Temperatures are cooler in the shadow of snowcapped High
Atlas peaks, and this blooming valley a little over 50km
south of Marrakesh is the city’s escape hatch from the
soaring summer heat.
The valley is especially mood-altering from February to April,
when almond and cherry orchards bloom manically
and wildowers run riot.
Sadly Ourika’s beauty and easy accessibility have lead to
signicant development, which now threatens to mar its
mountain-valley vibe. At Oulmes, makeshift cafes and BBQ
joints line the riverside strung together by imsy rope
bridges that allow day-trippers to cross the river,
while at the end of the valley sits the summer resort and
well-worn trekking base of Setti Fatma.