Ourika Valley and Imlil: the Atlas Mountains by car from Marrakech

Looking for fresh air and mountains? About an hour from Marrakech, the High Atlas offers stunning scenery: rivers, terraced Berber villages and snowy peaks in winter. Two classic drives: the Ourika Valley and the village of Imlil.

Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma

• Distance: about 65 km to Setti Fatma, 1h15 to 1h30 of driving.
• Highlights: the road follows the river, lined with small restaurants by the water.
• Setti Fatma waterfalls: a 1–2 hour hike (rocks, some easy scrambling) leads to the first falls. Good shoes are a must.
• On the way: gardens, argan and herb cooperatives, and the Tnine Ourika souk on Mondays.

Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal

• Distance: about 65 km via Asni, around 1h30.
• Highlights: the starting point for treks to Mount Toubkal (4,167 m), North Africa's highest peak.
• Easy walk: hike up to Aroumd village in about 45 minutes, or enjoy lunch on a terrace facing the peaks.

Driving in the Atlas: our tips

• Roads are paved but winding: drive slowly and use a light horn before blind bends.
• Watch out for pedestrians, donkeys and minibuses in villages.
• In winter the Imlil road can be snowy: check conditions before leaving.
• Fill up in Marrakech or Tahnaout.
• Leave early at weekends: Ourika gets busy.

Which car to choose?

• A compact is fine in summer: Dacia Sandero Stepway, Renault Clio 5.
• For ground clearance and comfort: Dacia Duster or Hyundai Tucson.
• For groups: Dacia Jogger or Skoda Kodiaq.

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