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Al Haouz Province is one of Morocco’s richest tourist regions in terms of natural diversity, offering spectacular mountain landscapes, valleys, Amazigh villages and remarkable historical and cultural sites.

Based on several field visits, Ourika remains one of the leading tourist destinations in the province. The Ourika Valley stretches for around 30 kilometres, starting from Timaliyzen and passing through Aghbalou, Douar Akri, Oulmas and several other stops before reaching Setti Fatma.

The valley is particularly renowned for its waterfalls, mountain villages and numerous restaurants and cafés along the riverbanks, as well as for its close proximity to Marrakech.

1. Ourika… An Unmissable Tourist Destination

Ourika brings together mountains, water, nature and rural life, making it a destination that attracts both Moroccan and international visitors throughout the year.

The area offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, discover Amazigh villages, taste traditional local cuisine and explore mountain trails leading to spectacular natural sites.

Some routes can also take visitors towards the Chamharouch area and, from there, towards Lake Ifni, a remarkable natural site that continues to fascinate visitors and attract those seeking adventure and discovery.

2. Imlil… The Gateway to Mount Toubkal

The region of Imlil ranks among the most important mountain destinations in Al Haouz Province. It is also one of the main starting points for visitors wishing to explore the High Atlas and Mount Toubkal, which rises to 4,167 metres above sea level, making it the highest peak in North Africa.

Imlil is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, natural hiking trails, Amazigh villages, terraced fields and waterfalls.

These trails provide access to Mount Toubkal and other remarkable mountain sites, generally with the assistance of a professional mountain guide.

The experience offered by Imlil is completely different from that of the tourist destinations located closer to Marrakech.

For more information, read our dedicated article:

Imlil: The Gateway to the High Atlas and Mount Toubkal

3. Tighdouine and the Zat Valley… Another Side of Al Haouz

Tighdouine is one of the areas that deserves greater recognition, particularly because the region stretches for more than 26 kilometres towards the Ansa Zat and Isteff areas.

It is especially appealing to travellers looking for peaceful landscapes and less-explored destinations away from the better-known tourist routes.

The region includes the Zat Valley, surrounding mountains and a variety of natural landscapes, as well as sites of considerable historical and cultural value, including the Yagour area and rock engravings located on the opposite bank.

Another site that has recently begun attracting increasing numbers of visitors is Aïn Sidi El Wafi. People from different parts of Morocco come to discover the spring and its waters, which some visitors associate with traditional beliefs concerning digestive health.

Aïn Sidi El Wafi is a good example of the many natural resources in Al Haouz that still deserve greater recognition and sustainable tourism development.

Read the full article:

Aïn Sidi El Wafi in Tighdouine: A Spring in the Heart of the High Atlas

4. Oukaïmeden… The Mountains at Their Finest

Oukaïmeden is one of Morocco’s best-known mountain and winter destinations for skiing. It holds an important position on the national tourism map and is considered, after Michlifen, one of the country’s major winter sports resorts.

Its importance becomes particularly evident during winter, when snow covers the surrounding mountains and transforms the landscape into a spectacular natural setting.

The area also offers significant natural and cultural assets, making it attractive to mountain enthusiasts, photographers and travellers looking for authentic experiences.

For more information:

Oukaïmeden: An Amazigh Pastoral Tradition

5. Lalla Takerkoust… Where Water Meets the Mountains

Lalla Takerkoust Lake and Dam are among the remarkable natural attractions surrounding Al Haouz. Here, the waters of the lake blend beautifully with the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Located approximately 32 kilometres from Marrakech, on the road towards Amizmiz, a town administratively part of Al Haouz Province, the area is an attractive destination for day trips, relaxation and photography.

The surrounding countryside is also characterised by diverse agricultural activity. The region is particularly known for its pomegranate orchards, which are irrigated with water from the dam, especially during the summer months.

6. Ouirgane and the High Atlas Landscapes

Ouirgane and its surrounding mountain areas offer visitors another expression of Al Haouz’s natural beauty, far from the region’s busiest tourist destinations.

The area is characterised by valleys, mountains, villages and rural landscapes, making it particularly suitable for travellers seeking tranquillity, authenticity and relatively unspoilt nature.

7. Aghmat… Where Tourism Meets History

The appeal of Al Haouz extends far beyond mountains and natural landscapes. Aghmat offers an important historical and cultural dimension.

A visit to this ancient city provides an opportunity to explore important chapters of Morocco’s history and its connections with Al-Andalus, while discovering the historical monuments and archaeological sites that reflect the richness of the region’s past.

In the coming editions of our guide, we will gradually explore each of these destinations in greater detail.

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Al Haouz… Much More Than a Tourist Destination

What makes Al Haouz truly special is that every part of the province offers a different experience:

Ourika, for water, nature and mountain life.

Imlil, for adventure and mountain exploration.

Tighdouine, for discovering nature and hidden places.

Oukaïmeden, for high-altitude landscapes and snow.

Aghmat, for history and heritage.

Lalla Takerkoust, for the lake and surrounding landscapes.

And perhaps most importantly, many other places remain far from the spotlight, waiting to be discovered, documented and introduced to travellers.

This is precisely where “Ourika Tourist Guide” plays its role: introducing visitors to places that are genuinely worth discovering, based on field visits, authentic photography and first-hand experiences shared by local residents and visitors themselves.

Through this initiative, Ourika Press aims to contribute to promoting the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Al Haouz and to presenting a different image of the region—one built on authentic experiences, local knowledge and direct exploration.