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17 Oualili Street, Block 5. Essaouira, Morocco

Taxi Arganier phone number

Call us +212.667.158.272

Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Ourika Valley, day trip from Marrakech to the Berber High

Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech from €32/person

Waterfalls, a cool mountain river and Berber villages just 1 hour from Marrakech — the Ourika, the perfect half-day escape.
Instant confirmation, pay on board, free cancellation.

Hotel pick-up - Fixed fare - Free cancellation 24h

At a glance

The essentials before booking your Ourika tour.

Price

From €32 / person

Price

Duration

5 to 8 h (half-day or full day)

Duration

Capacity

1 to 17 people

Capacity

Availability

7 days a week (Tnine Ourika souk on Mondays)

Availability

Air conditioning Wi-Fi on board Free water Free baby seat Card or cash Free cancellation 24h

Customer reviews

They trust us

Since 2010, Taxi Arganier has been taking travellers into the Ourika Valley with 800+ 5/5 reviews on Google, TripAdvisor and Trustpilot — fixed fares, trusted drivers, zero surprises.

Why choose Taxi Arganier for your Ourika tour?

The ideal half-day when Marrakech is sweltering

In July and August, the medina can hit 42 °C. The Ourika is on average 10 °C cooler, thanks to its altitude and the river. In two hours there and back, you slip into another season — without a hotel night or a complicated itinerary.

Anima Garden stop, the quiet must-see

André Heller's Anima Garden lies just 30 km from Marrakech, on the road to the Ourika. This surrealist botanical garden blends contemporary sculptures, tropical species and mosaic fountains. Our drivers stop there on request — it's one of the most photographed spots in the region, yet often left off standard tours.

Tnine Ourika souk on Monday mornings

Every Monday, the village of Tnine Ourika holds its weekly market: mountain vegetables, spices, pottery, Berber rugs and livestock. If your trip falls on a Monday, let us know when you book — we adjust the itinerary at no extra cost so you can wander the souk for an hour before heading up to Setti Fatma.

The best riverside tables, known to our drivers

The "feet in the water" lunch is the ritual of any day in the Ourika — tables set on wooden platforms placed right over the Ourika river, mountain fish tajine, lamb skewers and fresh mint. Our drivers know the family-run spots, far from the crowded terraces and inflated prices.

Our fleet

Air-conditioned sedans, minivans and minibuses — from 1 to 17 seats — to reach the Ourika Valley in comfort, beach or hiking gear included, along the P2017 road from Marrakech.

Black Renault sedan Taxi Arganier - private Essaouira-Marrakech transfer

Standard sedan

Renault Talisman

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary water
  • Baby seat
Premium sedan Skoda Superb Taxi Arganier - transfert VIP

Premium sedan

Skoda Superb

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • Leather seats
  • Water & snacks
  • Baby seat
Nissan sedan Taxi Arganier - comfort transfer Morocco

Comfort sedan

Nissan Sentra

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary water
  • Bluetooth
Skoda Kodiaq 7-seat SUV Taxi Arganier - family or group transfer

7-seat SUV

Skoda Kodiaq

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • 4x4 comfort
  • Complimentary water
  • Baby seat
Minivan Hyundai H1 8 places Taxi Arganier - transfert groupe et luggage

8-seat minivan

Hyundai H1

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • XL trunk
  • Complimentary water
Opel Vivaro 9-seat minibus Taxi Arganier - large group transfer

9-seat minibus

Opel Vivaro

  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • XXL space
  • Complimentary water

Your Ourika tour in 4 steps

From booking to the return to your hotel — a simple, transparent process.

01

Booking

Choose your package (half-day or full day) at resa.taxi-essaouira-marrakech.com or via WhatsApp at +212 667 158 272. No deposit required.

02

Confirmation

Summary within the hour — pick-up time, itinerary, requested stops (Anima Garden, Monday souk, waterfalls), fixed fare. Free changes up to 24 h before.

03

Pick-up

Your driver waits for you at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, at the agreed time, with a name sign available on request.

