Regardless of how you get there, visiting Ourika Valley will be a wonderful experience! Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather As you scamperup the dirt and rock path,you will be presented with the opportunity to purchase water, pop and fresh oranges cooled to delicious perfection in water diverted from the nearby creek. Surprising sculptures referencing local and international themes are hidden among the shady pathways and flowerbeds filled with wildflowers, cacti, water features, palm trees and tall grass. Celebrating our guides: the 10th anniversary At a lower altitude and much closer to Marrakesh, but still classed as part of the High Atlas Mountains, is the picturesque Ourika Valley. So what are you waiting for? Al Mutamid Mausoleum. If you take this path, youll find more waterfalls. Subscribe to the Michelin newsletter. hotels joining this page all the time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. At this point, you have the option of walking up the narrow, windy path that leads towards the waterfall. On the windy, climbing journey youll have plenty of opportunities to pull over and shop at the various roadside vendors and shops lining both sides of the road. Ourika Valley in Tahnaout: 17 reviews and 152 photos Ourika Valley 4.3/5 (4 reviews) Things to see Things to do in Morocco Things to do in Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz Things to do in Tahnaout Ourika Valley 152 photos of Ourika Valley +149 KM 21 Route de Ourika, Marrakesh , Maroc, 40000, M. Address Save this place 17 reviews of Ourika Valley Yes! Saffron is a high, The organic botanical gardens of a Franco-Moroccan bath-product company combining Amazigh (Berber) herbal remedies with modern aromatherapy make for, Four kilometres past Tnine, a discreet sign points up a dirt path into the Amazigh (Berber) village of Tafza, where the three-storey mud-brick ksar , A signed open-air petroglyph site sits just at the entrance to Oukaimeden, with carved illustrations of pastoral life and geometric patterns first, Spanning 900 sq m of exhibition space across two floors, this impressive museum showcases contemporary African artwork from all corners of the continent, Built in the 12th century by the founder of the Almohad caliphate, Agdal was once the most important garden in Marrakesh. Three beautiful tiered waterfalls with a series of spectacular plunges. Towering above the fields below are the sides of the valley, which feature many a dramatic dropoff. Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. Itinerary Details Map Photos Reviews Coordinates: 312037.00N 7454.72W Ourika Valley is a valley in the Moroccan High Atlas along the Ourika River. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Ourika Valley - Tripadvisor History The origin of the name Ourika comes from Urika. Now that weve discussed things to do in Ourika Valley, lets look at where you may stay during your vacation. Ourika Valley, located 60 km (37 miles) from Marrakech with stunning views of the imposing snow-capped Atlas Mountain, is an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Picture a fertile valley with endless fields of wildflowers, different color mountain ranges. Lets see what more this amazing location has to offer! The guide who accompanied us told us something that struck me, that this family had been forced to "sell" their privacy to tourists in order to be able to survive and earn their money with our visits, which is heavily criticised by the other residents in the village and so they are socially despised among all their neighbours. Ourika Valley, an incredible place hidden in the foothills of Moroccos breathtaking Western High Atlas Mountains, is just a short drive away! It's signed right off the main road after the commune building, inside a garden, Almost anything thrives in Ourikas rich soil, including saffron, organically grown here from bulbs that are cultivated near Talouine. Some of the views here are very different to what you will find higher up on one side of the Kasbah Bab Ourika, the best accommodation in the area, there is a rugged valley of browns and greens that is a dead ringer for Colorado! Ourika Valley - Getting to Ourika and Things to See and Do Yes! Here, though, it's not the, These excavations, about 200m to the left off the main road, began in 2010 and have revealed ancient urban foundations, including a hammam, grand mosque,, Al Mutamids tomb is marked with an Almoravid-style domed mausoleum. And, no kidding, theres even a small sit-down restaurant at this first waterfall. A complete visit to the essential Marrakesh. Summer is sweltering, yet people hoping to escape the heat of Marrakech flock here. Why not learn how to get there and visit Ourika Valley to make your stay even more memorable? While traveling along