.

Just outside of Marrakech is the Ourika Valley. The area’s greenery provides a stark contrast to the dry land around the city. Its water source is from the Atlas Mountains, which tower above the valley and provide stunning backdrops to the landscapes and waterfalls in the area.

The Ourika Valley is an easy day trip from Marrakech. You can get there by hiring a car or taking a tour. There are large bus tours, private tours, and van tours of the Ourika Valley, so you have plenty of options.

Another good day trip is to the Palmeraie. The area surrounds the city, and is home to some of the top resorts and hotels in Marrakech. You can go for lunch at the famous Amanjena hotel and walk around the pretty grounds, or just take a drive and explore.

For trips further afield, consider taking a day trip to Essaouira. At just 2.5 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira is a great way to escape the heat of the city and get some fresh coastal air by the ocean.

Closer in to Marrakech are the stunning Atlas Mountains. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the peaks. It is difficult to do a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, but if you can go on an overnight trip or multi-day excursion, it is highly recommended.

Tarnie

How to get from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is located a short distance from the Marrakech city center, and there are several different options for getting from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

Car Hire or Taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley

It is easy to hire a car or taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

Many tour companies and operators have day trip packages that include a private driver to take you to the main sights in the Ourika Valley.

Ask at your hotel or riad for brochures or bookings for day trips to the Ourika Valley.

NB: Some companies have contracts with local shops in the Ourika Valley, so make sure to be firm with your driver if you don’t want to stop and buy souvenirs.

Buses from Marrakech to Ourika Valley

Bus Number 25 runs from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

Ourika Valley Day Trip

The Ourika Valley is a great day trip from Marrakech.

Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains and home to Marrakech’s Berber population, the Ourika Valley is a beautiful place to visit.

A short driving or bus trip from the busy streets of Marrakech will land visitors in the heart of the fertile Ourika Valley.

Fed by snow melt from the Atlas range, the Ourika Valley is green even in the hot summer months.

People visiting Marrakech can take tours of Berber villages and see the unique architecture of the valley.

You can also stretch your legs a bit and go hiking to the Ourika Valley’s beautiful waterfalls.

Be aware that while locals may ‘adopt’ you and guide you to various spots, but they will expect payment at the end.