Mountains · Full day
Ourika & Setti Fatma Waterfalls Hike
Seven waterfalls in a green Atlas gorge, a short drive from Marrakech
Duration
Full day
Group size
1–10 walkers
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English, French, Berber
From / person
$70
Overview
A guided hike to the seven waterfalls above Setti Fatma in the green Ourika valley, just an hour from Marrakech. Moderate: about 2–3 hours over rocky, sometimes steep ground with boulder steps.
The Ourika valley is the closest real mountain escape to Marrakech — about an hour's drive into a green river gorge that climbs towards the High Atlas. From the village of Setti Fatma (1,500m) a popular trail leads up the rocky hillside to a chain of seven cascades, the first reached easily and the higher ones requiring some scrambling over boulders.
With a local guide you take the safe line up to the waterfalls (most walkers reach the first two or three; fitter hikers continue to the seventh), pausing for the views down the valley and a riverside lunch in Setti Fatma. It is moderate, rocky walking rather than a casual stroll, so decent footwear and a steady head for the boulder steps make all the difference.
Trip highlights
- Hike the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma in the Ourika valley
- Green river gorge just an hour from Marrakech
- Local Berber guide on the safe line up the cascades
- Riverside tables and a Berber lunch in Setti Fatma
- High Atlas foothill scenery and terraced gardens
Photo gallery
Inside the trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Marrakech → Marrakech
- 1
09:00 · Marrakech pickup
Your riad or hotelDrive south into the Ourika valley (about an hour).
- 2
10:15 · Setti Fatma
Setti Fatma 1,500mMeet your guide and start up the gorge towards the falls.
- 3
11:00 · The waterfalls
Seven cascades trailClimb the rocky path to the first cascades, with boulder scrambling to reach the higher falls.
- 4
13:00 · Riverside lunch
Setti Fatma villageTagine and mint tea at a riverside table.
- 5
15:00 · Valley walk & tea
Ourika valleyOptional gentle valley stroll and a stop at a Berber house for tea.
- 6
17:00 · Return to Marrakech
Ourika to Red CityDrive back, arriving Marrakech early evening.
Cities & regions on this trip
You'll experience 2 destinations.
Each stop has its own deep-dive guide — geography, history, best season, things to see, and other tours that visit it. Tap any card to open its dedicated page.
Imperial city · Central Morocco
Marrakech
The red-walled trailhead city — where every High Atlas trek begins and ends.
Open guide
High Atlas · Near Marrakech
Ourika Valley
The High Atlas trekking valley closest to Marrakech — Berber footpaths, the Setti Fatma cascades and the gentlest first steps onto the mountain.
Open guideThe route
Map of Ourika & Setti Fatma Waterfalls Hike
5 stops across Mountains. Distances and timings are flexible — every itinerary is reshaped to your pace.
- 1
Marrakech
Start
- 2
Ourika valley
- 3
Setti Fatma
Trailhead 1,500m
- 4
Seven waterfalls
Cascades
- 5
Marrakech
End
What's included
- Private return transfer from Marrakech
- Local Berber guide for the waterfalls trail
- Riverside tagine lunch and mint tea
- Bottled water on the hike
Not included
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal purchases
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart.
- Grippy walking shoes or trainers (paths are rocky)
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF
- A light layer and water bottle
- Swimwear if you fancy a cold splash in summer
Frequently asked
Questions about this tour.
How difficult is the Setti Fatma waterfalls hike?
Moderate. The path is rocky and steep in places with boulder scrambling between the upper falls. Most walkers reach the first two or three cascades; reaching all seven needs a steady head and decent footwear.
Can I swim at the waterfalls?
There are cold natural pools at the lower cascades where you can paddle or take a quick dip in warmer months — bring swimwear if you want to.
How fit do I need to be?
Easy. Light walking on medina cobblestones, plus optional activities you can opt in or out of on the day.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.
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