Ouzoud waterfalls
The most spectacular waterfalls reachable from Marrakech: 110 metres of falls, a shaded descent lined with macaques, a boat at the foot of the mist. But let us be honest on the format: at 150 km, that is 2h 30m to 3h each way, so 5 to 6 hours of van for 3 to 4 hours on site. The day is mostly the road. Two reservations: many tours impose an 'argan cooperative' stop under sales pressure (useless, this is not argan country), and fake guides at the car park claim you cannot go down without them - false. Set out early, pick a well-rated tour with transfer and come in spring for the flow.
The Ouzoud waterfalls are the highest in Morocco: three great tiers plunging around a hundred metres into a red-rock gorge, on the El Abid river. It is one of the busiest outings out of Marrakech - and one of the longest by car. Let us be plain up front: between there and back, you spend more time on the road than in front of the falls. It stays a fine day, but one you prepare - early morning, in spring, without getting drawn into the shop stops.
One note on the wildlife: the trail macaques here are free, on their territory - a stark contrast with the young magots chained on Jemaa el-Fna, taken partly from wild populations like this one. Context, legal frame (CITES) and alternatives in our Animal ethics on Jemaa el-Fna notebook.
On your own or on a tour?
What to expect
About half a day. Times are indicative.
Departure from Marrakech
Hotel pick-up in an air-conditioned van. Better set out early to get ahead of the buses.
Arrival at Ouzoud
After 2h 30m to 3h of road (N8 then R208), you reach the plateau above the falls.
Descent to the falls
20 to 40 min shaded trail to the foot of the falls, past stalls, olive groves and macaques.
Boat & bathing
Boat approach to the pool. Bathing possible in summer in the fitted-out pools.
Lunch facing the falls
Terrace above the pool (not included, ~£8-£10 cash on site).
Back to Marrakech
Climb back up then 2h 30m to 3h of road. Back in town early evening.
What you see there
The falls
The highest falls in Morocco: three great tiers dropping into a red-rock gorge, with a pool at the foot. In high water in spring, the flow is spectacular. It weakens in late summer.
The macaques
Wild Barbary macaques live on the trail and in the olive groves, most visible early morning or late day. Do not feed or touch them.
The boat outing
Small wooden boats approach the pool, up close to the mist: short, touristy, you get wet - an attraction, not a crossing (~£2-£3 on site).
Tanaghmeilt village
Pisé houses, olive groves and old olive-oil mills overlook the falls. The descent trail runs along them.
What is included
Good to know
Book your day trip
We do not sell the tickets: booking goes through GetYourGuide. The price is the same as direct, a small commission comes back to this guide.
