The short answer
The valley begins about 30 km south of Marrakech, and Setti Fatma at its head is about 60 km from the city. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes each way to Setti Fatma, which makes Ourika the easiest mountain day trip from Marrakech. You climb from the plain into the High Atlas foothills along the river.
In more detail
The road to Setti Fatma is about 60 km, and it follows the Ourika river most of the way up from the plain. The village sits at about 1,500 metres, so the air is noticeably cooler than in Marrakech.
The drive is easy, with no high passes. Most of the time on an Ourika day goes on the stops: an argan cooperative, a Berber home, the walk to the waterfalls and a long lunch by the river.
It is close enough to do as a half day if you skip the waterfall walk, or a relaxed full day with everything in. Oukaïmeden, the ski station, is further up a side road, roughly two hours from Marrakech.
Good to know
- Our Ourika day leaves at 09:00 and reaches the falls around midday.
- Bring a layer; it is cooler up the valley.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- A half day works if you skip the waterfall walk.