Updated in November 2026, this ANIMA (André Heller Garden) guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
ANIMA is an art and nature garden in the Ourika Valley, about 27 kilometres south of Marrakesh, Morocco. Austrian artist André Heller created the three-hectare garden, which combines more than 250 plant types with sculptures and views of the Atlas Mountains. You can book through GetYourGuide before you travel. As of November 2026, an adult ticket costs 140 MAD (€14), and children under 12 enter free. A free shuttle runs from Marrakesh twice a day, and reservation is required.
Quick facts for ANIMA
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Douar Sbiti, Route d’Ourika, Marrakesh, Morocco |
| Opening hours | Open all year, daily 9:00 to 18:00 |
| Closed | Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha |
| Adult | 140 MAD (€14) |
| Child (12 to 16) | 60 MAD (€6) |
| Child (0 to 11) | Free |
| Local guests and residents | 60 MAD |
| Shuttle from Marrakesh | Free for ticket holders. Reservation required |
| Typical visit | Two to three hours |
| Phone | +212 666 56 17 76 |
Why book ANIMA tickets?
- 🎨 Art by Picasso, Rodin and Haring: Sculptures by famous artists stand beside works by André Heller and local talents.
- 🌿 More than 250 plant types: Bamboo, palms, cacti and flowers fill the three-hectare garden.
- 🏔️ Atlas Mountain views: The garden looks towards the High Atlas, including the often snow-capped Jbel Toubkal.
- 🚌 A free shuttle from Marrakesh: The bus leaves from the Koutoubia car park for ticket holders.
- ☕ Café Paul Bowles: Juices, teas and pastries use ingredients grown in the garden.
Ticket prices for ANIMA – and how to book
All prices are in Moroccan dirhams (MAD), with euro prices shown for adults and teenagers. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | 140 MAD (€14) |
| Child (12 to 16) | 60 MAD (€6) |
| Child (0 to 11) | Free |
| Local guests and residents | 60 MAD |
Tickets can be booked online, and you can book through GetYourGuide before you travel. Groups of more than 10 people should contact the garden in advance. The shuttle is free for ticket holders, but you need to reserve a seat separately.
Opening hours for ANIMA
ANIMA opens every day of the year from 9:00 to 18:00. It closes during the Eid holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Weekday and weekend hours are the same.
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily | 9:00 to 18:00 |
| Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha | Closed |
How to get to ANIMA
By shuttle, a free bus leaves the Koutoubia car park (“Parking & Lavage”, behind the Koutoubia mosque) twice a day. The morning bus leaves at 9:30 and returns from ANIMA at 13:00. The afternoon bus leaves at 14:30 and returns at 17:30. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Capacity is limited, and online reservation is required at least 24 hours ahead. Call the garden if you want a last-minute seat.
By car, drive from Marrakesh along the surrounding wall towards Ourika and Oukaïmeden. After 27 kilometres, a TOTAL service station is on the left. After another kilometre, follow the ANIMA sign and turn right. Follow the unpaved road for 500 metres.
Parking at ANIMA
Drivers can park at the garden after the 500-metre unpaved road from the main route. The shuttle avoids the drive and the parking.
How long to spend at ANIMA
Allow two to three hours. Shorter loops are available for younger visitors. The shuttle gives about two and a half to three hours in the garden on each trip.
Accessibility at ANIMA
Wheelchair users have limited access to the areas of the garden. The paths are shaded, with open spaces to explore, and a café offers breaks. Children under 12 enter free, and the garden suits families.
Contact the garden on +212 666 56 17 76 if you want to plan a route for a mobility aid.
What to see at ANIMA
The sculptures and installations. Large-scale artworks by artists including Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, Keith Haring and André Heller stand among the planting. Local artists are also shown.
The garden itself. More than 250 plant types fill the three hectares, including bamboo, palms, cacti and flowers. Water features, shaded paths and pavilions connect the areas.
The Atlas Mountain views. The garden looks south towards the High Atlas. On clear days you can see the snow-capped Jbel Toubkal, which is 4,167 metres high.
The museum rooms. Two museum rooms present artists from around the world. They add an indoor stop to the walk.
The Café Marocain Paul Bowles. The café serves fresh fruit juice, fine teas and pastries made with ingredients grown in the garden. Its rooftop terrace has views of the Atlas Mountains.
Practical visitor tips for ANIMA
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | You can buy tickets online. Book tickets in advance to plan your day. |
| Reserve the shuttle early | The free shuttle has limited seats and needs a reservation at least 24 hours ahead. |
| Plan around the shuttle times | Buses return from ANIMA at 13:00 and 17:30. |
| Bring sun protection | The garden has shaded paths, but the open areas are in full sun. |
| Combine it with Ourika | ANIMA is at the gateway to the Ourika Valley, so visit first and continue on. |
Frequently asked questions about ANIMA
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours? | Daily from 9:00 to 18:00. ANIMA is closed during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. |
| How much does a ticket cost? | Adults pay 140 MAD, children aged 12 to 16 pay 60 MAD and children under 12 enter free. |
| How do I get there without a car? | Take the free shuttle from the Koutoubia car park in Marrakesh. Reserve a seat at least 24 hours ahead. |
| Is ANIMA wheelchair accessible? | Wheelchair users have limited access to the garden. Contact the team before you visit. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Tickets can be booked online, and advance booking is recommended so your entry is ready. |
Things to do near ANIMA
Ourika Valley: A river valley in the High Atlas foothills south of Marrakesh.
Setti Fatma: A village at the head of the Ourika Valley with a path to a series of waterfalls.
Oukaïmeden: A high-altitude mountain resort in the High Atlas, reached from the Ourika road.
Tnine Ourika: A village on the Ourika road south of Marrakesh.
Ourika River: A river along the Ourika Valley road with riverside restaurants.
Alternatives to ANIMA
Jardin Majorelle: A garden of blue walls and cactus planting in Marrakesh.
Menara Gardens: A historic garden with an olive grove and a pavilion in Marrakesh.
Le Jardin Secret: A restored Islamic garden in the medina of Marrakesh.
Agafay Desert: A rocky desert landscape south-west of Marrakesh with camps and camel rides.
Imlil: A mountain village in the High Atlas at the foot of Jbel Toubkal.
