Ouzoud Waterfalls: How to Visit From Marrakech, and How to Enjoy It

What are the Ouzoud Waterfalls?

Ouzoud is a village in the Middle Atlas, at the edge of the Azilal province, about 150 km north-east of Marrakech. The plateau around it is covered with olive groves. The main waterfall, with a drop of more than a hundred metres in total, is one of the tallest in North Africa. Water from the El Abid river tumbles over several levels into a pool, and then runs down a gorge towards the river below.

Around the falls, there are cafés and small restaurants with terraces facing the view, paths leading down to the bottom, small boats that take visitors to the foot of the waterfall, and a troop of Barbary macaques, the wild monkeys that live in the trees along the path. The scenery is the main attraction: red earth, green vegetation, white water and the mist rising from the pool.

Getting there from Marrakech

By road, the trip takes around two and a half to three hours each way, depending on traffic and the stops. The road is generally good. Most of the route crosses a flat plateau and then climbs through rolling hills with small villages.

You can go by car, by shared transport or on an organised tour. For a day trip, an organised tour with hotel pickup is the easiest option, because it removes the stress of driving and parking, and gives you a guide who knows the best moments. Public transport exists, but it requires several changes and a long wait, and is not practical for a day trip.

What to expect on the day

The viewpoint

From the village, a short path takes you to the top of the main fall, with views from several terraces. Walk the path along the cafés first, and stop at a viewpoint to see the whole fall in one image. The best photographs are usually taken in the morning, when the sun lights the fall from the front.

The walk down

A path with steps leads down the side of the gorge to the pool at the bottom. It takes around thirty to forty-five minutes at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop for photographs, and the way back is a climb, so allow time. Shoes with good grip are important, because the steps and rocks are often wet.

The boat ride

At the bottom, small boats take you close to the base of the fall, where the spray is strong. It is short and good fun, but you will probably get wet. Agree the price before getting in, if it is not included in your tour.

The monkeys

The Barbary macaques are used to visitors, and some will approach you for food. Do not feed them, do not carry food in your hands, and keep your sunglasses, hats and phones secure. They are wild animals, and they can bite or scratch. Take photographs from a respectful distance.

The swimming question

Some visitors swim in the pools below the falls, especially in summer. The water is cold, and the current can be strong, especially after rain. Swim only where local guides say it is safe and never alone. If in doubt, enjoy the view from the water's edge.

Lunch at Ouzoud

Restaurants line the path along the top of the falls and on the lower terraces. The usual dishes are tagine, grilled meat and brochettes, salad and fresh fruit. Mint tea is served at the end. Prices are reasonable, and the terrace views are part of what you pay for.

Take your time. Many tours include lunch, but check this before you book. A late lunch after the hike, when the crowd has left the terraces, is more peaceful than a rushed one at noon.

When to go

Spring: the best season

From March to June, the falls are at their fullest, the surrounding hills are green, and the weather is pleasant. This is the time when the falls look their best, and the colours are strongest.

Summer

The water is lower than in spring, but the shade and the cool air make Ouzoud an escape from the heat of Marrakech. The path is busy at weekends. A weekday visit is calmer.

Autumn and winter

After rain, the falls become powerful again. Winter days can be cold and wet, and the steps are slippery, but the crowds are smaller. Check the weather before you go.

Day of the week

Weekends and holidays, when many Moroccan families visit, can be very busy. If you can, choose a weekday.

What to bring

• Shoes with grip. Avoid flip-flops.
• A light waterproof jacket or a change of clothes if you take the boat.
• A hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
• A small bag or backpack. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you can.
• Cash in small notes for the boat, tips and tea.
• A warm layer in winter and spring.
• Camera or phone with a strap.

Is Ouzoud suitable for children and older travellers?

The viewpoint at the top is accessible to almost everyone. The walk down is a different matter: the steps are uneven, the way back is a climb, and the air can be hot. Children who are used to walking will enjoy it. Very young children, people with reduced mobility or heart problems should stay at the upper viewpoints, which are already spectacular.

Always follow the instructions of your guide near the water, and keep children close, especially on wet steps and near the pools.

Combining Ouzoud with other places

A day trip to Ouzoud is already long, so combining it with other stops is not advised unless you stay overnight. If you have two days, you can combine Ouzoud with the town of Beni Mellal and the Bin el Ouidane lake, or return via a different road through the mountains.

If your time is short, and you want a similar experience closer to Marrakech, the Ourika Valley is an hour away and has its own waterfalls and a lovely river setting. It is less dramatic than Ouzoud, but easier for a half day.

A realistic timetable for the day

1. 07:30: pickup in Marrakech. Leaving early avoids the heat and the crowd at the falls.
2. 09:00: a rest stop with tea or coffee, and a chance to see the countryside waking up.
3. 10:30: arrival at Ouzoud. A short walk through the village leads to the top viewpoint.
4. 11:00: walk down the steps beside the waterfall, with photo stops at the main viewpoints.
5. 12:00: boat ride below the falls, and time near the water.
6. 13:00: lunch on a terrace with a view.
7. 14:30: climb back up slowly, or take a gentler path, and visit the craft shops.
8. 15:30: start the drive back to Marrakech, with a stop if needed.
9. 18:30: arrival in Marrakech.