04

Ourika & return

Anima Garden, riverside, Setti Fatma and waterfalls, lunch over the water — back to Marrakech in the mid or late afternoon depending on your chosen package.

Ourika Valley day trip prices from Marrakech

Price per person based on a full private vehicle (round trip from your hotel in Marrakech, tolls included). The larger the group, the less each person pays. See also all our tours from Marrakech.

Ourika tour fares — private taxi, price per person
GroupPrice (round trip)
1 to 4 peoplefrom €49 / person
5 to 7 peoplefrom €32 / person
8 people and moreon request

Price per person based on a full private vehicle: that is €195 for the vehicle for 1 to 4 people (sedan) and €225 for 5 to 7 people (minivan), round trip from your hotel in Marrakech included, tolls included. Custom stops (Anima Garden, Monday souk, Setti Fatma) at no extra cost. Activities, entrance fees (Anima Garden) and lunch paid on site. Payment on board (MAD / EUR / card / PayPal).

Get your exact price

Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Ourika Valley, day trip from Marrakech to the Berber High
Ourikaprivate tour 24/7
About the tour

Ourika Valley: the cool of the Atlas just 1 hour from Marrakech

Only 65 km from Marrakech along the P2017 to the south-east, the Ourika Valley tumbles down from the High Atlas peaks to the Bahia plains. The Ourika river — the watercourse that gives the valley its name — flows year-round between banks of stone and weeping willow, dotted with rammed-earth villages clinging to the slopes. At the head of the valley, Setti Fatma (1,500 m altitude) marks the start of the 7 waterfalls: the first is reached in 30 to 45 minutes on a family-friendly trail, while the others demand more effort and a recommended local guide. It's one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech — and rightly so.

Choosing an Arganier private taxi over a tourist minibus means, first of all, setting your own schedule. Want to linger an extra hour at the Anima Garden? You can. Head back as early as 1 pm after lunch without waiting for a group? Of course. Drive up to Oukaïmeden if time allows? Just tell the driver. The flexibility of a private taxi turns a standard outing into a tailor-made day.

01

Marrakech → Ourika route

The P2017 leaves Marrakech first skirting the olive groves and market gardens of the southern outskirts. At 30 km, the village of Tnine Ourika signals the entrance to the valley proper: the road narrows, the river appears on the right, and the first stepped cultivation terraces mark the change in altitude. The vegetation thickens and temperatures drop gradually. At 65 km, Setti Fatma marks the end of the paved road. Allow 1 hour to 1h15 depending on the season — a short drive that completely transforms the scenery.

02

André Heller's Anima Garden

The Anima Garden is one of the most singular creations in the Marrakech region. Designed by Austrian artist André Heller, this garden of several hectares blends rare botanical species, monumental colourful sculptures, zellige fountains and pebble paths that wind beneath dwarf palms and banana trees. Located 30 km from Marrakech on the road to the Ourika, it makes a perfect 45-minute to 1-hour stop at the start or end of the trip. Opening hours vary by season — check the garden's official website before you set off.

03

Setti Fatma and the 7 waterfalls

Setti Fatma is a Berber village at 1,500 m altitude, renowned throughout the region for its mausoleum and its annual moussem in August. Above all, it is the starting point of the 7 waterfalls of the Ourika. The first waterfall is reached in 30 to 45 minutes on a marked trail that most reasonably fit travellers can manage; the others require between 3 and 4 hours round trip and a recommended local guide to secure the rocky sections. In summer, the water flow is generous and the natural pools serve as improvised swimming spots much loved by locals.

04

Feet-in-the-water lunch in the Ourika

The tradition of the "feet in the water" lunch in the Ourika dates back to the 1980s, when the first Marrakech restaurateurs set their tables on platforms of wood and reed right over the river. Today, the river banks between Aghbalou and Setti Fatma line up dozens of establishments. The best serve grilled mountain fish (trout and barbel), garden-vegetable tajines and lamb skewers, all accompanied by Berber bread fresh from the oven and a litre of freshly squeezed orange juice. Your driver recommends the spots where the cooks are home-grown — not the showcase terraces.

Going further

Itinerary, practical tips and ideas to make the most of your Ourika tour.

