Ourika Valley from Marrakech by car

What is the route from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley?

The route follows the R2017 for 68 kilometres, paved throughout from Marrakech to Setti Fatma. The road passes through Tnine Ourika at kilometre 35, then Aghbalou at kilometre 52, following the Ourika river the entire way.

Leave Marrakech on the Ourika road, heading southeast toward Tnine Ourika. The surface is wide and recently resurfaced for the first 35 kilometres, with two clear lanes and few bends. Tnine Ourika hosts a souk every Monday, the valley's main weekly market.

The road deteriorates past Tnine Ourika: potholes appear across several stretches as far as Aghbalou, at kilometre 52. The tarmac stays continuous to Setti Fatma, at kilometre 68, where the paved road stops abruptly at the edge of the riverbed.

• Leave Marrakech early in the morning to avoid Sunday traffic.
• Slow down past Tnine Ourika, where the road surface deteriorates in places.
• Follow the Ourika river, visible from the road for most of the drive.
• Park the vehicle in Setti Fatma, where the paved road ends.

Which vehicle suits the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

A saloon car reaches Setti Fatma without difficulty over the 68 paved kilometres of the R2017. A 4x4 becomes necessary only for the tracks above Setti Fatma, toward the Oukaïmeden ski resort, at 2,600 metres altitude.

The R2017 stays paved for the entire drive to Setti Fatma. An Audi or a Mercedes covers the 68 kilometres without leaving tarmac, despite the potholes reported past Tnine Ourika.

Beyond Setti Fatma, the tracks toward Oukaïmeden climb to 2,600 metres over 6 further kilometres. A Range Rover or another 4x4 clears this section without risking the underbody, which a saloon car cannot do.

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What is there to see and do in the Ourika Valley?

The Ourika Valley unfolds in three stages from Marrakech: Tnine Ourika with its Monday souk, Aghbalou beside the river, and Setti Fatma, the starting point for the valley's seven waterfalls, reached after a 45-minute walk above the village.

Tnine Ourika, at kilometre 35, hosts the valley's main weekly souk every Monday. Residents from neighbouring villages sell vegetables, rugs and argan oil there. Aghbalou, at kilometre 52, runs directly alongside the Ourika river and holds several riverside terraces.

Setti Fatma, at kilometre 68, marks the end of the tarmac. A marked trail climbs from the village to the seven waterfalls of the Ourika, in 45 minutes on foot. The upper waterfalls require 30 further minutes and a steeper passage.

• Visit the Tnine Ourika souk, every Monday, 35 kilometres from Marrakech.
• Have lunch on a riverside terrace in Aghbalou.
• Walk 45 minutes from Setti Fatma to the seven waterfalls.
• Photograph the almond blossom between late February and mid-March.

When to visit the Ourika Valley and what precautions apply?

The Ourika Valley stays 8 to 10 °C cooler than Marrakech, which explains its crowds in July and August. Flash floods hit the Ourika river between March and May: never park a vehicle on the riverbed.

The temperature difference explains the valley's summer popularity. Moroccan authorities close the R2017 when the river level rises, generally between March and May and after summer storms. Flash floods sweep away vehicles and equipment parked on the dry riverbed.

Almond blossom colours the hillsides from late February to mid-March. Snow covers Oukaïmeden from December to March, closing the tracks beyond Setti Fatma to vehicles without a 4x4.

• Avoid parking on the riverbed, even when it looks dry.
• Check the weather forecast before a trip between March and May.
• Pack warm clothing in winter, as altitude reaches 1,500 metres at Setti Fatma.
• Leave early on weekends, as the valley fills by 10 a.m. in summer.

How to plan a day in the Ourika Valley from Marrakech?

Book a saloon for Setti Fatma or a 4x4 for Oukaïmeden, delivered to your hotel or Ménara airport the day before departure. Allow half a day: 2 h 30 of driving round trip and 3 hours on site.

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Frequently asked questions about the Ourika Valley from Marrakech

Five questions come up before every trip to the Ourika Valley: whether a saloon can make it, how long to allow on site, the flash-flood risk in spring, access to Oukaïmeden and the best season for almond blossom.