Posts Tagged ‘Ourika Valley Excursion’

Hiking the Ourika Valley, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Ourika Valley View

The Ourika valley is 30 km from Marrakech and is one of the best places to visit in Morocco for hiking in the Atlas Mountains and seeing its unique countryside. Getting there by grand taxi of bus or one of the many tourist travel companies is easy. The valley starts at Souk Tnine de l’Ourika leading on to the village of Arhbalou then on to Tazzidfount leading up to the trekking area of Adrar Yagour which has prehistoric rock carvings. trekking further afield ahould be undertaken with a guide,equipment and proper planning.

Trekking is easily arranged in the Ourika Valley, and can be anything from a day’s walk into the foothills to a trek lasting several days. It is unsurpasssed for natural beauty and its terraced hillsides lead off into a world of adventure amongst the local villages of mud bricked walls. There are numerous walking trails weaving their way through the valley.Trekking in the valley can involve a variety of activities including rock climbing, birdwatching and mountain biking which is especially popular on the roads through the forests of the Toubkal Natural Park.

The ruins of the kasbah Dar Caid Ouiriki the origninal house of the Caid of Ourika across the valley from the souk of Tninede l’Ourika at the entrance of the valley beckon as a first trek among the poplar trees and weeping willows and the lush green fields and farms.

Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley

There are again numerous expeditions that you can enjoy walking from the Kasbah Bab Ourika, which is amongst the best accommodation in the area from short strolls through villages and aromatic gardens to longer hikes taking in forests and rivers.There are numerous expeditions that you can enjoy walking from the Kasbah Bab Ourika, which is the amongst the best accommodation in the area from short strolls through villages and gardens to longer hikes taking in forests, rivers and waterfalls. During the hot summers in Marrakech the valley is an escape to the cooler environs of the Ourika river andthe surrounding hillsides and mountains. The fields and livestock provide a living for their families and the trekker can experience their daily lives walking alongside donkeys and carts, with little children playing in the fields.

To trek and absorb the imposing majesty of the surrounding mountains Setti Fatma 20 kms upthe valley is the gateway to the mountain ranges. There is an important four day moussem festival in August in Setti Fatma which is a very colourful and lively event with its souks selling traditional fare. Passing by the shrine and the waterfalls you can walk out on the stone tracks amongst the mountains of the High Atlas.The summit of Jebel Toubkal(4,167 metres) the highest peak in North Africa towers above the valley.It is possible to trek to Mount Toubkal via Setti Fatma to Timichi and Oumkaimeden, it takes about 5 hours.The more usual appraoch to Jebel Toubkal is via Asni. Othertreks from Setti Fatma include Adrar Meltzen via Tourcht and the Oued Zat region by the Tizi n’Tilst. There are numerous trekking routes but these are quite arduous and trekkers should be fit and accompnied by a guide.These include the Taska n’Zat-Arjout peaks and the Tizi Tzarzit.

The chance to meet the mountain people in their enchanting rural communities adds to the experience which can be experienced during a day trip from Marrakech.

The ski resort of Oukaimeden is the other main tourism location in the Ourika valley. On a good day the views over the plains surrounding Marrakech can be stunning.The resort has a number of ski slopes and hotels.The period for sking is February to April. There are walking trails from Oumkaimeden but these should only be attempted during the summer season because of snowfalls in winter. The three hour trek to Tachddirt is relatively easy. The world of the mountainpeople and their villages is a complete contrast to the life of the cites and villages of the plains.

For More Information on Hiking in the Ourika Valley  

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate
Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Secrets of Morocco’s Ourika Valley, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Ourika Valley Setti Fatma waterfalls

Morocco’s Ourika Valley is one of the most charming places to visit if you’re looking for a one-day excursion from Marrakech to escape the heat or are in need to go for a long hike. The Ourika Valley is located just an hour outside the heart of Marrakech and boasts lush green gardens, several lakes and the famous Setti Fatma Waterfalls.

Ourika is cultivated by palm and fruit trees. The hidden secrets of Morocco’s Ourika Valley are it’s Setti Fatma seven Waterfalls and the local musicians who appear form no where and perform for those visiting while they dine in small auberges or enjoy a picnic lunch by a stream.

Ourika Valley singers woman clapping

The local musicians in the Ourika Valley are Berber and perform collectively together playing ahidus (drumming) and often use a lute as well. The Berber musicians sing and sound of taourirt (a roll of the tong often heard at Moroccan festivities and weddings) as they serenade their guests quietly.

Ourika Valley singers with Hadous drummers

The Setti Fatma Waterfalls are also a favorite weekend resort retreat for many Marrakshis and it is therefore all a livelier place to visit.

The Ourika Valley boasts views of high green terraces that surround the Atlas peaks alongside rock village foothills. In the spring the Ourika Valley has wet meadows and daffodils that grow among other unique flora and fauna.

