Your driver will pick you up from your riad at 8:30 AM to start your day trip to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech. This excursion is designed to take you away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to the serene, cooler air of the High Atlas Mountains. This unforgettable experience offers a glimpse into Berber life, which contrasts sharply with the city, providing a true taste of Morocco.

The journey begins with a stop at the Berber village of Tahanaout, about 35 km from Marrakech. This village, like many others in Morocco, has a rich Jewish heritage. Next, you will visit the village and mausoleum of Moulay Brahim, a revered Moroccan Sufi saint who died in 1661. Here, a local Berber family will demonstrate traditional hammam baths and bread ovens.

Upon reaching the Toubkal National Park, you arrive in Asni, a small Berber town known for its permanent and weekly souks. From Asni, you continue to the Ourika Valley, bordered by gardens, fruit trees, small villages, summer houses, cafes, and restaurants. The Oued Ourika River flows down from the High Atlas, passing through villages such as Asguine, Aghbalou, and Setti Fatma, home to painted frogs, the Moorish gecko, crimson-winged finches, poplar trees, and weeping willows.

This part of the High Atlas is ideal for hiking, which can be organized with a local Berber guide. Such a hike allows you to explore the diverse mountain vegetation and enjoy the tranquility of Berber life.

On your way back to Marrakech, you can visit two fascinating places (time permitting). First is the Saffron Garden, known as Paradis du Safran, which includes saffron cultivation and an orchard of olive trees, lemons, oranges, kumquats, pomegranates, and various aromatic and medicinal herbs. A guided tour here provides an explanation of saffron cultivation. The garden is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The entrance fee is 100 dirhams and includes a tour, saffron tea, mineral water, and a barefoot Kneipp walk.

Next, you reach the Anima Garden, designed by Andre Heller over ten years. This enchanting garden is described as one of the most beautiful and imaginative gardens in the world. It is a magical place of sensuality, wonder, contemplation, healing, and inspiration. Visitors stroll along shady paths amidst lush trees and plants, blossoms, pavilions, and water features, with breathtaking views of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, including Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

The entrance fee for Anima Garden is about 100 dirhams per person, 50 dirhams for Moroccans, and free for children under 12. You return to Marrakech around 3:00 PM, marking the end of your day trip to the High Atlas Mountains.