Day Excursion From Marrakech to Ourika Valley

Highlights

  • Sweep through majestic mountain roads
  • Gaze in awe at the mighty High Atlas Mountains
  • Rejuvenate in the lush, fertile Ourika Valley
  • Enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch in unique surroundings
  • Explore the idyllic Ourika Valley
£138 pp
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What you'll do

Escape the bustle of Marrakech and explore the serene majesty of the soaring High Atlas, discovering hidden gems deep within the mountains on a hike in the pure mountain air.

We’ll pick you up directly from your riad or hotel at some time between 8am and 9am, and whisk you away from the hectic Marrakech on a 1.5-2 hour drive to the pure mountain and air stillness of the dramatic High Atlas.

You’ll sweep along incredible mountain roads that provide spectacular views of imposing, snow-capped peaks and fertile valleys, ancient mountain villages perched precariously upon sheer hillsides, tumbling farmhouses and wide-open skies.

Eventually, we’ll arrive at the impossibly lush Ourika valley, a ribbon of green and rushing, clear water cutting through the unforgiving rock of the surrounding landscape.

We’ll take a short, pleasant hike along the cool, pure Ourika River until we reach a traditional, authentic cafe nestled in the mountains. Enjoy a delicious lunch of stunning Moroccan cuisine in front of panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

On hot days, our customers sometimes opt to move their table and chairs into the shallows of the Ourika, and cool off in the river as they eat for a truly unique dining experience.

The pure mountain air and the sound of swiftly running water provides the perfect day of respite after the intensity of Marrakech, and after a leisurely lunch and an explore of the pristine mountainside, you’re sure to feel rejuvenated and ready to dive headlong back into the whirlwind of Morroco’s most energetic city.

After lunch, we’ll hike back to the vehicle, through the lush valley and over rustic little bridges that have stood across the idyllic river for many, many years.

Finally, we’ll drive you straight back to Marrakech for an early evening arrival, dropping you off at your accommodation where you’ll feel refreshed and ready for an evening enjoying the legendary nighttime activity of the city.

What's included

Included

  • Private transport to and from your accommodation in Marrakech
  • English speaking local guide
Your local host

Hamid and Gilly

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to ... Read All

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to have his own tour company and show people around his country, so he left his life in the desert to follow this dream. He is passionate about showing visitors the authentic Morocco and its vibrant and rich culture.

Gilly was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She has a passion for travel and Africa is in her blood, so when she got the chance to visit Morocco, she took it and immediately fell under its spell. She has visited countless times and there is always something new to see and experience. The Sahara Desert is one of her favourite places in Morocco,  along with the mountains, the Atlantic coast, The Blue City, Fes, Volubilis and the enchanting chaos of Marrakech! She loves the vibrant culture and the people who are as warm as their sunsets. On Gilly’s first adventure in Morocco, she met Hamid who regaled her with stories of life in Morocco. They both share a passion for authentic experiences and for nature and so the partnership for their tour company was born.

We aim to include all the elements of an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience in our tours and excursions.  Hamid has extremely strong family values and this is extended to our guests, who are cared for as if they were family.

At the end of your time with us, we want you to return home with Morocco firmly in your hearts. We will explore the off the beaten track secrets of Morocco and discover its hidden treasures.  Authenticity is important to us and we want to show you the real Morocco.

Whether it is camel trekking the evocative Sahara Desert and spending a night under a breath-taking sky full of stars, spending a day in the life of a nomad family, indulging all your senses in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech, wandering the enchanting and artistic blue streets of Chefchaouen, taking an authentic Moroccan cooking class and creating a delicious tagine, marvelling at the stunning, mystical architecture and beautiful mosques, exploring snow-capped mountains, ancient Roman Ruins, visiting women’s argan cooperatives, towering mountain waterfalls,  enjoying sand, sea and surf on our North African beaches, we will ensure you have the best time and a wonderfully memorable experience.

As a result of the hardships Hamid endured in his nomadic childhood in Morocco empowering local communities and preserving their culture is very important to him. Our tours are created to give back to the local communities, to help ensure food and water security, employment, education and self-sufficiency.

Hamid and Gilly image

Location

We’ll pick you up directly from your riad/hotel in Marrakech and take you to and from Ourika Valley, a 1.5-2 hour drive away.

FAQs

What should I wear?

Good walking shoes/boots are highly recommended.

How much walking is there?

It's an easy walk but if someone isn't up to it, they can enjoy some refreshments at a cafe.

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