Solo Journey through the Scenic Ourika Valley

A Valley of Discovery

Today was a day of complete immersion into the heart of Morocco's natural beauty and Berber culture. Leaving the familiar comforts of Berlin behind, I embraced the rugged landscapes and vibrant traditions of the Ourika Valley. It was a day filled with scenic hikes, delicious food, and a deeper understanding of the Berber way of life.


Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Ourika Valley, a stunning gem in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

The morning began with a delightful breakfast at La muraille de l'ourika. I enjoyed traditional Moroccan pastries with mint tea, the perfect fuel for a day of exploration. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city, and the promise of adventure hung in the air. The temperature was pleasant, around 23°C, with clear skies, making it ideal for hiking.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at La Muraille de l'Ourika amidst stunning mountain views in Ourika Valley.

My main objective for the day was to explore the Ourika Valley Waterfalls. The hike started in the village of Setti Fatma, a bustling hub filled with locals and tourists alike. The path was rocky and at times quite steep, but the stunning views of the valley kept me motivated. The Ourika River snaked its way through the landscape, creating a vibrant oasis of green against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. It reminded me of cycling through the parks back in Berlin, only with much more dramatic scenery.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ourika Valley Waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains, a perfect blend of adventure and serene nature.

The beauty of the Ourika Valley lies not just in its landscapes, but in the warmth and resilience of its people.

As I ascended, I passed by several small shops selling handmade crafts, intricate carvings, and colorful Moroccan rugs. I resisted the urge to buy, knowing I needed to save space in my pack, but I made a mental note to return later. The scent of spices and the sounds of Berber music filled the air, creating a sensory feast. It was a stark contrast to the minimalist Scandinavian design I appreciate so much back home, yet equally captivating.

The hike to the waterfalls took about two hours, and it was well worth the effort. The cascades tumbled down the mountainside in a series of seven tiers, each one more breathtaking than the last. I took some time to relax by the water, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. The cool spray of the falls was incredibly refreshing, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I remembered to reapply sunscreen, a vital part of my trip essentials, but was still kicking myself for forgetting the portable phone charger!

For lunch, I stopped at Dar Hafida, a charming restaurant with stunning views of the valley. I indulged in a traditional Berber tagine, cooked with locally sourced ingredients. The flavors were rich and complex, a testament to the region's culinary heritage. I savored every bite, knowing that this was an experience I wouldn't soon forget.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine amidst breathtaking scenery at Dar Hafida in Ourika Valley.

After lunch, I decided to immerse myself further in the local culture. I explored a traditional Berber village, observing the daily life of the community. The Berber people, also known as Amazigh, are the indigenous people of North Africa and have a rich history and vibrant culture. I was struck by their hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors. It reminded me of the open-mindedness I cherish in my own life.

I learned about their customs, their language (Tamazight), and their deep connection to the land. The traditional Berber homes, built from local materials, offered a glimpse into their sustainable lifestyle. It reinforced my commitment to environmentally conscious living, a principle Hans and I both share. I even had the opportunity to share a cup of mint tea with a local family, a symbolic gesture of hospitality that I deeply appreciated.

As the afternoon wore on, I found myself reflecting on the journey so far. Traveling solo has been a liberating experience, allowing me to connect with new cultures and challenge my own perspectives. I missed Hans, of course, but I knew he would be proud of me for embracing this adventure. I made a mental note to share all my photos and stories with him when I returned to Berlin.

Before heading back, I decided to experience a different side of the Ourika Valley. I ventured to Le Salama Sky-bar for a drink. The sky-bar offered panoramic views of the valley, and I enjoyed a refreshing cocktail as the sun began to set. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, a perfect way to end the day.


Discover the enchanting Le Salama Sky-bar in Marrakech, where stunning rooftop views meet exquisite Moroccan cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

For dinner, I chose Restaurant La Nature, known for its organic Moroccan cuisine. The meal was delicious, and the ambiance was relaxed and inviting. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's experiences and plan for tomorrow's adventures.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Restaurant La Nature in Ourika Valley.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the bio-aromatique de l'Ourika Garden and Anima (André Heller Garden). I am looking forward to exploring the unique flora and fauna of the region and immersing myself in the artistic beauty of the gardens. I'm also considering a visit to the Khalid Tafza Ourika pottery workshop to learn about traditional Berber crafts. I'm excited to see what new experiences and insights tomorrow will bring.

As I settled in for the night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. The Ourika Valley had exceeded all my expectations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and personal reflection. It was a day that will stay with me long after I leave Morocco.

I am still deciding where to stay tonight, there are options from cozy guesthouses to luxurious resorts in Ourika Valley, with some strategically situated to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but I think I will just see where the night takes me and trust my instinct. Some guesthouses I have in mind are Ourika Garden Mountain Villa Guest House or Chez Juju, but there are many other options to consider.

The Ourika Valley has been inhabited for centuries by the Berber people and over the years, many different cultures have made their home in the valley, including Arab Muslims, Jews, and even Europeans. This has resulted in a unique blend of cultures that can be seen throughout the valley today.

The Ourika Valley is known for spectacular scenery, the colorful villages of Setti Fatma, snow-capped peaks (in some months), rushing rivers and the beautiful seven waterfalls of Ourika. The most common walk to the waterfalls in Ourika Valley is a short (but with some stairs) 30-minute walk uphill to the largest waterfall. And 30 minutes back down the same path. The trail winds up through a small village lined with souvenir shops selling handcrafts, carvings, Moroccan rugs and textiles. On reaching the main waterfall there is a small café set up. There are cold drinks and space to take photos of the waterfall and looking back down the valley. The path is uphill all the way but well-trodden and suitable for most walkers.

The Ourika Valley is a valley in the Moroccan High Atlas located 40 km away from Marrakech. It is mainly populated by Berbers. It is still considered a relatively unspoilt natural oasis, both for its lush nature of terraced fields, wooded hillsides and waterfalls, and for its traditional mountain lifestyle. The main attractions of the area are: The small mountain village of Setti Fatma, which is the starting point for many excursions into the surrounding mountains. The most popular and easiest hike is up a mountain stream to see 7 beautiful waterfalls. The Timalizene garden, mainly planted with species native to the region. The Ourika saffron farm, a farm which has the particularity of producing saffron. Its visit is most interesting from the end of October to mid-November during the harvest of this spice. The bio-aromatic garden of Ourika: this organic garden of aromatic and medicinal plants allows you to discover the scents and medicinal virtues of the plants. The Berber Ecomuseum of the Ourika Valley, located in the pottery village of Tafza. It highlights Berber culture through a collection of photographs, pottery, jewellery, carpets and weavings.