Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech

Book without a guide, because you also have to pay for it there (10 dirhams - 1 euro / per person, which is absolutely not much), you really need the guide, he knows how and where to walk. Do not start if you have difficulty walking and put on sturdy shoes, the climb up is firm but doable. Nicely picked up at the hotel, friendly guide.

Lovely tour of the Ourika Valley. Picked us up outside the road, we were a few mins late as we got lost navigating the streets of the Medina but our bus driver waited patiently. The tour included a stop with a nice view, a fairly easy “hike” through a local village (about 30-40 mins with a few stops for pics), multiple stops in Berber villages to learn about how the ladies make argon oil and see how the locals live before finally getting to the Ourika valley river where we had lunch and relaxed by the water. Our tour guide was very patient and informative. Definitely recommend this tour, especially for the cost! Just be sure to wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for a short hike in the heat and walking on dirt/gravel. Hat & sunglasses is recommended too, or wear sunscreen as the sun is HOT out there!

Magnificent place, too bad we are leaving so soon; the walk is nice, the little restaurants by the water are great, and our guide Mohamed is a sweetheart.

The information provided by the seller was not accurate, was much more elaborated than the reality. We were told if would be an English speaking group but we were the only English speakers and the driver spoke minimum English. We were collected first instead of last so spent a further 45 minutes driving round collecting other guests and filling up with fuel. The journey was about an hour away and we spent longer than had hoped at the Argan Oil set up as well as a pointless spot along the way with some spare stalls. Once we arrived at Ourika Valley it did look very nice but we were guided to a specific spot and cafe and seated despite having been told we could choose one to go to ourselves. The food itself was ok but small portions, we had been told it would be large dishes to feed the family. We bought three menus which cost us £43 with drinks which was not cheap for the quantity and the fact we did not get to choose the salad and could not open the cans of drinks or wat the fruit salads due to the sheer amount of bees everywhere. It was very off-putting and everyone was leaving their seats before finishing their lunch which was a shame as the setting is very pretty and different. The last part of the visit was meant to be the walk to the waterfall which would involve a bit of a hike. This was unfortunately a complete missell as no one had informed us how hard the hike would be rising up through cobbled steps and very uneven terrain for 200 metres in height. Everyone in the group struggled more than had been expected and we're prepared for. A few had to give up half way as with 44c heat and poor atmospheric conditions this was dangerous. There were no safety measures in place at all and yet the trip advert for many companies just states for all levels of fitness. Good views but waterfall was not as expected and could not swim there as stated either.

We went to the Ourika Valley with our guide: Youssef Khouiammi from Itinérance Morocco. Excellent journey; we loved it. Our guide was professional but also very friendly. He took us to places that others do not necessarily go to. We visited beautiful things. We truly recommend it.

The driver was punctual and the bus was modern, he spoke english well, was very friendly and patient when we wanted to stay longer to admire the views. The nature was beautiful, definitely worth the visit. It was well worth the money.

Amazing full day tour from 9-5 - excellent value for money and brilliant local guide. We learned so much about the local culture with a tour of the argan oil producers and water mill, and the tour ended with lunch by the waterfall. I was nervous about how much hiking there would be but there is only a 40 minute walk up hill and the rest we were ambling along and driven by minibus from place to place so it’s not too strenuous. Our party included an 80 something and a teen - I would highly recommend this.

We had a great day

A day trip to the Ourika Valley A magnificent site to discover with a driver Saïd at the top, with great professionalism, always smiling, pleasant, attentive, benevolent. I will keep a very good memory of this day by its website and its companion. I recommend no disappointment. Thank you Said again.

Well guided. Too bad the restaurant and location was imposed on us when we did not have the included meal! Nice visit despite everything.