Ourika Valley wheat machine demonstration

On a journey to the Ourika Valley one must not miss the opportunity to have tea and fresh baked bread with a Berber family. If a full exploration is needed, visitors can even take a local cooking class and visit the traditional Berber families local wheat machines that are used to grind semolina from scratch for bread and couscous.

When visiting the Ourika Valley it is best done by 4×4 as the rocky and hilly roads enable you to explore. There are several ways to get to Ourika from Marrakech however considering a private or group tour is best since taxis tend to not offer Moroccan English speaking driver or guide.

For more information about a Morocco Ourika Valley One-day Tour

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Marrakech Travel Excursion: One Day Ourika Valley Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Marrakech Travel Excursion: One Day Ourika Valley Tour – Your Morocco Travel Guide

A Marrakech Travel Excursion to the Ourika Valley for a one day Ourika Tour is a seemingly relaxing way to spend time outside the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Marrakech is Morocco’s capital of tourism and one of the most exciting Imperial cities to explore within Morocco. Even so, everyone who visits Marrakech for more then a few days may want to consider a Marrakech Travel Excursion to a slower placed seaside port or Moroccan nature tour where you can hire a driver whisk you a way for the day and return you that evening to the red hamra city of Marrakech.

Ourika-Valley- Landscape

Take a day off from the city heat to travel southeast of Marrakech, Morocco and visit the Ourika Valley. The Ourika Valley has a small souk located near a picturesque spiritual Zaouia every Monday. Ourika also boasts local crafts and Berber carpet shopping options with prices that are much less then expensive Marrakech. Let your Travel Exploration Morocco driver lead the way to local shopping options or stay true to the trip and focus on Ourika’s natural surroundings.

Ourika-Valley-Berber-Carpet

The road to Ourika is filled with gardens, palm tree plantations and fruit trees and you will find tiny hamlets, summer homes plus cafes and restaurants. During your one day Ourika Valley Tour you can have a quiet picnic lunch near the Ourika River or in a local Moroccan traditional restaurant with a local Ourika cooking. Options are a Moroccan tajine, couscous, salads and much more.

Ourika-Ouirgane-Valley

After having lunch during a visit to the Ourika Valley one of the best places to continue your journey is to visit Setti Fatma, just a few kilometers from the heart of Ourika which has beautiful streams and waterfalls. Your hiking guide will take you to explore Setti Fatma’s valley’s green terraces, surrounded by Atlas peaks, rocky village foothills and seven waterfalls.

Travel Exploration Morocco offers several Marrakech travel excursions and one-day tours for Moroccan travelers. Here are the Best Marrakech Travel Excursions and one-day tours that we offer:

Safi-By-The-Sea-Ramparts

1. Ourika Valley Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to Ourika Berber Villages, have lunch and see the Setti Fatima Waterfalls and return to Marrakech.

2. Ouzoud Waterfalls Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to the Cascades D’Ouzoud Falls, lunch above the falls or within a Berber tent aside the falls, fresh squeezed orange juice made by locals, a hike around the falls, a swim in the freezing cold and refresh Ouzoud Waterfalls and visit the Berber Village that resides just above the majestic Ouzoud. Then return to Marrakech.

3. Essaouira Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to this sea side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. Enjoy the day walking by the port and visiting Orson Wells Square. Relax by the Atlantic. Then return to Marrakech.

4. Agadir Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to the Agadir Port, a short visit to the Valley of Birds if time allows and a nice long lunch of freshly caught Moroccan seafood. Make sure to keep a lookout for the Argan goats that climb the trees during the spring, summer and fall season to suckle off the Argan nuts which are then turned into Argan Oil, Argan Butter and used to make Argan cosmetics by Berber women. Then, return to Marrakech.

5. Safi Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to Safi, the pottery capital or Morocco, where guests can enjoy a variety of pottery traditions, shop, have lunch by the sea and visit some of the unique Moroccan artist galleries who showcase their pottery and paintings. This is a laid back one-day excursion with roadside views to the quiet and less traveled town of Safi, pronounced “Asfi” by Moroccans. Then, return to Marrakech.

Safi-Pottery-Man

6. High Atlas Tichka Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to the Sahara city of Ouarzazate, also referred to as the “Door to the Sahara Desert.” Travel Ouarzazate’s Ancient Kasbahs, Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and tour Ouarzazate’s Kasbah Taourirt. Your next stop on this Ouarzazate Travel Excursion is to the Atlas film studios where Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara were all filmed. Then return to Marrakech.

Ait-Benhaddou-Kasbah-Ouarzazate

7. High Atlas Toukbal Tour – A Morocco Travel Excursion to the Berber Village of Imlil, stopping at the Argan Cooperative where you get a personal tasting and be able to watch Argan oil and Argan nut butter made by Berber woman while you are served fresh bread for dipping and Moroccan Mint tea. Have lunch in Imllil and then take a 2-hour hike up Mount Toukbal with a guide. Then return to Marrakech.

High-Atlas-Imlil-Village-Mount-Toukbal

For more information about Ourika Valley Travel Tours

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate.

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Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806  or 1 (917)703-2078  and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today