Ourika half-day programme (5 h)

  • 9:00 am — Departure from your hotel in Marrakech (air-conditioned Taxi Arganier vehicle)
  • 9:45 am — Anima Garden (André Heller) — 45-min visit depending on opening hours
  • 10:30 am — Entering the Ourika Valley — riverside stop at Aghbalou
  • 11:30 am — Arrival at Setti Fatma — climb to the first waterfall (45 min round trip)
  • 1:00 pm — Quick riverside lunch (local terrace)
  • 2:00 pm — Departure for Marrakech
  • 3:00 pm — Back at the hotel

Ourika full-day programme (8 h)

  • 9:00 am — Departure from Marrakech
  • 9:45 am — Anima Garden (1 h)
  • 11:00 am — Tnine Ourika (souk if Monday) or river walk at Aghbalou
  • 12:00 pm — Setti Fatma — climb to the first waterfall (45 min) or guided hike to the 3rd (2 h)
  • 1:30 pm — Feet-in-the-water lunch (1 h 30)
  • 3:00 pm — Descent towards Marrakech with photo stops
  • 5:00 pm — Back at the hotel

The full day allows you to reach the upper waterfalls (2nd and 3rd tiers), explore the Setti Fatma bazaar and enjoy a relaxed meal rather than a quick break.

Oukaïmeden option (winter/spring bonus)

75 km from Marrakech via the P2017 and then a secondary road that branches off before Setti Fatma, Oukaïmeden (2,600 m altitude) is Morocco's main ski resort. In winter (January–March), its slopes welcome Moroccan and foreign skiers with basic but functional ski lifts. In spring and autumn, it's an exceptional viewpoint over the High Atlas massif, often snowier than Imlil in the same season. Add 1 hour of driving round trip from Setti Fatma — this extension turns the Ourika day into a grand 9-hour format. For a different take on the Atlas, also discover our Imlil & High Atlas day trip.

3 vehicle categories

Which vehicle for your Ourika tour?

From couples to large groups: three vehicle families, the same Taxi Arganier service.

1 to 3 passengers

Sedan (Renault Talisman / Skoda Superb / Nissan Sentra — 1 to 3 pax)

The perfect solution for a couple or a solo traveller wanting to cover the Ourika in a half-day: premium comfort, a boot roomy enough for a hiking bag and a bath towel, and a nimble drive that's much appreciated on the winding P2017 beyond Aghbalou.

See the fleet
up to 17 passengers

Minibus (Opel Vivaro — 7 to 17 pax)

Perfect for groups of hikers, corporate teams on a retreat or extended families. The minibus lets everyone arrive together at Setti Fatma and enjoy one long shared table by the Ourika river for lunch.

See the fleet
24/7 booking

Book your taxi in a few clicks

Airport, city or excursion: enjoy a comfortable private transfer at a fixed price with instant confirmation.

  • Instant confirmation
  • Pay on board
  • Free cancellation
The Taxi Arganier experience

Experiencing the Ourika Valley from Marrakech

A tailor-made day trip from Marrakech, at your own pace, with a dedicated driver.

Skoda Superb sedan by Taxi Arganier — private Ourika tour
Private driver · air conditioning · Wi-Fi on board

The Ourika Valley is perhaps the least glamorous excursion on paper and the most memorable once it's done. No summit to climb, no thousand-year-old ksar to photograph — just a river running between white rocks, children jumping into the pools, and the smell of tajine rising from the wooden terraces. It's the favourite destination of Marrakchis themselves when the city heat becomes unbearable in July and August. That's no coincidence.

Mohamed, founder of Taxi Arganier since 2010, sums it up well: "People who come back from Imlil talk about the mountain. Those who come back from the Ourika talk about the lunch." The rivalry between the two valleys is good-natured, and both deserve to be experienced for different reasons.

