Trip overview
The highest waterfalls in Morocco, about 110 metres in the Middle Atlas: a walk with a local guide, Barbary macaques, a boat under the falls and back in Marrakech the same day.
- Duration1 day
- Starts inMarrakech
- GroupPrivate or shared · 1–17 people
- DifficultyModerate
- LanguageEspañol
- DeparturesDaily departures all year round
Highlights
- The highest waterfalls in Morocco, about 110 metres
- Walk with a local guide past viewpoints and along paths
- Barbary macaques in the wild
- Optional boat to the foot of the falls
- Lunch looking over the water
- Olive groves and Berber villages of the Middle Atlas
- Back in Marrakech the same day
What the day looks like
Ouzoud is in Azilal, in the Middle Atlas, about 150 km from Marrakech: falls of around 110 metres among olive trees and reddish rock.
When to go
From March to May the river carries more water and the countryside is green. In summer the flow drops but it's cool there; at weekends it gets crowded. It works well for families, and it's one of the most requested trips on our family tours, or for a breather after a few days in Marrakech.
Before you book
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Morning: from Marrakech to the Middle Atlas
We pick you up from your riad or hotel at around 8:00. We head north-east across farming plains and, little by little, the landscape turns mountainous, with olive groves and villages of the Azilal region. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with a coffee or tea break halfway.
The driver tells you about the region, known for its olive groves and Berber crafts, and stops if you want to take photos. We reach Ouzoud mid-morning, before most people arrive, and the local guide meets us there.
Day 1: Midday: waterfalls, monkeys and lunch
The guide first takes you to the viewpoints at the top, where you can see the water falling in several drops. Then you walk down a stepped path, between olive trees and craft stalls, to the bottom. Along the way you're likely to come across Barbary macaques; don't give them food.
At the bottom you can take the boat that goes up to the falls or sit by the water. For lunch there are simple restaurants with views, and on the option with lunch it's already booked. Keep your camera handy: when it's sunny, rainbows often form over the waterfall.
Day 1: Afternoon: return to Marrakech
After lunch and some free time, we climb back up to the car park by the same path or along the other bank of the river, which gives you a different view of the falls. The climb is fairly tiring, so take it slowly.
We leave for Marrakech in the early afternoon and get to your accommodation between 18:00 and 19:00, depending on traffic. On the private option you can change the timings or stop for photos on the way. If you're travelling with children, we stop as often as needed.
What's included
Included (5)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Air-conditioned transport with driver
- Local guide at the waterfalls
- Bottled water
- Lunch (private option with lunch only)
Not included (5)
- Lunch on the options without a meal
- Boat ride under the waterfall
- Drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Important information (5)
- There's about 30 to 45 minutes of walking with steps to go down and the same to come back up.
- Wear shoes with a good grip: some areas are wet and slippery.
- Don't feed the monkeys; it's harmful to them and they can react badly.
- Summer weekends are very busy; weekdays are quieter.
- Bring cash in dirhams for the boat, drinks and small purchases.
Prices per person
Shared
Shared transport and a local guide at the waterfalls
Private
Private vehicle with driver and flexible timings (price per person, based on 2)
Private with lunch
Private vehicle, local guide and lunch by the waterfalls
Fixed price per person, whatever the size of your group.
Payment and cancellation
You pay a 15% deposit when you book. The rest is paid on the first day of the trip, in cash or by bank transfer. You can also pay it by PayPal or card, with a 5% surcharge.
Private: free up to 48 hours before the start. If you cancel in time, we refund the full deposit.
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Leave a reviewFrequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Marrakech to the Ouzoud Waterfalls?
It's about 150 kilometres and the drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way, with a stop on the way. That's why the trip takes the whole day: leaving at around 8:00 and back in Marrakech between 18:00 and 19:00, leaving about four hours to enjoy the waterfalls.
Can you swim at the Ouzoud Waterfalls?
In the hot months there are spots at the bottom and in pools along the river where some visitors swim, but the water can be cold and the rocks are slippery. If you want to swim, bring swimwear, a towel and water shoes, and always follow the local guide's advice on the safest areas.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, children love the monkeys, the boat and the water. Just bear in mind the walk with steps, about 30 to 45 minutes each way. With small children we recommend the private option, which allows more breaks, and a baby carrier rather than a pushchair.
