Ouzoud Falls Guide: Hikes, Boat Rides and Where to Stay

In the foothills of the Middle Atlas, the Ouzoud Falls tumble about 110 metres down red cliffs in a series of cascades, among the highest waterfalls in North Africa. Olive trees shade the paths, rainbows hang in the spray and wild Barbary macaques play on the rocks. It is the most popular day trip from Marrakech for nature lovers, and an even better overnight stop.

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What to see and do

1. Walk down to the base of the falls. A path with steps leads from the village at the top down through olive groves, past cafés and stalls, to the pools at the bottom. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes down and a little longer back up.
2. Take a boat to the falls. Small colourful rafts take visitors across the pool right up to the spray, a fun and very wet experience.
3. Meet the Barbary macaques. Wild monkeys live in the trees around the falls. Watch them from a distance, keep your food out of sight and please do not feed them.
4. Cross to the other side. Paths and small bridges lead to the opposite bank, with the best viewpoints of the whole waterfall.
5. Swim in the river. In summer, the pools downstream are popular for a refreshing swim. Respect the signs and swim only where it is safe.
6. Hike the Oued El Abid gorge. Downstream, a trail follows the river into a dramatic red canyon, a great half-day walk with a local guide.

Where to stay near Ouzoud

Staying overnight lets you see the falls in the soft morning light before the day-trip crowds arrive from Marrakech. All of these are in the village at the top of the falls.

Riad Cascades d’Ouzoud

La Kasbah d’Ouzoud

Riad Lala Fatima

Chambre d’hôtes Aya

Hotel France Ouzoud

Hôtel Chellal d’Ouzoud

Getting there

Ouzoud is about 150 kilometres north-east of Marrakech, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road towards Azilal. The easiest way is a day trip from Marrakech with transport and a local guide; compare Ouzoud day trips on GetYourGuide. To drive yourself and continue to Bin el Ouidane lake or the Middle Atlas, compare rental cars on DiscoverCars. Shared grand taxis go from Marrakech to Azilal, where you can change for Ouzoud.

Do it like a Moroccan: local tips

• Go early or stay late. Day-trip groups arrive from late morning; the falls are calmest early and in the evening.
• Wear good shoes. The paths are steep and the rocks near the water are slippery.
• Keep snacks hidden. The monkeys are cheeky and will grab food or bags.
• Agree on prices first. Boat rides and unofficial guides are inexpensive, but agree the price before you start.
• Eat by the water. Riverside cafés serve tagines cooked over charcoal with a view of the falls.

When to go

Spring, after the winter rains and snowmelt, is when the falls are at their most powerful and the hills are green. Summer is busy and hot, but perfect for swimming. In late summer and autumn the flow is lower but still beautiful.

Plan more trips from Marrakech with our best day trips from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley guide and the Imlil and Toubkal guide.

Cover photo: Selina Bubendorfer on Unsplash