Oorika Valley - a side trip from Marrakesh

 

The spectacular Oourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is just about an hour away. It acts as the jumping off point to Berber villages and mountain treks. It’s probably one of the most beautiful spots in all Morocco with rich red mountains and lush plant life. The Oourika Valley starts about 30 km south of Marrakech, and the tarmac road will slowly bring you 37 km into the valley until you reach Setti Fatma, famous for its seven waterfalls.

 

The main attraction of Aghbalou would be the brick mosque, so different from the standard mosque in Morocco. It has an appearance which resembles more of a church. Aghbalou is the largest village along the Oued Oourika and is also a popular place to stop en route. A relaxing refreshing halt for an hour or two – try any café along the river…your table sits on uneven ground in the midst of the flowing river and the waiters bring food / drinks to you. It’s unbelievable eating and relaxing with a stream flowing between your toes! The food is basic but surprisingly good. You can of course sit on the river bank too.

We were taken to a local farm house to see how they live and also to a small Govt run farm growing various herbs which are developed into herbal oils. The staff show the plants in the garden and demonstrate the ways to use them.

Tourists also head out into the Sahara Desert for a day trip or a couple of nights at a luxury camp. Marrakesh also has good rail connections to the cities on the coast, such as Casablanca, Rabat and hip Essaouira (a new road has reduced the drive to two hours), the top choice for short break by the seaside. Fez is around 300 km away and from there, the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is just an hour away.

But to beat it all, go to Zagora and the sub Saharan Africa – see my article on Draa valley… for a trip of a lifetime. 

The photos show views of the Oourika valley and a typical Moroccan wayside shop selling artifacts from various tribal regions.

Below are rates quoted to us in 2012 for reference only. MAD = Moroccan Dhiram.

·      Marrakesh day trip to Cascades by coach dep 7 am return 8 pm MAD 250

·      Marrakesh – Oourika Valley by coach dep 9.00 am MAD 200 return 3.30 pm, actually we returned at 6.15 pm  OR By private car: $300.00 USD per day (includes: 4x4 rental, fuel, driver, normal entrance fees and lunch). Leave your hotel at 8:00 – 9:00am and return at 6:00 – 7:00pm.

·      Ouarzazate to Zagora – single MAD 500 ; return MAD 1100 – but not off road

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