Trip overview
A day in the High Atlas: Berber villages, tea in a traditional house and a walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Ourika, or a route via Asni to Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal.
- Duration1 day
- Starts inMarrakech
- GroupPrivate or shared · 1–17 people
- DifficultyModerate
- LanguageEspañol
- DeparturesDaily departures all year round
Highlights
- High Atlas an hour from Marrakech
- Tea at a Berber house
- Walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls
- Alternative route via Asni to Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal
- Weekly Asni souk if you travel on a Saturday
- Lunch by the river or at a Berber house
- Local or mountain guide on the paths
Ourika or Imlil
The High Atlas begins an hour from Marrakech.
When to go
- March – JuneGood timeGood walking weather.
- September – NovemberGood timeAnother good time for walking.
- WinterMixedSnow on the peaks and harder paths.
Before you book
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Morning: up into the High Atlas
We pick you up from your riad or hotel at around 9:00. In less than an hour the plain ends and the mountains begin. On the Ourika route we follow the river and stop for tea at a Berber house and at an argan cooperative.
On the Imlil route we go via Asni, where on Saturdays we stop at the souk, and climb a winding road with views of the Toubkal massif. The drive is short, but if you get car sick, sit in the front.
Day 1: Midday: Setti Fatma waterfalls or a walk from Imlil
In Setti Fatma, a local guide takes you along the path to the waterfalls: about 30 to 45 minutes uphill with rocky sections. Then you come down for lunch by the river, at one of the terraces with tables almost over the water.
In Imlil, the mountain guide takes you for 2 to 3 hours among walnut trees, terraced fields and villages such as Aroumd, setting the pace to suit the group. Lunch is at a Berber house looking out over the mountains. If you're with children, the guide shortens the route.
Day 1: Afternoon: return to Marrakech
After lunch and a rest, we head back to Marrakech. On the way you can ask to stop and photograph the mud-brick villages and the terraces, especially on the private option, where you can also stay longer in the mountains and come back later.
We get to your accommodation between 17:00 and 18:00. You still have time to rest or go out for dinner on Jemaa el Fna square.
What's included
Included (5)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Air-conditioned transport with driver
- Tea at a Berber house
- Local guide in Setti Fatma or mountain guide in Imlil
- Lunch at a Berber house (Imlil option with lunch only)
Not included (4)
- Lunch on the Ourika options
- Drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Important information (5)
- The Setti Fatma path has slippery rocks: wear shoes with a good grip.
- The Asni souk is held on Saturdays; if you want to see it, book for that day.
- In the mountains it's several degrees colder than in Marrakech; bring an extra layer.
- After heavy rain the Ourika river can rise quickly; we change the route if there's a warning.
- At the Berber house and in the villages, ask permission before photographing people.
Prices per person
Ourika shared
Shared transport to the Ourika Valley and a local guide in Setti Fatma
Ourika private
Private vehicle and local guide, with flexible timings (price per person, based on 2)
Imlil private with lunch
Private vehicle via Asni to Imlil, walk with a mountain guide and lunch at a Berber house
Fixed price per person, whatever the size of your group.
Payment and cancellation
You pay a 15% deposit when you book. The rest is paid on the first day of the trip, in cash or by bank transfer. You can also pay it by PayPal or card, with a 5% surcharge.
Private: free up to 48 hours before the start. If you cancel in time, we refund the full deposit.
Did you take this trip with us? Leave the first review using your booking reference.
Read our reviews on Tripadvisor
Leave a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which option should I choose, Ourika or Imlil?
The Ourika is shorter and easier to do with children, with a brief walk to the waterfalls and lunch by the river, although it's busier, especially at weekends. Imlil has more mountain scenery, fewer visitors and views of Toubkal, with a longer walk. If you like walking, we recommend Imlil.
Is the walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls very hard?
It's short, about 30 to 45 minutes uphill, but there are rocky sections where you have to scramble a bit and wet ones that are slippery. Anyone with normal fitness manages it without trouble. If you have knee problems or a fear of heights, you can stay at the terraces by the river while the others go up.
Can I climb Toubkal on this trip?
No. Climbing Toubkal, at 4,167 metres, needs at least two days with a night in the refuge and proper acclimatisation. This trip is an introduction to the Atlas with a 2 to 3 hour walk from Imlil. If you want to reach the summit, we'll put together a multi-day trek for you.
