Ourika Valley
- About 1 hour to 1 hour 30 by road from Marrakech
- River, footbridges, gardens and workshops that children enjoy
- First waterfall: 30 minutes of steep, rocky walking, not for pushchairs
- Private vehicle priced per vehicle: a family of four pays 30 EUR each
Families write to us every week with the same worry: is it too much for the children? Here is what we have learned from the families we drive, with an honest word on what to skip.
What do children enjoy in the Ourika Valley?
- The river at Setti Fatma. Restaurant tables stand right beside the water, and the footbridges are an attraction in themselves. See our Setti Fatma guide.
- The first waterfall, for children who walk well. It is a real scramble of about 30 minutes, and reaching the fall feels like an achievement. Our waterfalls guide describes the path.
- A women's argan cooperative. Children watch the kernels being cracked and ground by hand, and usually get to taste the oil with bread. See the argan cooperative guide.
- The pottery workshop. Each child shapes a piece on the wheel with the potter and takes it home: 30 EUR per person. Details on our pottery page.
- A camel ride, which can be added to the day.
- The gardens. Anima Garden and the bio-aromatic garden are flat, shaded and calm, a good choice with very young children.
- Cooking with a family. In our cooking class, children help make bread and tagine in a village home.
What should you skip with little ones?
The higher waterfalls. Most visitors stop at the first fall anyway, and beyond it the path gets steeper. Skip the pools under the falls too: the water is very cold and the rocks are slippery. On a weekend in summer Setti Fatma is crowded, so a weekday morning is far easier with children.
How do you keep the day safe?
- Hold hands on the rocks and the footbridges.
- Paddling only at the edge of the river, beside an adult.
- Shoes with a real grip for everyone, not sandals.
- Leave the riverbed if the water changes colour or rises. Our page on the weather in the Ourika Valley explains the storm risk and shows the forecast.
- In summer, do the walk in the morning and keep the afternoon for lunch in the shade.
How do you organise the day with a private vehicle?
Our private day trip is priced per vehicle: 120 EUR for 1 to 7 people, driver included, so a family of four pays 30 EUR each. You choose the time of departure with us, stop when someone needs a break, and come back when the children have had enough. Lunch by the river is an option at 20 EUR per person, and a local guide for the waterfalls walk costs 40 EUR per group: with children we recommend it, because the guide knows where to put small feet.
If a whole day is too long, the half day leaves at 7:00 am and is back around noon.
What should you pack for children?
- Closed shoes with a grip, and a spare pair of socks
- A warm layer, because the valley is cooler than Marrakech
- Hat and sunscreen
- A change of clothes for anyone who gets wet
- Water and a snack for the drive
- Cash for drinks and small purchases
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ourika Valley suitable for young children?
Yes, as long as you plan the day around them. The river, the footbridges, the gardens and the workshops work at any age. The walk to the first waterfall is steep and rocky, with places where hands are needed, so it is for children who walk confidently. With little ones, stay by the river at Setti Fatma or choose a garden instead.
Can you take a pushchair to the Setti Fatma waterfalls?
No. The path is rocky and steep from the first minutes. A pushchair is fine in the gardens, such as Anima, and at the riverside restaurants. For the waterfalls, small children need to be carried.
Is the water safe for children to play in?
The river is cold and moves fast, even where it looks shallow. Let children paddle only at the edge, beside you, and keep them out of the pools under the falls. Leave the riverbed at once if the water turns muddy or starts to rise, which can happen after a storm higher up.
Do you provide child seats?
A child seat is available on request. Tell us the ages of the children when you book, so the right seat is in the vehicle on the day.
How long should a family plan for the Ourika Valley?
A full day is comfortable with stops. If your children nap or tire quickly, our half day leaves Marrakech at 7:00 am and is back around noon, before the heat of the afternoon.