the Ourika valley you will enjoy beautiful landscapes, from walnuts, wiping willow and poplar trees, to its mountains and rocks varying in color from red to green. Members of the Kwassem tribe introduce you to the secrets of their art. As the title says, this was a very enriching experience without doubt, as they have a completely different lifestyle to most of us, and that makes you reflect on several different aspects of life. Dont forget to stop by some of the local Berber communities with rich history and culture as you make your way through shady and bright places equally. February and April are ideal months since they provide cooler temperatures as well as a beautiful environment with flowering cherry and almond orchards and wildflowers that can only be seen at this time of year. Al Mutamid's tomb is marked with an Almoravid-style domed mausoleum. While traveling along the Ourika valley you will enjoy beautiful landscapes, from walnuts, wiping willow and poplar trees, to its mountains and rocks varying in color from red to green. No reviews yet. the unpredictability of this fascinating country. If you think, you are making any good deals here, you don't understand business. Marrakech is a fine destination for families(read these safety tips before you go). You wont regret it Ourika Valley is waiting for you! To make the most of your visit to Ourika Valley read on for information on getting around. Make an inquiry. I would not take a toddler or a baby on this trip; use your best judgement. View hotels in 3D Virtual Reality. A vibrant and diverse country, Morocco is a very family-friendly destination with plenty of hands-on experiences and quirky accommodation options for families. For the deposit, we use Paypal. Ourika Map - Village - Morocco - Mapcarta Every sort of tourist will find something to meet their requirements, from the family-style Auberge du Maquis with eight large rooms to the pet-friendly Dar Ikalimo Ourika. Youll be sure to enjoy a memorable experience that will leave you feeling inspired and free! These excavations, about 200m to the left off the main road, began in 2010 and have revealed ancient urban foundations, including a hammam, grand mosque,. Along the way we secureda small wooden chess set and a necklace (bring a backpack or shoulder purse if you plan to do a bit of shopping). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. Your email address will not be published. Leave your hotel at around 9.30 am with a driver and head for the mountains. The River is one of main arteriesfeeding into the Marrakech water table. Start planning your tailor-made trip to Ourika Valley by contacting one of our Morocco specialists. When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving UK 0207 112 0019, local and international, mainly young, artists, Small & Charming Conferences / Incentives, 5-night Luxury Mini-Break Agadir 'beach relax & spa'. Icons on the Marrakech interactive map The map is very easy to use: Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators. Ourika Valley is the closest day trip destination from Marrakech and due to its many waterfalls and wondeful nature, it is a very popular attraction and an introduction to the High Atlas Mountains. Ourika Valley is an area of Morocco that is a popular place to visit if you are staying in Marrakech and are looking for an interesting day trip out of the city. Ourika's Berber Jews: While today most Moroccan Berbers are Muslim, there was once a large Berber Jewish population in North Africa. Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodation, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. These let you explore the country; If you do not speak Arabic or French, you'll need a tour guide to assist you during your time in Morocco's Red City. If you dont receive the email, please contact us via this form, API ViaMichelin - Itineraries, Geocoding, Traffic, Mapping, Michelin POI. A drive through some of the most stunning scenery the Atlas have to offer. Map of Marrakech - Ourika Valley If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Moreover, each location has its own distinct ambiance tiny guesthouses and flats give seclusion, whilst bigger villas provide plenty of room for groups and families. Ourika Valley (Valle de l'Ourika) Tours and Tickets - Viator 617-223-4750. travel careers website, Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, All prices are in USD unless otherwise stated, CST#2117258-40 | Fla. A lush expanse of terraced fields, forested hillsides, and cascading waterfalls in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley ( (Valle de l'Ourika) is a natural oasis just an hour from the city of Marrakech. The location is near top left onto the map). Mapcarta, the open map. Do you want to visit this Valley for one or two-day? Big Cities, California, Epic Road Trips, Pacific, Top 10, Travel By State. