THE OURIKA VALLEY

THE OURIKA VALLEY

Located about an hour from Marrakech, this valley offers a spectacular landscape with its mountains, picturesque Berber villages, and waterfalls. The scenery sometimes evokes that of Luberon with lovely faces in ocher-colored rammed earth.

Feel free to take a guided hike to the waterfalls and explore Berber culture by visiting traditional homes. You might come across young people bathing in the river and women washing their laundry. You can admire the mountainous landscapes, visit traditional Berber villages, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, and hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. Along the way, it’s not uncommon to encounter strange sights like an elderly man lost in his djellabah perched on a haystack, or a whole family of four squeezed onto an old moped. The charm of Morocco can be found all along the roads!

HERE ARE SOME ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE OURIKA VALLEY

1 Visit Berber Villages: The Ourika Valley is inhabited by traditional Berber communities. You can explore these picturesque villages, such as Setti Fatma, and discover their way of life, rammed earth architecture, and local craftsmanship.

2 Hike to the Ourika Waterfalls: Hiking to the Ourika waterfalls is a popular activity in the region. You can stroll along the Ourika River and reach the waterfalls, where you can swim in natural pools and enjoy magnificent views.

3 Explore Botanical Gardens: The Ourika Valley is home to many botanical gardens where you can admire a wide variety of local and exotic plants. The gardens also serve as relaxation and picnic spots.

4 Excursion to the Kik Plateau: Located near the Ourika Valley, the Kik Plateau offers panoramic views of the valley, the city of Marrakech, and the surrounding mountains. You can take an off-road vehicle excursion to reach this viewpoint and enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

5 Taste Traditional Dishes: The Ourika Valley is renowned for its traditional Berber dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor dishes like tagine, couscous, and mint tea prepared with local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

The Ourika Valley is a perfect getaway to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the natural beauty of Morocco. Whether you enjoy hiking, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing in a peaceful environment, this valley has much to offer.

The Agafay Desert

Just 45 minutes from Marrakech, you can explore the Agafay Desert. It’s not a sand desert but rather a desert of light-colored dry stones covering small hills as far as the eye can see. The effect is striking! You could easily mistake it for the Sahara! This desert has many tracks that allow for beautiful 4×4 excursions. Plan for a full-day excursion, including a lunch stop. Several establishments have been established in the area, with the most famous being “La Pause.” It’s a “desert lodge,” falling into the category of boho-chic, where you can have lunch and relax around its large pool. You can also spend the night in one of its lodges. For a more adventurous experience, choose to spend a night in a Berber camp for an authentic experience. You’ll love spending a night under the stars!

It’s possible to organize a bivouac there and spend a night in a traditional Berber camp. Marrakech Eventsorganizes beautiful desert bivouacs for groups of 30 people and more. Here’s some information about this experience:

1 Desert Bivouac in Agafay: Several agencies offer excursions to spend the night in the Agafay Desert. You will be welcomed in a Berber camp where you’ll sleep in a traditional nomadic tent. The tents are equipped with mattresses and blankets to ensure your comfort during the night.

2 Activities at the Camp: During your stay, you can enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music and local songs. You can also participate in activities such as camel rides, watching the sunset over the surrounding hills, and lively evenings around the campfire.

3 Hiking and Exploring the Desert: During your stay in the Agafay Desert, you can also go on hikes in the desert. This will give you the opportunity to explore the rocky hills, dunes, and dry riverbeds (oueds) of this unique region.

The Atlas Mountains

If you’re a hiking enthusiast, the Atlas Mountains offer a multitude of trails to explore. From Marrakech, you can take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains and admire breathtaking landscapes, traditional villages, and even snow-capped peaks in the winter. You can visit authentic Berber villages and enjoy stunning mountain scenery.

The Atlas Mountains around Marrakech offer plenty of exciting activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are some suggestions:

1 Hiking: The Atlas Mountains offer stunning landscapes and numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels. Whether you want a day hike or a multi-day trek, you can explore picturesque valleys, climb summits, and discover the beauty of nature. For groups of 30 people or more, Marrakech Events organizes 2-hour, 3-hour, or longer treks in the Atlas, including departures from Imlil. Your hike, guided by local guides, will end with a hearty lunch served in a local home.

2 Rock Climbing: The Atlas Mountains are also an ideal spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. You can find rock walls suitable for different levels of difficulty and enjoy incredible panoramic views while engaging in this exhilarating activity.

3 Mountain Biking: If you’re passionate about mountain biking, the Atlas Mountains offer trails and paths suitable for all skill levels. You can ride through valleys, cross Berber villages, and enjoy spectacular views while exploring the region on a bike.

4 Skiing and Snowboarding: During the winter months, the Atlas Mountains transform into a winter sports paradise. Ski resorts like Oukaimeden offer ski and snowboarding slopes, as well as comfortable accommodation options for a mountain getaway.