The timing is flexible. If the group enjoys the walk, lunch may be later. If a storm threatens, the guide will adjust.

The best photographs at Ouzoud

• The wide view of the main fall from the terraces on the right bank, in the morning when the light is on the water.
• A rainbow in the spray, visible on sunny mornings from the lower viewpoints.
• The boat at the foot of the fall, taken from the path with a telephoto lens.
• The old water mills along the river, with the green vegetation.
• The red cliffs in the late afternoon light.
• Portraits of the monkeys from a safe distance, without flash.

A waterproof pouch for your phone, and a microfibre cloth for the lens, make photography much easier near the spray.

Safety and good manners at the waterfall

• Stay on marked paths and hold the handrails on steps.
• Do not climb on barriers or rocks to get a picture.
• Keep children by the hand on wet steps and by the water.
• Do not feed monkeys and keep food out of sight.
• Do not leave rubbish. Use the bins in the village.
• Respect the people who live and work there. Ask before taking photographs, and agree the price of the boat before you board.
• If someone offers to guide you down the path, you do not have to accept. If you do, agree the price first.

Where to stay if you want more time

Staying a night at Ouzoud changes the experience. In the evening, the day visitors leave, the village is calm, and the sound of the water fills the air. You can walk down in the cool of the morning, with the light on the mist, and have the paths nearly to yourself.

Accommodation ranges from small family guesthouses to campsites and a few mid-range hotels. Many have terraces with views of the falls. Book ahead in spring and in holiday periods. If you travel with us, we can suggest places and include an overnight on request.

Alternatives if Ouzoud is too far

• Ourika Valley: one hour from Marrakech, with a river, waterfalls and village restaurants.
• Imlil: a mountain village with walks between houses and terraces.
• Agafay desert: a half day with a sunset dinner, camels and views of the Atlas.
• Essaouira: a full day on the coast, with sea air and seafood.

If you have the time, Ouzoud is worth the long drive. If you do not, one of these gives you a good day without so much road.

The geology and the wildlife

The red cliffs and the pools around Ouzoud come from layers of sandstone and limestone, worn by the river over a very long time. The water leaves the plateau and drops through several steps into the gorge. The bright red colour of the rock comes from iron minerals, and it is most vivid after rain or in late afternoon light.

Besides the Barbary macaques, you may see birds of prey circling above the cliffs, kingfishers by the water, and a variety of butterflies in spring. The region has olive and carob trees, and in the pools you may see small fish and frogs. The Barbary macaque is an endangered species in the wild, so please keep a respectful distance and never feed or touch them.

Old mills and village life

Along the river, you can see the remains of old water mills that once ground wheat and olives. Some are still used, others are kept for visitors. The village has a weekly market, and people live from farming, olive oil and tourism. A walk in the village is a good way to see ordinary life away from the terraces.

Handmade crafts, wood carvings, and small paintings are sold in the shops near the top. As everywhere, bargaining is normal, but friendly.

Frequently overlooked tips

• Arrive early to avoid the crowd and the midday heat.
• Use the toilet at the top, before you go down. There are few facilities near the pool.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat for the walk up, which is exposed.
• Take cash in small notes, as many small sellers and boatmen do not accept cards.
• Check the water level and the weather. After heavy rain, some paths may be closed.
• Listen to your guide on swimming and on the boat. Safety rules are there for a reason.

Is Ouzoud worth it in summer?

Yes, for many visitors. The water is lower than in spring, but there is still plenty. The cool air, the shade of the trees and the feeling of being in a green valley are a relief after Marrakech. The trade-off is the crowd. On weekends in July and August, the path is full of families, and noise levels can be high. Choose a weekday, arrive early, and have lunch away from the busiest terraces.

In winter, the waterfall is strong, but the air is cold, and the steps are slippery. Dress warmly and wear shoes with strong grip.

Ouzoud with children: a few ideas

Children usually love the boat, the monkeys and the rainbow in the spray. Make the day easier with a few simple steps: bring snacks and water, keep a change of clothes in the bag, and take your time on the steps. Hold hands on slippery sections, and set a clear rule that nobody feeds or touches the monkeys. A shorter option for small children is to stay at the upper viewpoints and have a long lunch, then walk down only a short way.

What a day at Ouzoud costs

Costs depend on how you travel. On an organised tour, transport, the guide and often the boat ride are included, and you pay for lunch and any extras. If you travel independently, add transport, entrance to some viewpoints, parking, the boat ride, lunch and tips. A typical lunch on a terrace is modest by European standards. Keep small notes for tips to guides, boatmen, and the people who look after paths and parking.

Always ask the price before you accept a service, and ask your guide what is a fair amount.

Booking your Ouzoud trip

Our Ouzoud trip includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, the transport, a guide, time to hike down to the falls, and the boat ride. You pay on the day in cash, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start. Because it is a long day, we start early, to give you time at the falls before the crowds arrive.

Frequently asked questions