What to see and do at Setti Fatma, Morocco
Setti Fatma is a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco
at the starting point of the trail along the Ourika oued (river) in the Atlas Mountains approximately 36 miles south of Marrakech. One of the main attractions in Setti Fatma is the Seven Waterfalls, which can be reached by following a trail along the river. The trail can be challenging in parts, with steep climbs and rocky terrain, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it well worth the effort. There are also several smaller waterfalls in the area that are worth visiting.
We visited here on 4/15/2012 and used a local guide to assist us at the upper end of the trail. The route is easy to follow, but some parts can be quite challenging, involves crossing rickety bridges and scrambling up and over slick rocks. There are seven waterfalls along the way as the river climbs up from 4,500 ft. to over 12,000 ft. An aqueduct follows the river down the mountain to the villages in the valley. In 1995, thousands of people were killed by a flash flood here.
The village is named after a local saint, Sitti Fatma, who is said to have lived in the area many years ago. Legend has it that she was a healer and a spiritual guide for the Berber people who inhabited the area. The village itself is quite small, with a few cafes and shops catering to tourists. It is surrounded by towering peaks and lush green valleys, and visitors can enjoy hiking, trekking, and exploring the local waterfalls.
Overall, Setti Fatma is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a glimpse into traditional Berber life and a chance to experience some of Morocco's most breathtaking natural scenery.
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The village of Setti Fatma
A local guide showing us the way to the trail
An aqueduct follows the river down the mountain.
One of the seven waterfalls at Setti Fatma
Another one of the waterfalls at Setti Fatma
A third waterfall at Setti Fatma
View from the top of one of the waterfalls
A ladder on the trail to the waterfalls
A local artisan carving figurines out of rock.
An orchard terraced on the mountainside
Sheep grazing on the steep slope of the mountain
The road through the valley at Setti Fatma.