5 Visiting Berber Villages: The Atlas Mountains also provide an opportunity to explore Berber culture and way of life. You can take a tour of traditional Berber villages, meet local residents, learn about their crafts, and savor authentic cuisine.

6 Trekking with Mules: For a more authentic experience, you can go trekking with mules in the Atlas Mountains. These friendly animals will carry your luggage while you explore mountain trails, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.

7 Wildlife and Botanical Tours: The Atlas Mountains are home to a rich diversity of wildlife and plant life. You can participate in wildlife observation tours to spot unique birds, mammals, and plants found in this region.

Whether you’re a hiking, climbing, mountain biking enthusiast, or simply seeking an immersive mountain experience, the Atlas Mountains around Marrakech offer a multitude of activities to suit all tastes and skill levels.

The Amizmiz Valley

Less frequented than other excursions, the Amizmiz Valley is located approximately an hour from Marrakech. Here, you can discover lush landscapes, olive groves, traditional Berber villages, and, if you wish, embark on a hike to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

The Amizmiz Valley is a beautiful valley situated about 55 kilometers southeast of Marrakech, in the foothills of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. This valley offers spectacular scenery, with mountains, waterfalls, Berber villages, and panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Many visitors come to the Amizmiz Valley for hiking and outdoor excursions. There are several hiking trails that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the valley, passing through mountain landscapes, gorges, and green plateaus.

Visitors can also explore the traditional Berber villages of the valley, such as Tahnaout, Tameslouht, and Asni. These villages provide an immersion into Berber culture, with their earthen houses, local markets, and warm hospitality. Some villages also offer demonstrations of local craftsmanship, such as pottery and weaving.

Another popular activity in the Amizmiz Valley is visiting the nearby Ouzoud Waterfalls. The Ouzoud Waterfalls are among the most beautiful in Morocco, with impressive waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can walk around the waterfalls, take a boat closer to the falls, and swim in the natural pools.

In summary, the Amizmiz Valley is a true paradise for nature lovers and travelers seeking authenticity. It offers opportunities for hiking, exploring Berber villages, and discovering stunning waterfalls.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are one of Morocco’s most popular natural attractions. Located approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Marrakech, these spectacular waterfalls are nestled in the heart of the Ouzoud Valley, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Here is some information about the Ouzoud Waterfalls and what you can do there:

1 Waterfall Viewing: The Ouzoud Waterfalls consist of three main cascades with a total height of 110 meters. You can get close to the falls and observe the power of the water as it tumbles over the rocks below. It’s an impressive sight and a great opportunity for stunning photos.

2 Walking Around the Waterfalls: You can take a stroll along the paths that wind around the waterfalls. These trails offer different viewpoints of the waterfalls and also allow you to get closer to the pools where you can swim in the fresh, clear waters.

3 Boat Excursions: For a different experience, you also have the option of taking a boat excursion on the river that runs through the Ouzoud Waterfalls. You can board a small boat and get even closer to the waterfalls for a more immersive experience.

4 Hiking in the Surroundings: If you enjoy hiking, the Ouzoud Waterfalls area also offers numerous hiking trails in the surrounding areas. You can explore the valley, pass through olive groves, encounter monkeys in the nearby forest, and enjoy natural landscapes.

5 Tasting Local Cuisine: The Ouzoud Waterfalls are surrounded by small restaurants and cafes where you can sample traditional Moroccan cuisine, including tajines, couscous, and mint tea. It’s a great way to relax and savor a meal while admiring the beauty of the waterfalls.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a popular day trip destination from Marrakech. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a pleasant place to enjoy nature, the Ouzoud Waterfalls offer an unforgettable experience.

Lalla Takerkoust Lake

Lalla Takerkoust Lake is an artificial lake located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It was created in the 1920s to regulate the waters of the Issil River and provide drinking water to the city of Marrakech.

Here is some information and activities you can do around Lalla Takerkoust Lake:

1 Boat Cruise: You can enjoy a boat cruise on the lake to admire the serene landscapes and the surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, take photos, and appreciate the tranquility of the lake.

2 Water Activities: Lalla Takerkoust Lake also offers opportunities for water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. Whether you’re looking for thrills or just want to have fun on the water, this is the ideal place.

3 Picnicking by the Lake: Lalla Takerkoust Lake is surrounded by various picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy an outdoor meal with a view of the lake. You can bring your own picnic or sample traditional Moroccan dishes at local restaurants.

4 Hiking and Mountain Biking: The mountains surrounding Lalla Takerkoust Lake offer excellent hiking trails and mountain biking paths. You can explore the surrounding nature, visit nearby Berber villages, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

5 Visit Berber Villages: There are several traditional Berber villages around Lalla Takerkoust Lake, such as Takerkoust and Amizmiz. You can visit these villages, meet the local residents, learn about their culture and craftsmanship, and gain insight into Berber village life.

Lalla Takerkoust Lake is a relaxing and recreational destination that provides a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Whether you want to engage in water activities, explore the surroundings, or simply unwind, Lalla Takerkoust Lake is a perfect place to spend time outdoors.