Valleys & Waterfalls
Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech
Morocco's tallest falls — 110 m of cascades, rainbows and wild monkeys.
- Duration
- Full day (9–11 hours)
- Price
- From 25 EUR / 270 MAD
- Group size
- Private or small group (2–16)
- Difficulty
- Moderate — a stepped descent and climb back
Reply within 2 hours · Private or shared · Pay after we confirm your spot
Overview
The Cascades d'Ouzoud are Morocco's most famous waterfalls and, at around 110 metres, its tallest — a thundering triple drop into a green canyon of olive groves and red rock. Add wild Barbary macaques along the path, rainbows in the spray and a little boat that ferries you under the falls, and it is easy to see why Ouzoud is the standout waterfall day trip from Marrakech, despite the longer drive.
Ouzoud lies about three hours northeast of Marrakech in the Middle Atlas, so it is a longer day than Ourika — but the payoff is a genuinely spectacular natural sight. From the top, a stepped path winds down through olive terraces and café stalls to the pools at the base, passing viewpoints where the full height of the cascades opens up.
The resident troop of Barbary macaques is a highlight; they live wild in the groves and are used to walkers (don't feed them). At the bottom, small boats take you close enough to feel the spray, and on sunny mornings rainbows arc through the mist. The climb back up is the main effort of the day — steady but manageable, with plenty of tea stops.
Lunch is usually at a restaurant perched on the canyon rim, with the falls in view. Some tours add a short walk downstream into the 'Mexican village' gorge. It is a big day out with real driving, so an early start and comfortable shoes make all the difference.
Highlights
- The 110 m Ouzoud cascades — the tallest waterfalls in Morocco
- Wild Barbary macaques in the olive groves along the path
- A short boat ride to the base for the full force of the spray
- Rainbows in the mist and café terraces on the canyon rim
Your day, hour by hour
A typical trip runs about Full day (9–11 hours). Timings flex with the season, traffic and whether you go private or shared — here is the usual shape of the day:
- 7:30
Early pickup
An early start for the three-hour drive northeast toward Azilal and Ouzoud.
- 10:30
Arrive Ouzoud
Reach the falls; start the stepped descent through olive groves and viewpoints.
- 11:15
Down to the base
Wind down to the pools, spotting wild macaques along the path.
- 11:45
Boat under the falls
A short boat ride toward the base for the spray and rainbows (small fee).
- 13:00
Canyon-rim lunch
Lunch on a terrace overlooking the cascades.
- 14:30
Climb back & explore
Ascend at your own pace, with time for tea and the craft stalls.
- 16:00
Drive back
Return to Marrakech, arriving mid-to-late evening.
What's included & what's not
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Boat ride at the base (small fee)
- Local guide at the falls (optional)
- Tips
What to bring
- Good walking shoes for the stepped descent and climb
- Water and sun protection
- A light waterproof or a top you don't mind getting misted
- Cash for lunch, the boat and stalls
- A camera — the rainbows and macaques are the shots of the trip
Who this trip suits
- Nature and photography lovers
- Reasonably active travellers (there are many steps)
- Families with older children
- Anyone who wants Morocco's most impressive waterfall
Maybe not for you if: Those who dislike a long drive or lots of steps, or want to be back early — it is a full 10–11 hour day.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ouzoud from Marrakech?
About 150 km, or roughly three hours' drive each way through the Middle Atlas. It is a longer day than the Ourika Valley, but the falls are far bigger and more dramatic, which most visitors feel makes the drive worthwhile.
Are there really monkeys at Ouzoud?
Yes — a wild troop of Barbary macaques lives in the olive groves beside the path and is well used to walkers. Enjoy watching them but don't feed or touch them; keep bags zipped, as they are curious and quick.
How difficult is the walk at Ouzoud?
Moderate. A stepped path leads down to the base and back up again — the descent is easy, the climb back is the main effort. Take it steadily with tea breaks and it is manageable for most reasonably fit visitors.
Can you swim at Ouzoud?
There are pools at the base where some visitors cool off, and boats take you near the spray. Swimming depends on the season and water level; the current near the falls can be strong, so take care and follow local advice.