Valleys & Waterfalls
Setti Fatma Seven Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech
Scramble to the seven cascades at the head of the Ourika Valley.
- Duration
- Full day (8–9 hours)
- Price
- From 25 EUR / 270 MAD
- Group size
- Private or small group (2–14)
- Difficulty
- Moderate — a rocky scramble to the upper falls
Reply within 2 hours · Private or shared · Pay after we confirm your spot
Overview
Setti Fatma sits at the very top of the Ourika Valley, where the road runs out and the mountains close in. Its claim to fame is the seven waterfalls — a chain of cascades and pools climbing the rocky slope above the village. Reaching the first is a fun scramble anyone reasonably active can manage; pushing on to the higher, quieter falls turns the day into a proper little mountain adventure.
From the village you cross the river (on stepping stones or a small bridge) and start up the rocks. The first waterfall is a 20–30 minute climb over boulders — steep in places but short, with a café perched beside the cascade at the top. Most day-trippers stop here for the photo and a mint tea.
Beyond the first fall the path grows steeper, rougher and much quieter, threading up to the higher cascades over the course of an hour or two. A local guide is genuinely useful — the route is not always obvious and the rocks can be slick — and they wait at the trailhead for a small fee.
The setting is glorious: cold snow-melt water, shady pools and the green valley falling away below. It stays cool here even when Marrakech swelters, which makes it a favourite summer escape. After the walk, lunch at a riverside café with tables in the shallows is the perfect reward.
Highlights
- Seven waterfalls stepping up the mountainside above Setti Fatma village
- A guided rock scramble past pools and cascades
- Riverside cafés and craft stalls at the trailhead
- The green head of the Ourika Valley, cool even in summer
Your day, hour by hour
A typical trip runs about Full day (8–9 hours). Timings flex with the season, traffic and whether you go private or shared — here is the usual shape of the day:
- 8:00
Pickup & drive
Leave Marrakech and follow the Ourika river all the way to Setti Fatma.
- 9:45
Arrive Setti Fatma
Meet a local waterfall guide at the trailhead; cross the river to start.
- 10:00
Climb to the first fall
Scramble up the boulders to the first cascade and its café terrace.
- 11:00
Higher falls (optional)
Continue toward the quieter upper waterfalls, or relax by the pools.
- 13:00
Riverside lunch
Descend for lunch at a café with tables in the river shallows.
- 14:30
Village & stalls
Browse the craft stalls and enjoy the cool valley air.
- 16:00
Return to Marrakech
Drive back down the valley, arriving early evening.
What's included & what's not
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Bottled water
Not included
- Local waterfall guide (small fee at the trailhead, recommended)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips and shopping
What to bring
- Trainers or hiking shoes with good grip (the rocks are wet and slippery)
- A small daypack and water
- Sun protection and a light layer
- Cash for the guide, lunch and stalls
- A dry pair of socks — feet often get wet at the crossings
Who this trip suits
- Active travellers who enjoy a scramble
- Nature lovers and photographers
- Groups wanting a cool summer escape with a goal
- Anyone pairing a hike with a riverside lunch
Maybe not for you if: Those with limited mobility or a fear of uneven, slippery rock — enjoy the lower valley instead.
Frequently asked questions
How many waterfalls are there at Setti Fatma?
Seven, stepping up the mountainside above the village. Most visitors reach the first, which is a 20–30 minute scramble; the higher six are progressively steeper, quieter and reached over one to two hours with a guide.
Do I need a guide for the Setti Fatma waterfalls?
For the first fall, not strictly, but a local guide is well worth the small fee — the route over the boulders is not always obvious and the wet rock is slippery. For the upper falls a guide is strongly recommended.
Is the Setti Fatma hike safe?
In normal conditions yes, with sensible footwear and care on the rocks. Avoid the walk during or after heavy rain, when the river can flood dangerously and quickly — your driver-guide will advise if conditions are poor.
When are the waterfalls at their best?
Spring (March to June), when snow-melt keeps the cascades full and the valley green. By late summer the flow drops. Always check the weather, as storms upstream can cause sudden, hazardous flash floods.