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast, 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes & Camel Trek, Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys Day Tour from Marrakech - All inclusive -, Atlas Mountains Hot Air Balloon Ride from Marrakech with Berber Breakfast and Desert Camel Experience, Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Desert 3-Days Morocco Sahara Tour, Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys & Waterfalls - Camel ride Day Trip Marrakech, Hot air balloon flight in the desert of Marrakech in front of the atlas, Atlas Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride From Marrakech, 3 Days-Tour-from-Marrakech-to-Fes-via-Merzouga-Desert-And-Camel-Trek. Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards. A highlight of the trip, make sure you order a tajine with Berber bread. More and more Experience the full splendor of the Ourika Valley by coming at the proper time of year. Check the website for shuttle timings and detailed directions to the pickup point. Essaouira Travel Guide: Top Things To Do! IN THIS GUIDE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS, MOROCCO 01 - OURIKA VALLEY 02 - IMLIL AND MOUNT TOUBKAL 03 - OUIRGANE VALLEY 04 - CASDCADES D'OUZOUD 05 - AT BOUGUEMEZ 06 - AT BEN HADDOU & OUNILA VALLEY 07 - DADS VALLEY 08 - TODRA GORGE WHERE ARE THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS? Always check the weather and stay away from rough waters. Once you have built up an appetite you can have lunch at one of the simple but good restaurants serving grilled meats, tajines and salads. A guided tour is a simple method to get there since it includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as an English-speaking guide for $25-$50 per person. She works full time in marketing. Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Oman & Israel Specialist. Theres something for everyone here, whether youre seeking a hotel with onsite eateries and internet or want to explore the outdoors with mule treks for kids and excursions of the Yaggour Plateaus petroglyphs. On our trip to the Ourika Valley we had the chance to visit a Berber house to get to know all about their customs and to witness their way of life. Our staff regularly visit the places Check out our selection of essential motoring accessories and hit the road without a care in the world! travel careers website, Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2023 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720, You can find all your favourites in the menu, Speak to a Morocco specialist to start planning your, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Start planning your trip to Ourika Valley. Make sure you do not leave Morocco without eating some of the countrys trademark olives! Go by foot The best way to get around the Ourika Valley is on foot! Most hotels, riads and hostels will be happy to arrange trips either with a private driver or as part of a larger tourist group. Best 12 Recommended Riads in Merzouga Desert, Hiring A Driver Guide With A Private Car In Morocco, Museums in Marrakech The ultimate guide, Moroccan Carpets and Rugs, all you need to know, 2-week itinerary in Morocco from Casablanca. Book this day trip One of the most popular day trips from Marrakech is to the Ourika Valley. Now that weve discussed getting around, lets move on to when is the best time to visit. Then we were invited to sit down in the main hall, where the family matriarch showed us how to perform the tea ritual, and then allowed us to taste it. There's a free shuttle service here from just behind Koutoubia Gardens in Marrakesh; seat preference is given to those with online reservations. Home to North Africa's highest mountain and the stunning Ourika Valley, Morocco is the perfect choice for a walking or trekking vacation in North Africa. Each waterfall will grow more magnificent as you go up the mountain; take time to notice how high you are as you glance out at the surrounding mountains. Morocco specialist Kerry explains how to get the most out of your time here. See you soon! Ourika Valley (Valle de l'Ourika) - What To Know BEFORE You Go - Viator With so many incredible alternatives to choose from, youre bound to discover something that tickles your taste buds! Excellent TrustScore 4.7 | 3304 reviews. No. In the valley you can visit the town of Moulay Brahim which is displayed on the map. There are many shops, restaurants, and food vendors located in and around the Ourika Valley. Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Ourika Valley, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. Explore the valley, experience a Berber market and stop to visit the village of Setti Fatma.