HOTELHOTELRESTAURANTfloods can make hiking dangerous and render parts of Ourika Valley inaccessible – in 1995,
winter floods nearly wiped out the village of Oulmes.
AGHBALOU
A red stone mosque and minaret are the signature landmarks of Aghbalou, a village some
47km along the Rte de l’Ourika from Marrakesh. Around town are prime spots to dine along the
rushing river, and rural retreats to sleep in peace away from Setti Fatma crowds.
Sleeping
Auberge le Maquis $
( 0524 48 45 31; www.le-maquis.com, in French; km45 Rte de l’Ourika; s/d half-board
Dh450/840) A warm welcome awaits at this eight-room, family-style getaway and launching
pad/finish line for bikers and trekkers . The local management makes meals feel like dinners
among friends, and there’s a play-yard where kids cut loose. Nonguests can use the pool for
Dh80, and the auberge arranges treks to Yaggour plateau petroglyphs and mule treks for little
ones.
Ourika Garden $$
( 0524 48 44 41; www.ourika-garden.com; km49.5 Rte de l’Ourika, outside Aghbalou; s incl
breakfast Dh660-880, d Dh760-1280; ) A gardener’s dream, with flagstone paths
through aromatic herbs and vegetables leading over footbridges to a stone-walled lodge. Guest
rooms have fireplaces, seating nooks, hewn-wood furnishings, and en-suite bathrooms with
variable hot water (shower early). Breakfasts on the terrace feature High Atlas views, local
honey and olive oil, and there’s wi-fi by the patio bar.
Eating
There are cafes dotting the riverbanks from Aghbalou through Oulmes serving kebabs and
salad (Dh50) or tajines big enough for two (Dh60), with carpets spread out under shady trees
in good weather.
BEFORE YOU GO: IMLIL TO SETTI FATIMA CHECKLIST
» » Map Get the 1:100,000 Oukaïmeden-Toubkal government survey sheet.
» » Guide Setti Fatma has a bureaux des guides ( /fax 0524 42 61 13) .
» » Transport Buses and grands taxis (Dh30) travel between Setti Fatma and Bab er-Rob in Marrakesh (67km).
» » Weather check The Tizi n’Tacheddirt mountain pass closes December through February, and in November and March;
check to ensure it’s open before you begin your trek.Auberge Le Maquis $$
( 0524 48 45 31; www.le-maquis.com, in French; km45 Rte de l’Ourika; meals Dh70-120) If