  • Private English-speaking driver dedicated to your group
  • Pick-up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech
  • Custom stops at no extra cost
  • Fixed fare confirmed before departure
Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Ourika Valley, day trip from Marrakech to the Berber High
Ourika

Organised by private taxi, the Ourika day trip from Marrakech lets you, above all, set your own pace according to the heat and your mood. Leaving at 9 am to arrive before the bus groups at Setti Fatma, lunching peacefully at 1 pm without waiting for a table, setting off again at 3 pm to be back at the hotel before sunset over the ramparts — that scenario is only possible with a private driver who has no group to coordinate.

To discover all our excursions from Marrakech, from the desert to the Atlas and the coast, browse our full catalogue. If the Ourika makes you want to climb higher into the High Atlas, our 3 Valleys day trip combines the Ourika with two other valleys in a one-day loop.

Ourika — practical information

Everything you need to know about the Ourika Valley

Distances, durations and tips to plan your Ourika tour.

Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Ourika Valley, day trip from Marrakech to the Berber High
Ourika

The Ourika Valley is one of the most accessible valleys in the Moroccan High Atlas, just 30 km from Marrakech to its entrance (Tnine Ourika) and 65 km to its end point (Setti Fatma). The Ourika river, a permanent watercourse fed by the Atlas snowmelt, runs the entire length of the valley over roughly 60 km before joining the plains downstream of Marrakech. The village of Setti Fatma, at 1,500 m altitude, is the starting point of the 7 waterfalls — the first reachable on foot in 30 to 45 minutes, the others requiring a guide and several hours. The Anima Garden, the work of Austrian artist André Heller, sits at the entrance to the valley and makes an extraordinary botanical and artistic stop.

Beyond Setti Fatma, a secondary road climbs to Oukaïmeden (2,600 m), a Moroccan ski resort open in winter and a viewpoint over the Atlas in all seasons. The Ourika Valley stands apart from the Imlil valley (more mountainous and geared toward long hikes) through its more accessible, greener and more family-friendly character — ideal for a relaxed half-day or full day.

  • Distance Marrakech ↔ valley entrance~ 30 km (Tnine Ourika)
  • Distance Marrakech ↔ Setti Fatma~ 65 km
  • Travel time~ 1 h to 1 h 15
  • Setti Fatma altitude~ 1,500 m
  • Waterfalls7 waterfalls (1st reachable in 30-45 min)
  • Botanical gardenAnima Garden (André Heller) — 30 km from Marrakech
  • Weekly soukTnine Ourika — every Monday morning

Build your itinerary: All our excursions from Marrakech, 3 Valleys day trip — Ourika, Asni & Atlas foothills, Private Marrakech transfer.

Options & combinations for your Ourika trip

OptionDetails
Anima GardenStop on request on the way out or back — hours vary, check the official website
Tnine Ourika soukMonday mornings only — plan to leave before 9 am
Waterfall hikeFirst waterfall: 30-45 min, family-friendly. Waterfalls 2 to 7: guide recommended, allow 3-4 h
Riverside lunchOn the driver's recommendation — selected family-run spots
Oukaïmeden option+1 h drive from Setti Fatma — ideal in winter for skiing or spring for the panorama
Ourika + Agafay combinationPossible over 2 half-days — see our excursions catalogue

The Taxi Arganier service for your Ourika tour

Fixed fare announced before departure

no meter, no commission on restaurants or the garden.

Driver who has known the Ourika Valley since 2010

trusted addresses, the best stop-off points.

Half-day or full day to suit you

the only flexible format on the market.

Free baby and booster seats

the ideal trip for families with young children.

Free cancellation up to 24 h before

book risk-free, change freely.

Flexible payment on board

MAD, euros, card, PayPal accepted.

Book your Ourika trip 7 days a week

To book your Ourika Valley day trip from Marrakech, go to resa.taxi-essaouira-marrakech.com or contact Mohamed directly via WhatsApp at +212 667 158 272. State the package you want, the number of passengers and the options (Anima Garden, Monday souk, lunch, Oukaïmeden). No deposit is required.

Confirmation arrives within the hour with the driver's name, the exact pick-up time and the fixed-fare summary. For the Tnine Ourika souk (Monday only), mention it when booking so the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.

