Day Trips
Ouzoud Waterfalls: A Practical Guide to Morocco's Highest Falls
How to get to the Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech, the walk down, the boats, the macaques and the best season to see the falls at full flow.
Visit Morocco's highest waterfalls, about 110 m tall, walk down through olive groves, spot Barbary macaques and take an optional boat ride to the spray.
The Ouzoud Falls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) tumble roughly 110 metres in several tiers into a red-rock gorge in the foothills of the Middle Atlas, making them the highest waterfalls in Morocco. They lie about 150 km north-east of Marrakech in the province of Azilal, a drive of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way through the farmland of the Tadla plain and small Berber villages.
From the village of Tanaghmeilt at the top, a well-worn path descends through olive groves past a few traditional water mills to the base of the falls, taking around 20 to 30 minutes on foot. At the bottom you can take a short ride on one of the small, colourful boats that approach the spray for a small extra fee, then have lunch at one of the terrace restaurants beside the river, with tagines grilled over charcoal. Barbary macaques live in the trees along the gorge and often come close to the path; please do not feed them. The walk back up follows the other side of the gorge, giving you a different angle on the cascades.
The falls are at their fullest in spring, after winter rain and snowmelt in the Atlas; in late summer the flow is lower but still impressive. Local guides are available at the site if you would like commentary on the walk.
This is a full but relaxed day out, suitable for most travellers who can manage uneven steps. If you prefer mountain villages and a shorter drive, the Ourika Valley day trip is only an hour from the city. Our Atlas Mountains destination guide covers the wider region.
Pickup from your hotel or riad and drive north-east across the Haouz and Tadla plains. There is a short coffee stop on the way.
Arrive in the village of Tanaghmeilt above the falls. Take in the view from the top before starting down.
Descend the path through olive groves and past old water mills, about 20-30 minutes. Look out for Barbary macaques in the trees.
Optional boat ride towards the spray, then lunch at a riverside restaurant. Take your time for photos at the base of the falls.
Climb back to the village via the opposite side of the gorge, with new viewpoints over the cascades. Some free time before departure.
Drive back to the city, arriving at your accommodation around 18:00-18:30.
Pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. For medina riads without car access, we meet at the nearest accessible point and confirm by WhatsApp the evening before.
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How to get to the Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech, the walk down, the boats, the macaques and the best season to see the falls at full flow.
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