Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech

Our Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech is a 10-hour guided excursion for travellers who want to see Morocco's highest waterfalls, with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle and a local guide at the falls. Prices start from €30 per person in a small group, with private departures available.

Morocco's highest waterfalls, 150 km from Marrakech

The Cascades d'Ouzoud drop around 110 metres in three main tiers into the gorge of the El Abid river, in the Middle Atlas foothills of the Azilal province. The drive from Marrakech covers roughly 150 km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, crossing the Haouz plain, olive country and red-earth Amazigh villages. Leaving early gives you the falls before the midday crowds and the best light for photographs of the rainbow that forms in the spray.

What you actually do at Ouzoud

On arrival you meet a licensed local guide who leads a relaxed walk of about 2 to 3 hours in total. The path starts at the top of the falls beside old water mills still used to grind grain, then descends on stone steps and earth trails through olive groves to the base pools. Along the way you will almost certainly meet the wild Barbary macaques that live in the gorge; they are used to people, but please do not feed them.

• Top viewpoints over all three tiers of the waterfall
• Base pools where you can take a short traditional raft ride under the spray (small fee paid on site)
• Free time for lunch at a terrace restaurant facing the falls
• Optional swim in the calmer pools downstream in summer

Who this trip suits

The walking is moderate rather than difficult, but the steps down to the pools are uneven and the climb back takes 20 to 30 minutes, so good trainers are essential. Families with children over six, couples and first-time visitors who want nature after the medina will enjoy it most. Travellers with limited mobility can stay at the upper viewpoints, which still give a full view of the cascades.

When to go

Water flow is strongest from March to May, after the winter rains and snowmelt. Summer brings lower but still impressive falls and the chance to swim, while autumn is quieter and cooler for walking. The falls are worth visiting year-round; only after very dry winters does the flow noticeably thin.

Comparing options before you book? Our guide to the best day trips from Marrakech with prices puts Ouzoud side by side with Essaouira and the Ourika Valley, and the full Ouzoud Waterfalls visitor guide covers trails, the boat ride and where to eat.

Private or shared

The shared small-group departure is the best value. Choose a private vehicle if you want to set your own pace, leave earlier, or add a stop in the town of Demnate or at the natural rock bridge of Imi n'Ifri on the way.