What your booking includes:

  • Pick-up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Custom stops (Anima Garden, souk, waterfalls, lunch)
  • Driver available on WhatsApp throughout the day

Cancellation conditions

Taxi Arganier applies a simple, transparent policy suited to the unexpected events of travel.

Any cancellation made more than 24 hours before departure is entirely free — no charge, no penalty, rescheduling possible at no cost.

For a cancellation less than 24 hours before, no refund applies if the driver has already been dispatched. In case of force majeure, contact us immediately via WhatsApp: we always look for a solution. Note: in the event of a sudden flood of the Ourika river (rare but possible in autumn after heavy rain), we let you know the day before and offer a reschedule or an alternative destination at no cost. The water level at the waterfalls varies by season — generous from February to June, more modest in October-November. The waterfalls remain accessible year-round nonetheless.

For families with children, state their ages when booking: we recommend the first waterfall only for children under 6 (rocky terrain beyond that), and adapt the programme accordingly.

Need a transfer?

A service tailor-made at your service

Pickup from your home, hotel or airport. Travel in complete peace with an experienced driver.

  • Professional driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • Available 24/7

Frequently asked questions — Ourika day trip from Marrakech

The fare starts at €32 per person for a group of 5 to 7 travellers, and €49 per person for 4 (that is €195 for the vehicle in a sedan, €225 in a minivan, round trip included). Above 7 people, a quote is drawn up — the larger the group, the less each person pays. The stops (Anima Garden, Monday souk) are included; entrance fees and lunch are paid on site.

The valley entrance (Tnine Ourika) is 30 km away, about 45 minutes. Setti Fatma, at the end of the road, is 65 km from Marrakech — allow 1 hour to 1h15 depending on the season and traffic. The Ourika Valley is the closest High Atlas day trip accessible from Marrakech.

Yes, for the first waterfall — the trail is walkable in 30 to 45 minutes over rocky terrain, accessible from age 5-6 when accompanied. For the following waterfalls (2nd and beyond), the terrain becomes more demanding and a local guide is recommended. Our vehicles offer free baby and booster seats on request.

Yes, the Anima Garden charges an entrance fee (the rate varies by season). We recommend checking the garden's official website before your visit to confirm opening hours, which can vary in low season or during private events. Your driver checks availability before stopping there.

The Tnine Ourika souk takes place every Monday morning. It's an authentic Berber market where farmers, herders and craftspeople from the valley sell their goods: mountain vegetables, spices, pottery, traditional clothing. To enjoy it, mention at booking that you'd like this stop — we adjust the departure time to arrive before the crowds.

Yes, it's one of the valley's most beloved traditions. Many restaurants set tables on wooden platforms right over the Ourika river. There you eat grilled mountain fish, Berber tajine and skewers, with your feet above the running water. Your driver recommends trusted family-run spots.

Yes — Oukaïmeden (2,600 m altitude) is Morocco's main ski resort, open from January to March depending on snowfall. The road from Setti Fatma is drivable in a suitable vehicle. Outside the ski season, it's an exceptional panorama over the Atlas peaks. Add about 1 hour of driving round trip from Setti Fatma.

It's doable but packed — the Ourika (65 km) and the Agafay (a stone desert 30 km south-west of Marrakech) are in opposite directions. We recommend two separate half-days to fully enjoy both. See our full excursion catalogue to plan your stay accordingly.

Spring (March-May) is ideal: the waterfalls are at peak flow thanks to the snowmelt, the vegetation is green, and temperatures stay mild. Summer (June-August) is high season — the river is accessible and the heat escapable from Marrakech, but waits at restaurants are longer. Autumn and winter are quieter, and the landscapes with snow at altitude are magnificent.

For the first Setti Fatma waterfall, no guide is needed — the trail is marked and well-trodden. To reach waterfalls 2 to 7, a local guide is strongly recommended: the terrain is steeper, the rocky passages less obvious, and some crossings need support. Your driver can put you in touch with certified local guides at Setti Fatma. For a more serious hike in the Atlas, discover our Imlil & High Atlas day trip.

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Taxi Arganier serves all major cities and tourist sites in Morocco with fixed and transparent rates.

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