Ourika or Ouzoud: Which Day Trip to Choose from Marrakech?
These are the two most-booked nature day trips from Marrakech, with over 55,000 reviews combined on GetYourGuide. On paper they look alike (mountains, waterfalls, lunch), but the experience is different. Here is how to choose.
Choose the Ourika Valley for a relaxed half-day or full day: it is 45 minutes to 1 hour from Marrakech (about 60 km), with Berber villages, argan cooperatives, lunch by the river and a climb to the Setti Fatma waterfalls (the first one is reached in 30 to 45 minutes on foot). Choose the Ouzoud Falls for the spectacle: falls about 110 metres high, among the tallest in North Africa, Barbary macaques roaming free, a boat ride under the falls and swimming in the pools, but allow about 2.5 hours' drive (150 km) and a real full day of 10 to 12 hours. Organised tours to both start from around €14 to €15 including transport and a guide. In short: Ourika for ease, Ouzoud for the wow factor.
At a Glance
| Criterion | Ourika Valley | Ouzoud Falls |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | ≈ 60 km, 45 min to 1 h | ≈ 150 km, 2.5 h |
| Tour length | 6 to 7.5 h | 10 to 12 h |
| Highlight | Berber villages, Setti Fatma | 110 m falls, Barbary macaques |
| Effort | Short but rocky climb | Trail down and back up |
| Swimming | River (cool water) | Pools under the falls |
| Best for | Families, short stays, summer heat | Photographers, nature lovers |
Most-Booked Tours
| Tour | Rating | Reviews | Length | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ouzoud Falls: guided hike, boat and lunch | 4.7 | 36,658 | 10-12 h | €15 |
| Ourika Valley: Atlas, waterfalls and lunch | 4.8 | 21,014 | 6-7.5 h | €14 |
| Ourika and Setti Fatma waterfalls with guide | 4.9 | 19,327 | 7 h | €15 |
| Atlas, waterfalls and Ourika Valley | 4.9 | 6,299 | 7-7.5 h | €9 |
| Ouzoud: guided hike, boat and lunch | 4.8 | 1,271 | 10 h | €13 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change. Most offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
See Ouzoud Falls tours· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
See Ourika Valley tours· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Ourika: Easy Nature
The road follows the river through mud-brick Berber villages; many tours stop at a traditional house for tea and at an argan cooperative. At Setti Fatma, the climb to the first waterfall takes 30 to 45 minutes on a rocky path; a local guide is recommended. It is also the coolest valley in summer. Full details in the Ourika Valley guide.
Ouzoud: the Big Show
The falls plunge about 110 metres into a green canyon. You walk down a shaded path, take a boat ride under the falls and meet Barbary macaques roaming free (do not feed them). It is a long day, but one of the finest nature outings in Morocco. See the Ouzoud Falls guide.
FAQ — Ourika or Ouzoud
What is the difference between Ourika and Ouzoud?
Which is better for a half-day?
Can you swim?
How much do these tours cost?
Which is better with children?
In Short
- Ourika: close, easy, ideal for families or summer.
- Ouzoud: spectacular, full day, monkeys and boat ride.
- See also the best day trips from Marrakech.
