Ourika - Morocco
A quaint mountain town built around an ever freezing river. It is the perfect getaway from the bustle of Marrakech and an easy place to explore the Atlas Mountains. Among other things, it is a carpet lovers dream location.
Okay, so how do I get there?
It’s pretty simple really, from Marrakech you go to the Sidi Mimoun taxi station and ask anyone in an orange vest for the Ourika taxi. The cost will be around 20 dh a place. There are 6 places in grand taxis, so if you would like to just hire the taxi, it would cost around 120 dh (this may be a better option because they will drop you wherever you’d like, instead of just the standard taxi station). On the way back, you can ask someone where ever you are to assist you with getting a taxi, they will gladly help.
I personally, love the convenience of having a car when I travel. I like to be able to be able to stop whenever I damn well please, so renting a car is essential for me. Keep in mind though driving here is no joke. If you feel brave enough to drive on your own then we recommend searching for your perfect rental here!
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of taxis and don’t feel comfortable driving on your own. Message us, and we will help you arrange a private driver. The cost for this trip is around 800 dh.
When is best to go?
We suggest going from March to October. Ourika is pretty high in the mountains, so it is an ideal summer location (it’s usually 10 degrees cooler than Marrakech), but gets brutally cold during winter. Additionally, the roads become quite dangerous if there is snow. However, if skiing is your thing, then you can pass through Ourika on your way to Oukaimeden, Morocco’s premier ski destination.
I’m going to get hungry, what should I eat?
You have two types of food options in Ourika. The first is one of the many restaurants that line the river. They all have a pretty standard menu of tagines (chicken, beef, and vegetarian), salads, and sides. The view from these places is wonderful, and if buying while you eat is your thing, you will love these restaurants. Locals will walk around and offer you different local wears including necklaces, carpets, walnuts, cherries, etc. depending on the time of year. If you would like a quiet and bit more private lunch, or something just a bit less rustic, you have to try out Ourkia Garden. The river restaurants are the cheaper option here and the portions are super filling. At Ourika Garden, you get a choice of one starter, entree, and a desert for only 150 DH, so around $15 USD.
Riverside restaurant
Ourika Garden restaurant
I’m full now, what should I do?
Shop and explore! There are so many pretty things to see in Ourika, both natural and man made. Are you the outdoor and hiking type? This is the place for you, you can rent bikes alongside the road and trails through the mountains are abundant. If you aren’t looking for a physical experience, no worries! You could get lost for days just absorbing the culture of this place. I suggest you start at Chez Mohammed. I have traveled all over Morocco and I have never seen a collection on par with this place. They have an insanely large textile collection and their Moroccan artifacts are truly unmatched. Keep in mind though, Chez Mohammed is more expensive than most places in Ourika, when it comes to actually buying things.
Another place you should make sure to see while you are in the area is Anima Garden. It is so much more than a garden and will whisk you away to another world. They are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and sell tickets online for 120 dh and 60 dh for local residents. The best part is, they provide a free shuttle service from Marrakech and have a wonderful cafe onsite.
I’ve got money burning a hole in my pocket. What can I get here, that I can’t get anywhere else?
Ourika is known for its carpets, I personally try and buy a lot of my carpets here, as opposed to the bigger cities, like Marrakech. It’s always better to get things from the source, for both you and the maker! That being said, you have to stop into this small carpet shop! They have carpets starting at 800 dh, and the quality it superb! They don’t even really have a shop name, but its located on the right hand side, before you really get into the mountains. I’m giving you a shot of the store front and the area across the street, I’ll provide a google map location soon.
Also, right next to this shop is a small shop that sells gorgeous wooden and woven stools and chairs.
Whew, that was a long day. Where should I stay tonight?
You’re in lucky, there are some breathtaking options in Ourika. These are some of the places we suggest (you can click on both the names and photos to book your stay today!)
MID-RANGE
Le Beau Site Ourika
LUXURY
Le Douar Berbere
Why we love it: I mean, what’s not to love, honestly. The location and view are exceptional, the rooms are tastefully decorated, and the food is fresh and delicious. True luxury, for around $150 USD a night.
Why we love it: This one isn’t located directly inside of Ourika, instead it is on the Marrakech side when you are headed it. In fact, it is located just across the street from the magical Anima Garden, mentioned above. Also, this place is built like apartments, so each room is actually an apartment and all for $75 USD. There is also a wonderful restaurant and beautiful pool on site.
If these didn’t speak to you, no worries! Check out your other options here.
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Still have a question about Ourika?
Ask me anything in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you! And FYI! I receive commission if you decide to purchase or book through any of the links above, however I have not received money or perks for listing them. I list because I LOVE, and I hope you do too!