Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech
Visit North Africa's most spectacular waterfalls: a 110-metre cascade in the Middle Atlas foothills, a walk down through olive groves to the pools, a boat ride beneath the falls, and wild Barbary macaques in the trees.
Excursion Overview
The Ouzoud Falls tumble in several tiers down a red-rock gorge in the province of Azilal. Their name comes from the Amazigh word for olive, and the gorge is still lined with olive groves and small mills.
Good to know
- Bring: comfortable shoes with grip, a light layer (it’s cooler near the falls) and swimwear in summer.
- Busy days: weekends and Moroccan public holidays attract many local visitors. Weekdays are quieter.
- Motion sickness: the last part of the road winds through the hills, so tell your driver if you’d like extra stops.
Excursion Highlights
- The 110-metre Ouzoud Falls, the highest in North Africa
- A walk down through olive groves and old water mills
- A boat ride to the foot of the falls
- Wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
- Lunch overlooking the falls
Your Day, Hour by Hour
- 08:30
Pickup in Marrakech
Drive north-east across the plains towards the foothills of the Middle Atlas.
- 11:30
Arrival at the top of the falls
Meet your local guide and look down on the falls from the upper viewpoints.
- 12:00
Walk down to the pools
Descend on a path through olive groves, past old mills still grinding olives, to the pools at the base of the falls.
- 13:00
Boat ride and lunch
Take a small boat to the spray at the foot of the cascade, then have lunch at a terrace restaurant facing the falls.
- 14:30
Macaques and the river trail
Walk along the river, where Barbary macaques often gather in the trees, and climb back up by the far bank.
- 16:00
Return to Marrakech
Arrive back at your riad or hotel around 19:00.
Times are approximate and adjusted to the season, traffic and your pace.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Marrakech riad or hotel
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel
- Local guide at the falls
What's Excluded
- Boat ride (paid on the spot)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Optional Extras (on request)
- Swim in the lower pools in summer
- Longer hike to the El Abid river gorge
- Stop at the Bin El Ouidane lake on the way (adds about 1.5 hours)
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