Setti Fatma Village, Atlas Mountains

Village in High Atlas Mountains (Western)

Setti Fatma
CC BY-SA 3.0 / michiel1972

At the end of the tarred road in the Ourika Valley is the village of Setti Fatma, which was rebuilt after devastating floods in 1995 and now has a mix of modern concrete housing blocks and traditional homes. Despite the development, the village’s setting among grassy terraces, walnut groves, and mountain peaks is still beautiful and makes it a good starting point for treks to Jebel Toubkal and the surrounding area. The moussem of Setti Fatma, one of the most important festivals in Morocco, takes place over four days every August.

What to see in Setti Fatma Village

A 30-minute scramble up the rocky foothills above Setti Fatma leads to a series of waterfalls (called cascades by the locals) with cafes nearby. The lower falls are easy to access, but the higher ones may be more challenging. Guides are available to take visitors to the higher falls. Ignore the numerous faux guides and book the official guides instead which have their office on the main street.

How to get to Setti Fatma Village

Drive south on road P2017 and continue straight at the Oukaimeden exit near Aghbalou. Setti Fatma is located at the end of the road just after Asgaour. Ignore everyone that tries to show you where to park and settle for a spot along the river.

When to visit Setti Fatma Village

Setti Fatma is a beautiful place to visit in early March when the cherry and almond trees are in full bloom. If you prefer to visit during the summer, the town hosts a four-day moussem in August which includes a fair and market at the koubba of Setti Fatma. However, the town can be very crowded and lively during this time. If you are looking for a more peaceful experience, you might consider visiting the neighboring valleys of Zat and Ouirgane instead.

Treks from Setti Fatma

The Ourika Valley cuts into the High Atlas Mountains, which are visible as soon as you leave Marrakesh. The town of Setti Fatma is located in this valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Toubkal mountain range, which is popular for trekking and climbing. There are several routes to Toubkal from Setti Fatma, including a trek through Timichi and Oukaïmeden or a more challenging route directly from Timichi to Tachddirt. Other adventurous treks from Setti Fatma include the Djebel Yagour, with its many prehistoric rock carvings, Adrar Meltzen via Tourcht, and the secluded Oued Zat region reached by the Tizi n’Tilst. These treks require proper equipment, supplies, and planning, and it is advisable to enlist the help of a guide from Imlil for the more challenging options.

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Visiting Setti Fatma Village, Atlas Mountains

Duration: 20 minutes

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