South of Marrakesh Ourika Valley

The shadow of Jebel Toubkal temperature cools and the view of the snow-capped High Atlas forget the stress of city life of Marrakech. Like a carpet of green, a patchwork of fields takes place towards Marrakech, offering places to camp, picnic or just relaxing. The valley is particularly attractive from February to April, when it is covered with wild flowers and blooming orchards of almond and cherry trees.

Among the popular destinations of tourists in Marrakech riads are the ski resort of Oukaïmeden (high season from November to March), and the village of Setti Fatma cascades to the east and terraced village of Imlil, suspended the edge of a ravine at the foot of Jebel Toubkal. The region is full of hidden valleys, villages clinging to cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, trays and moon torrents, to discover while hiking. Managed by a local NGO, the Tourist Information Centre of Ourika, in the village of Tnine 33 km from Marrakech, will inform you and give you a map of the main sites of the valley. If you are hiking in the winter, know that the valley is prone to flash floods, in 1995, a particularly devastating flooding has caused hundreds of victimes.Lors your stay in Morocco, if you go through a Tnine Monday, be sure not the weekly market, along the High Street. Another interesting stop Tnine, Botanical Garden Organic Nectarome is indicated on the left near the main road before the bridge. The Franco-Moroccan cosmetics and natural skincare remedies combines traditional steam and aromatherapy modern Berber. A bath and a foot massage with essential oils (from 100 to 200 Dh) are a delight after a long walk.

At 8 km from Tnine towards Setti Fatma, cross the bridge over the river to discover Timalizene, a wild herb garden with mountain views and a guesthouse. The hotel organizes excursions and visits to botanical Berber villages.