The Ouzoud Waterfalls are the tallest in Morocco and the greenest day trip you can take from Marrakech. Here is how to get there, what to do, how much it costs and how to avoid the crowds.
Quick answer: the Ouzoud Waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) are about 150 km from Marrakech, a drive of two and a half to three hours each way. A day trip takes nine to ten hours and includes an easy hike down through olive groves, a short boat ride to the foot of the 110-metre falls, wild monkeys and lunch on a terrace facing the water. It is the best day trip from Marrakech if you want nature rather than monuments.
The falls are in the Middle Atlas, in Azilal province, near the Berber village of Tanaghmeilt. The name comes from the Amazigh word for olive, and the paths down to the river run through old olive groves and past small water-powered mills, some of which still work. The El Abid river drops in three tiers into a red-rock gorge, and on sunny mornings there is nearly always a rainbow in the spray.
| Option | Time each way | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private day trip | 2.5–3 h | Families, couples, small groups | Flexible departure, photo stops, door to door |
| Shared minibus tour | 3–3.5 h | Solo and budget travellers | Fixed schedule, multiple hotel pickups, up to 17 people |
| Public transport | 4 h or more | Travellers with time | Bus to Azilal, then a grand taxi; not practical in one day |
| Rental car | 2.5–3 h | Confident drivers | Paved road throughout; paid parking at the falls |
The main advantage of going privately is timing. Leaving Marrakech at 8:00 am puts you at the falls before the shared buses arrive, and you can stay as long as you like. See the full details of our private Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip.
Start at the top viewpoints, where you look straight down the drop, then follow the path down one side of the gorge to the river and climb back up the other. Allow one and a half to two hours with stops. There are steps and uneven ground, but nothing technical.
At the bottom, small decorated rafts are rowed across the pool to the base of the main fall. It lasts about ten minutes and costs around 20 dirhams per person. You will get a little wet from the spray, which is the point.
Wild Barbary macaques live in the trees around the upper paths. They are used to people and will come close. Please do not feed them, and keep bags closed: they are quick.
Terrace restaurants line the path down, serving tagines, grilled chicken and salads. Expect to pay roughly 80 to 120 dirhams for a set menu. The terraces closest to the bottom have the best view.
From late spring to early autumn you can swim in the pools below the main basin. The water is cold and refreshing after the walk.
Ourika is closer to Marrakech, about an hour away, and suits a half day; its waterfalls at Setti Fatma are much smaller. Ouzoud is a full day but far more impressive. If you have time for only one nature day and do not mind the drive, choose Ouzoud. Our Ourika Valley guide covers the alternative, and the Atlas Mountains and Imlil day trip is the choice for mountain scenery.
Our private trip includes pickup from your riad or hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver and as much time at the falls as you want. Check prices and availability, or browse all day trips from Marrakech.
The falls are about 150 kilometres north-east of Marrakech, in the Middle Atlas near Azilal. The drive takes between two and a half and three hours each way on a paved road, so a day trip lasts around nine to ten hours in total.
Yes. At roughly 110 metres they are the tallest waterfalls in Morocco, and the green gorge, olive groves and wild Barbary macaques are a complete contrast to Marrakech. They are best from March to June, when the water flow is strongest.
Swimming is possible in the natural pools downstream of the main basin and is popular from late spring to early autumn. The water is cold all year. Swimming directly under the main fall is not allowed, and you should avoid the water after heavy rain.
It is an easy to moderate walk. The loop from the top of the falls to the bottom and back takes one and a half to two hours, on dirt paths and several hundred steps. Wear trainers or walking shoes. Anyone with limited mobility can still enjoy the upper viewpoints, which are flat.
Shared minibus tours from Marrakech start at about 20 to 30 euros per person, without lunch or guide. A private day trip with your own driver costs more in total but less per person for families and groups; ours starts from 25 euros per person depending on group size. Allow extra for lunch, the local guide and the short boat ride.
