Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip from Marrakech

Getting there

The falls are in the province of Azilal, north-east of Marrakech, roughly 150 km away: usually about two and a half to three hours by road. The last part of the drive climbs into the foothills of the Middle Atlas.

The falls

The river drops roughly 110 metres in several tiers into a deep, green gorge. Paths and stairways lead from the top through olive groves and past small cafés down to the base, where you can see the falls from below. Small boats sometimes take visitors close to the spray; such extras are arranged and paid locally.

The macaques

Barbary macaques live in the trees around the falls and are used to people. Please do not feed them: it harms their health and makes them aggressive.

Around the falls

The village of Ouzoud sits on the plateau at the top of the falls, with small shops and terraces where you can have lunch looking out over the water. The paths give very different views of the falls, from above, from the side and from the bottom of the gorge, so it is worth taking your time on the way down. On sunny afternoons the spray often catches the light and forms rainbows over the pools. Below the falls, the river continues through a narrow, wooded gorge.

When to go

The falls are at their fullest in spring, after the winter rain and snowmelt. In late summer the flow is lower, but the gorge stays green and noticeably cooler than Marrakech.

Practical tips

• Wear shoes with a good grip: the paths are uneven and can be wet near the falls.
• The walk back up is steep in places; take your time.
• Bring water and sun protection.

What a particular trip includes, how long you stay and which stops it makes depend on the option you book. They are shown under Ways to do this trip once dates and prices are published.