We started our second day nice and early for our final daytime tour. Our pickup was at 8:00 AM, and we soon left the busy streets of Marrakesh behind.
As the city faded away, the scenery slowly changed into winding roads, red hills, and wide open landscapes, with views of the Atlas Mountains appearing in the distance. While we didn’t stop in the mountains themselves, seeing them from the car was still impressive and offered a glimpse of a completely different side of Morocco.
Our first stop was an Argan oil cooperative run by Berber women, where we watched the traditional process of extracting argan oil by hand. We sampled argan oil, peanut butter, and honey alongside warm herbal tea which was delicious. From there, we were offered samples of their range of beauty products: lotions, lip balms, perfumes, and other argan-based cosmetics. It was a genuine cultural experience and a chance to support a local women-led business.
We then continued towards the Ourika Valley, where lunch was served by the river. Sitting alongside the flowing water, surrounded by nature, felt like a peaceful break from the energy of Marrakesh.
After lunch, we began our guided hike to the Ourika Waterfalls. The trail was gentle and took around 30 minutes, winding upward through the valley. The waterfall itself was pleasant enough, though if we’re honest, it didn’t quite live up to expectations, especially after experiencing the dramatic cascades in Madeira. Still, it was a nice spot to catch our breath and cool down.
The real highlight came on the way back down. The afternoon light brought out the striking red and orange tones of the valley walls, and the views looking back over the landscape were actually more impressive than the waterfall itself. Sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.
Once the hike was finished, we headed back to the van and made our way back to Marrakesh, arriving later in the afternoon.
Was the tour worth it?
To be completely honest, this was the one experience of the trip we felt slightly unsure about. While the valley itself is beautiful, spending almost half a day mainly to reach the waterfall didn’t quite feel worth it for us, especially as we only had a short stay in Marrakesh and still had other places we wanted to explore.
If you have more time, we’d personally suggest adding Essaouira or the Ouzoud Waterfalls to your itinerary instead, as they tend to offer a more rewarding day trip experience.
Our Last Evening in Marrakesh
Once back in the city after 4:00 PM, we returned to the souks for one final wander, getting happily lost in the narrow streets and picking up last-minute souvenirs.
For our final meal, we had dinner at Café Restaurant Dar L’Hssira.
Try to arrive early, as queues can form outside and table reservations didn’t seem to be an option when we visited. The moment you step inside, the décor alone is enough to make you fall in love with the place.
We ordered several dishes, wanting our last night to be a true taste of Moroccan cuisine. It was the perfect way to slow down, reflect on the trip, and enjoy one final evening in Marrakesh before heading home.
As our weekend in Marrakesh came to an end, we left with full hearts, and our phone camera packed with memories. From the lively souks and peaceful riad mornings to desert sunsets and winding valleys, Marrakesh surprised us in ways we didn’t expect.
It’s a city that can feel intense at first, but once you embrace the chaos and slow down, it rewards you with unforgettable moments, incredible flavours, and a culture full of warmth. Even in just a couple of days, Marrakesh gave us a real taste of something completely different.
Would we return? Absolutely. And next time, we’d stay longer!
If you’re planning your own trip, we hope this itinerary helps you feel more prepared and inspired to explore the city with confidence.