Scenic Refuges: The Beauty of Oukaïmeden and Villages on the Outskirts of Marrakech

Marrakech, as a global tourist destination, needs no definition or presentation. It attracts people from all over the world who want to see the many beautiful tourist attractions and sites around the city, especially the wonderful Jemaah al Fna square, which brings together millions of people from different cultures, civilizations, and origins every year.

However, Marrakech also has great appeal by virtue of being surrounded by beautiful towns and villages, where life becomes simple, natural and joyful. Outside of Marrakech lie the villages of Oukaïmeden, Cité Fadma, Ourika, and Moulay Brahim, which attract numerous visitors from abroad and from other Moroccan cities.

To start with, Oukaïmeden is a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains to the south east of Marrakech, at an altitude of between 2,600 and 3,270 meters.

It is located about 70 km from the center of Marrakech, off the road through the Ourika Valley. The high mountains of Oukaïmeden can be seen from everywhere in Marrakech, covered with thick white snow, which remains on the mountain caps until July.

During a visit, all sorts of snow games and sports are available. Visitors cannot help but enjoy their time there, throwing snow balls, building snowmen and snow animals, and skiing amid the high snow-capped mountains.

The traditional houses of the local inhabitants, who are very hospitable, are scattered on the other side of the high mountains. Although the local people cope with the cold and sometimes harsh living conditions, they find life worth living as one can see by the beaming smiles on their faces.

A taxi from Marrakech to Oukaïmeden costs around 10 Euros. It is wise to avoid the weekend traffic jams. Other means of transportation include buses, minibuses, rental cars, and motorcycles. Once at Oukaïmeden, visitors can choose to go from one place to another by mule for about 2 Euros.

Hotels, restaurants, and cafés are all available here featuring fine living accommodations and good traditional food and drink.

Besides Oukaïmeden, the villages of Cité Fadma, Moulay Brahim, and the Valley of Ourika fascinate visitors who look forward to living, if just for a moment, the simple life.

Cité Fadma is located about 30 km from Marrakech in Ourika Valley. In Cité Fadma, visitors can climb the mountain, and walk barefoot, to reach its seven waterfalls. On the way up, visitors pass by several traditional restaurants, where they can bargain with owners over the price of lunch or a snack.

In Ourika Valley, Berber carpet weavers exhibit their traditional colorful carpets in an open space. Visitors who head to Cité Fadma or Oukaïmeden stop frequently at Ourika Valley, to see the weaving in process and possibly to purchase a carpet, and to take pictures.

Edited by Elisabeth Myers. Photos by El Houssaine Naaim