Why head for the Ourika

When the heat rises in Marrakech, the peaks of the High Atlas appear south of the city. The Ourika Valley is the easiest escape: a road that leaves the Haouz plain, passes terraced Berber villages, then follows a river lined with walnut trees and small cafés set right by the water. By car, allow about an hour to reach the upper valley, depending on traffic and photo stops.

The advantage of your own vehicle comes down to one word: freedom. You leave early, before the groups, stop wherever the light is good, and head back when you decide, with no fixed schedule.

The road, step by step

Once out of Marrakech, the road runs straight through olive groves before reaching the first foothills. The bends stay gentle up to the mouth of the valley, then the road narrows and follows the river. The village of Setti Fatma traditionally marks the end of the paved road; from there, trails lead to the waterfalls, on foot and ideally in good shoes.

Along the way, village markets, cooperatives and mud-brick houses make for plenty of stops. Drive calmly: pedestrians, donkeys and minibuses share the road, especially at weekends.

Going further into the High Atlas

If you have several days, the Ourika is only the beginning. Other High Atlas valleys can be reached from Marrakech, such as the one leading to Imlil, the starting point for hikes towards Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Further east, the Tizi n'Tichka pass road crosses the mountains towards Ouarzazate: a spectacular day of driving that deserves plenty of time.

In the mountains, the weather changes quickly. In winter, snow can reach the higher ground; check road conditions before setting off and always keep the tank full.

Which car to choose

On roads that climb and wind, an SUV brings comfort and a higher view. All our cars are automatic with unlimited mileage, and most can be collected at Marrakech airport:

  • Porsche Macan: from 1400 MAD/day (30 days or more), 2000 MAD/day base rate.
  • Maserati Levante: from 1500 MAD/day (30 days or more), 2300 MAD/day base rate.
  • Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: 1300 MAD/day.
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport: from 2000 MAD/day (15 days or more), 3000 MAD/day base rate.

The minimum rental period is 3 days and the deposit is 30000 MAD for these models. Cars are rented without a driver; a driver can be offered on request, subject to availability.

Book

To plan your getaway to the Ourika and the High Atlas, book via WhatsApp on +212 646 618 020 or directly on loccor.com, from the page of the car you like.