It’s time to leave crowded Marakech behind and enter the realm of calm and tranquillity of this Day Trip to Berber Villages. This is a full day tour in which you get to discover the enchanting Atlas Mountain rugged terrain complimented by the beauty of the valleys, water falls and the Berber people. At every phase of your trek, you will learn more about the ancient Berber culture and enjoy the impressive landscapes at the same time.
Your Day Trip to Berber Villages begins promptly with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. There is a time when you are able to leave city landscapes andicol visual landscapes and start seeing an olive grove or a piece of field as far as the eye can reach. To make the drive experience more interesting, your guide will feed you with interesting facts about the region’s topography and people.
Before getting into the Ourika Valley, you will visit a women’s Berber argan oil cooperative. Here, the people showcase how they produce the well-known argan oil used in Moroccan food and beauty products. While witnessing their excellent work, you can ask questions, taste the product, or even buy a souvenir from the community. Lastly, this stop is cultural as visitors get a chance to meet the people of the region, as well as full of views for lovers of nature.
Carrying on further into this valley the road hugs the Ourika River and the scenic drive past rich greenery and picture-perfect villages built on the slopes of the hills. When you get to Setti Fadma which is a mountainous village, your guide will take you for a hike to the Setti Fadma waterfalls.
The approximately one hour event leads through steep rocks, lush forests, and cooling streams. Your guide also adds some words on the plants, animals and other attributes of the region which enrich the tour. At the waterfalls, there is an opportunity to freshen up in the spray or take a picture or just watch the view.
Once you are through with the tiring hike, then sit back while moving towards the Sidi Fares valley where the movements are farmlands’ terraced and mud brick houses. This serene region is amazing in the sense that it gives a sneak view of the normal daily lives of the Berber people who live in total par with the busy towns and cities of Morocco.
Drive to a Berber family’s house; you will be embraced and also get an opportunity to eat homemade Berber tagine lunch. The meal is genuine Moroccan cuisine served with natural baked bread and fruits which are special in Morocco. If you decide to grab a bite to eat, you can take your eyes off your plate and feast on the hustle and bustle of rolling mountains and vast valleys which provides an amazing opportunity to bond with nature during a few minutes.
CAFÉ: On arriving at the Oukaimeden altitude of 1,800m, the journey goes on after lunch. Due to its geographical feature, this valley is one of the best places to stop over because of the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery. During winter the mountain range is white from the snow that blankets all the hills making it more beautiful while in summer the vegetation cover makes it a vantage point for a holiday maker to relax.
From here, move to the Asni Valley in which the large apple and olive plantations are clearly visible. If your visit coincide certain days, for example Saturday souk, you will have the opportunity to see new oriental bustles with food and handmade jewelry and clothing. This stop was one of the most colorful and full of interesting and friendly locals I have come across during this trip.
Towards the evening start the lovely journey back to Marrakech. On the way, do not miss the opportunity to take beautiful shots in the photographers ‘golden hour’ of the warm-suffused Atlas mountains. Your guide will guarantee a comfortable and restful ride before expounding on the last key points and providing additional information if needed.
Arrive back in Marrakech around 5:00 PM by which we will drop you at your hotel /riad.
The Berber villages trip is one of the best one day excursions that will give you hint of Morocco’s cultural, natural and friendly beauty. Regardless of whether you are interested in the great outdoors or colorful culture, history, or just need a quiet and pleasant day, this trip is for you.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or if you’d like any changes to be made!
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