Morocco is home to two main ethnic groups: Arabs and Berbers. The Arab culture is evidently predominant in cities and big towns, while the Berber culture is commonly found in small towns in mountainous regions of the country.

I have traveled to Morocco twice, and most of my time were spent on staying in big cities like Casablanca and Rabat, hence I was able to see and experience more of the Arab culture of the country. During my second trip, I made sure that I’d be able to immerse myself with their Berber culture even just for a short while.

I went to see Marrakech for my birthday travel. Marrakesh is regarded as he heart of Morocco’s Berber culture. And while it is true that more Berbers nowadays live, work, and study in more developed places like Marrakech, it is often hard to spot traditions in the daily way of city life. So, I decided to go an extra mile by exploring the Marrakech region’s countryside.

Berbers (or Amazigh) are a diverse group of distinct ethnic groups indigenous to North Africa who predate the arrival of Arabs in the Arab migrations to the Maghreb/North Africa region.

Ourika Valley is located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and is one of the closest places to Marrakech where one can experience Berber culture.
This is one of two places I decided to check out. The nature scenery of Ourika Valley is stunning. I went to hike some multi-level waterfalls and mountains that are part of the Atlas Mountain range where I met Berbers along the way

Then there’s Setti Fatma, a small village that used to be a typical Berber settlement. But because of its tourism potential, the locals have turned some parts for tourism purposes. While walking around the village, I found a number of stores selling handicrafts and artworks, several homestays (very reminiscent of Sagada).

There are also private homes inviting people to experience Berber culture from cooking lessons, to old traditions and stories. I have learned from one household that Berbers had to escape the Arab invasion in the 700 AD, by seeking refuge in the mountains, hence the establishment of small villages around the Atlas.

One of my favorite parts in the village are the cafes and restaurants found along the very clean Ourika River. Most of these eateries serve Moroccan dishes, and drinking a glass of mint tea is a must do.

Moreover, I enjoyed witnessing some Berber traditions when I was invited by a local family inside their home. I got to see how flour is made traditionally from barley, and how rose oil and argan oil are made. I was delighted to see gardens full of herbs and camels being tended by local folks.

I am glad that Setti Fadma and the Ourika Valley are just within easy reach from Marrakech where visitors like me can immerse or even experience the Berber lifestyle even just for a few days. Take it easy.