Setti Fatma's main claim to fame is the steep and difficult walk to its seven waterfallls. It takes too long to be encompassed on the day trip but there is a guide waiting to take people up to the first waterfall from which others can be seen.
Since I wasn't up to this physically, I'm afraid the photos are taken near the bottom of the walk and in the village.
Written Nov 26, 2007
Address: From the end of the car road.
The village of Setti Fatma lies at the end of the road up Ourika Valley. The end of the road also marks the beginning of a scenic hiking trail leading to a grand waterfall. Hence, the town is a big tourist stop and a miniature industry developed around the influx of tourists. There are several shops that sell artefacts and a couple of cafés for a quick lunch. There is also a hotel for those spending a night. The village is extremely scenic with snow-capped mountains and steep cliffs surrounding it.
Updated Dec 13, 2006
There are several Berber rug weavers in Vallée d'Ourika on the way to Setti Fatma. It is worth stopping by to see the weaving in process and possibly to purchase a rug. The sellers are very welcoming and will offer you tea with mint! You may be able to barter better than in Marrakech.
Updated Dec 13, 2006
Although normally residents of the Sahara, a few camels appear to have made it to greener pastures. These colourfully adorned camels were spotted in the heart of Ourika Valley. I had to give the owners a tip for taking the photos.
Written Dec 13, 2006
Numerous hilltop Berber villages are located along the way to Setti Fatma in Vallée d'Ourika. Some of those villages have weekly markets that may be worth exploring. In one case, a village is called "Monday" in Arabic, after the weekly souk (market) which takes place every Monday. You may decide to plan a trip to the valley around those markets. If not then stop on the way for some great pictures.
Written Dec 13, 2006
Half way on the road through Vallée d'Ourika is an old Berber Jewish sanctuary and synagogue. Berber Jews have lived in this area since ancient times.
Written Dec 13, 2006
Many markets for Moroccan arts & crafts are stationed along the road from Marrakech to Setti Fatma through Vallée d'Ourika. In Setti Fatma, the village at the end of the road, there are numerous shops as well.
Written Dec 13, 2006
An interesting sight to see while driving through Ourika Valley is how Berber women wash their laundry. They utilise water running through a stream in the bottom of the valley. How spoilt I feel for having running water and access to a washing machine and drier...
Updated Mar 19, 2007
Oukaïmeden is a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains. It is located about an hour south of Marrakech off the road through Vallée d'Ourika. The short skiing season is generally in January and February. While I did not have the opportunity to ski the mountain, the idea of skiing in Africa seems fascinating to me.
Written Dec 13, 2006
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