Ouzoud Waterfalls: A Practical Guide to Morocco's Highest Falls
The Ouzoud waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) are Morocco's highest falls, dropping roughly 110 m in several tiers into a red-rock gorge in the Azilal province, about 150 km north-east of Marrakech. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, so they make a comfortable full-day trip. Once there, a path of about 20 to 30 minutes leads down through olive groves to the base, where small boats approach the spray and Barbary macaques live in the trees.
Where are the Ouzoud waterfalls?
The falls lie in the foothills of the Middle Atlas, beside the village of Tanaghmeilt, near the town of Azilal. The Ouzoud river plunges over the cliff and flows on to join the El Abid river, which feeds the Bin el Ouidane reservoir, one of the largest lakes in Morocco, around 30 km away. The name "Ouzoud" comes from the Amazigh word for olives, a reference to the groves that surround the site.
How to get there from Marrakech
- Distance: about 150 km.
- Drive time: roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way, via the plains towards Beni Mellal and then up into the hills via Tanant or Azilal.
- By organised tour: the easiest option, with hotel pickup around 08:00 and return in the early evening.
- By car: straightforward on paved roads; parking attendants at the top usually charge a small fee.
- By public transport: possible via Azilal with grand taxis, but slow and hard to fit into one day.
Our Ouzoud waterfalls day trip from Marrakech handles transport and timing, from €30 per person.
What to expect at the falls
The viewpoints at the top
From Tanaghmeilt, several cafés and terraces look straight across to the falls. Take your first photos here, particularly in the morning when the light is on the cascades.
The walk down
A well-used path of steps and dirt track descends through olive groves and past a few traditional water mills, taking about 20 to 30 minutes. It is uneven in places, so wear shoes with grip. Local guides are available on site for a fee if you would like one; this is optional.
The boats at the bottom
At the base, small colourful boats take visitors towards the spray. The ride is short and the fee is modest; agree the price before boarding. Expect to get a little wet.
The Barbary macaques
Wild Barbary macaques live in the trees along the gorge and often come close to the path. They are an endangered species. Please do not feed them: food from visitors damages their health and makes them more aggressive.
Lunch by the river
Terrace restaurants along the river serve tagines and grilled meats, often at simple tables beside the water. Expect approximately 80 to 150 MAD per person for a main course and a drink, at the time of writing.
The walk back up
You can return by the path on the opposite side of the gorge, which gives a different perspective on the falls and passes more viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit?
| Season | Water flow | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Strongest | Green landscapes, pleasant temperatures; best overall |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Lower but steady | Hot, very busy at weekends with Moroccan families |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Lowest before the rains | Quieter, warm days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Rising after rain | Cool, sometimes wet; fewer visitors |
Flow depends heavily on each year's rainfall, so in dry years the falls can be thinner even in spring. Arriving before 11:00 on a weekday is the best way to avoid crowds.
Is swimming allowed?
People do swim in the pools below and downstream of the falls, particularly in summer, but there are no lifeguards and currents near the base can be strong. Swim only where locals do, never directly under the falls, and use your judgement.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip.
- A light rain jacket or quick-dry layer if you plan to take the boat.
- Sunscreen, a hat and water.
- Swimwear and a small towel in summer.
- Dirhams for lunch, the boat, parking or an optional guide.
Is Ouzoud suitable for everyone?
Most reasonably mobile travellers manage the walk comfortably. The path is steep in sections and has uneven steps, so it is less suitable for people with limited mobility or very young children in pushchairs. If you prefer a shorter drive and gentler terrain, the Ourika Valley is only about an hour from Marrakech; read our Ourika Valley guide. For more walking and higher mountain scenery, our Imlil and Atlas Mountains guide is a good next read.
How Ouzoud compares with other day trips
Ouzoud is the best choice if you want waterfalls and wildlife in a single, relaxed day. It involves more driving than Ourika or Imlil but less than Ait Benhaddou. For a full comparison with distances and drive times, see our overview of the best day trips from Marrakech, browse all our day trips in Morocco, or explore the wider region in our Atlas Mountains destination guide.
A sample day at Ouzoud
- 08:00: pickup in Marrakech and drive north-east with a coffee stop.
- 11:00: arrival at Tanaghmeilt and views from the top.
- 11:15: walk down through the olive groves to the base of the falls.
- 12:30: optional boat ride, then lunch at a riverside terrace.
- 14:30: walk back up the opposite side of the gorge.
- 15:30: depart for Marrakech, arriving in the early evening.
Timings vary with traffic and the season, but this gives a realistic picture of the pace.
Can you stay overnight near the falls?
Yes. Several simple guesthouses and small hotels in Tanaghmeilt and along the road above the gorge offer rooms, which lets you see the falls in the quiet early morning before day visitors arrive. With a private driver, an overnight stay also makes it easy to continue to the Bin el Ouidane reservoir or onward towards Beni Mellal the next day.
Visit Ouzoud with a local operator
Ouirgane Marrakech Guide is based in Marrakech and runs its own trips to the falls. Reserve the Ouzoud Falls tour with hotel pickup now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For private trips or groups, contact us on WhatsApp at +212 606 957 514 or at contact@moroccotrekking.sbs.
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