How Much Does Day Trip to Ourika Valley Cost
How much does day trip to Ourika Valley cost?
The term Ourika Valley is often cited as the easiest escape from Marrakech: one hour and the valleys are suddenly surrounded by flowing rivers, terraced green fields, Berber villages, and a whiff of tagine cooking over wood fires. One of the most queried questions are the How Much Does a Day Trip to the Ourika Valley Cost? Traveling for planning a Marrakech itinerary.
Having been a Marrakech resident, I have visited Ourika Valley more times than I can count. DIY shared taxi trips, guided tours including lunch and waterfall walks are all in my repertoire, each differing drastically in cost range. So, whether cheap for a backpacker or lovely for a traveler, this post will lay it all out.
This guide will provide a thorough breakdown of costs based on first experiences so that you can pick the least expensive options without hidden costs and with confidence. I will then add links to the finest guided tours of Ourika Valley should you wish to pick the easy “all-in-one” option.
What Does a Typical Day Trip to the Ourika Valley Include?
Normally, a day-trip to Ourika Valley includes:
- Transportation to and from Marrakech.
- One of the local guides (for waterfall hikes especially).
- Visit to a Berber village or women’s argan oil cooperative.
- Lunch at a restaurant on the riverside.
- Hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls
Depending on how you manage the organization of the moment in nature—DIY, private tour, or group excursion—the price could really vary.
Budget Breakdown: Different Ways to Visit and What They Cost
Let’s look at all the main options for getting to the Ourika Valley and what you can expect to pay.
1. Guided Group Tours from Marrakech
Cost: €25–€45 per person
These are very popular and convenient options for a traveler who wants to take a full-day trip without all the hassle of arranging transport, guides, or even a restaurant. These tours come with hotel pickup and a visit to the Berber home, a guided hike at the waterfalls, and lunch.
We did this guided tour to Ourika Valley with some visiting friends, and it was absolutely great for €30. The guide was great with English, we had enough time to enjoy the waterfalls, and the Berber family gave us fresh bread from their clay oven.
TIP: Book in advance if visiting in spring or summer, as tours sell out quickly. Book online here.
2. Private Tour with Driver
Cost: From €90–€150 depending on the vehicle (between 1 and 4 persons)
If you are two persons or a small group this was actually a very wise and comfortable option-the entire schedule will be up to you and the driver would willingly do some scenic stops.
When my parents came into Marrakech for a visit, we arranged a private day trip to Ourika Valley through a local driver.
For €120, a spacious car with AC was all we needed for a polite and knowledgeable driver, with the option to skip tourist stops and dine in a quiet riverside restaurant.
You can book these tours via your riad or in advance via GetYourGuide or other online platforms.
3. Do It Yourself: Via Shared Grand Taxi
Cost: €5–€10 per person all the way
It is the cheapest option, with the caveat that you must be pretty handy at wrangling local transport. Shared grand taxis depart from Sidi Mimoun or Bab Doukkala in Marrakech, heading towards Setti Fatma. They will not leave unless they are full (6 passengers), and you may have to change taxis in Tnine Ourika.
Last time I went, it was 100 MAD for the whole round trip (about €9). Your lunch and the local guide for hiking the waterfalls will need to be paid for separately—at about €10–€15.
Downside: The journey is longer, with little flexibility. But this option is a solid choice for anyone on a tight budget craving adventure.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Even with transport being the most expensive leg of the trip, a few extras may push up your total expenditure:
1. Lunch by the River
Cost: €8–€15 per person
There are just so many riverside cafes and restaurants that serve classic Moroccan dishes, including tajine, couscous, and grills. Most set menus cost anywhere from 80 to 150 MAD. We usually pay approximately 120 MAD (€11) for a tagine, salad, and drink.
Feel free to take some bar snacks to keep the budget down, but really: a slow lunch riverside is one of the best memories to cherish.
2. Local Guide for Hiking
Price: 10 to 20 euros per group
If you decide not to go on a tour and try to hike all the way to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, it is heavily recommended that you hire a local guide, especially if this is your first time. The trail can be slippery, and guides will show you away from crowded or unstable areas.
No need to pre-book, as in most cases, there will be guides waiting at the entrance to the trail.
3. Looking for Souvenirs or Visiting Cooperatives
These are optionals but budget around €5–20.
Many tours stop at women argan oil cooperatives, so you can see the traditional production of argan. No pressure to buy, mind you; the products are of high quality, and buying from them is a way to support local families. I normally buy a small bottle of argan oil (about €6) as a present or to keep myself.
Is Booking a Guided Day Trip Worth It?
Short answer? Yes, especially the first time around.
The guided day trip to the Ourika Valley takes away all the stress of haggling with taxi drivers, getting lost, and trying to coordinate everything yourself. You get to savor the moment instead of endlessly checking Google Maps or bargaining about prices.
Most tours cost under €40 per person, which is a big steal for a full day of transportation, guiding, lunch, and cultural immersion.
Final Thoughts: How Much to Budget for Your Ourika Valley Day Trip
To sum it up, here’s a quick recap of what a typical day trip to the Ourika Valley will cost, depending on how you choose to visit.
Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or as a family, the Ourika Valley is one of the best-value day trips from Marrakech. It offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation—all without breaking the bank.
