Add the dizzying Ouzoud Waterfalls to your Moroccan itinerary and experience one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders.

Venture just a couple hours outside of the crumbling walls of Marrakech and you’ll find yourself face to face with the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Cascading from approximately 110 meters (360 feet), these are among the tallest waterfalls in Morocco. But, we think, the most beautiful.

While these falls are popular (read: busy), they are well worth taking a day outside of the red city for. In this guide we share the exact tour we booked, our experience, plus a little bit about what you need to know before you go.

Ouzoud Waterfalls: Our Experience

We were collected from our riad in Marrakech early – around 7 am – and began the three-hour drive to Ouzoud Waterfalls. This is an extremely popular day trip, so you’ll notice a convoy of tour groups making their way out of the city. 

As we learned on our Ouarzazate trip, transport can be very hit or miss, but our bus was fairly spacious and the route pretty calm, with impressive views that help to pass the time. Eventually we parked up at a small – and very beautiful – town called Tanaghmeilt.

From here, it’s a short hike to the top of the Ouzoud Waterfalls. The waterfalls actually consist of a series of drops and cascades, flowing down through a series of rocky cliffs. The water flows into a large pool at the base, where you’ll hike down for a boat ride and some lunch.

Following a quick briefing from our tour guide, we ventured through the town towards the falls. The views from the top were incredible, although extremely busy with numerous tour groups. After ogling the waterfalls from the top, it was time to hike down.

Monkeys and Moroccan Nutella

Along the way, you’ll stop for photos and to (hopefully) spot groups of wild monkeys. They’re much calmer than the ones found in Bali’s Monkey Forest, but don’t touch them and enjoy them from a distance. A couple of locals approached and tried to get us to feed the monkeys – just politely decline and keep moving.

As with all Moroccan tours, we then made a quick pit stop at an argan oil cooperative. At these, you get to learn a little bit about the women who handmake the argan oil, and get to snack on “Moroccan Nutella”. If you’re taking multiple day trips this can feel a little bit tedious, but it’s extremely interesting and well worth supporting the locals. Then we continued down the hiking path.

A Boat Ride to the Falls

Once we reached the very bottom of the falls, it was time for a little excursion – a boat ride to the waterfall. Make sure you check whether the cost of this is included in your trip before you go. Ours was, but a few people in different tour groups were left disgruntled when the guides tried to charge them extra.

After waiting for the next available raft, we boarded and rowed towards the waterfall. There were people everywhere, multiple rafts, locals taking a dip in the water – it was chaotic but extremely fun. We got a little bit wet, so bear that in mind… but it’s delightful if you’re there when it’s extremely hot. Which, let’s face it, it likely is.

A Traditional Lunch

Now completely refreshed, we were starting to feel hungry. We found that the tours in Morocco always provided excellent lunch, and this day trip was no exception. Our guide led us back up the ravine to an unassuming restaurant. 

The menu was limited but had a few options like chicken skewers with veggies or a more traditional tagine. FYI, we usually opt for chicken skewers on Moroccan tours and these were tasty. You also get plenty of traditional bread and tea, but make sure you bring extra water and snacks if you’re likely to get hungry (or you’re a fussy eater).

After we ate, it was time to head back up to the tour bus. We got to enjoy a couple of brief stops along the way to take photos, catch our breath, and admire the falls once more.

How to Get to Ouzoud Waterfalls

Reaching the Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech is relatively straightforward, with two main options for getting there: taking a guided tour or renting a car and driving yourself.

We recommend booking a guided day tour from Marrakech – it’s ideal for travellers who want a hassle-free experience with all logistics handled for them. Most tours will pick you up and drop you off near your riad.

If you prefer more independence, renting a car and driving yourself to the Ouzoud Waterfalls can be a fantastic option. We noticed the route from Marrakech is straightforward and well-marked.

Best Time to Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls

We think spring is one of the best times to visit Ouzoud, as the weather is warm but not too hot. Snowmelt from the surrounding mountains ensures the waterfalls are at their most powerful and impressive during this period.

We don’t recommend visiting in the summer months of July and August as it is extremely hot in Morocco. Our most recent trip was in September and while the weather was slightly cooler, there was plenty of water at the falls (you even have time to fit in a quick dip if you fancy!)

Where to Stay in Marrakech

We recommend staying in Marrakech for this day trip as the accommodation options near Ouzoud Waterfalls are limited. Most tours will pick you up and drop you off right outside your riad. If you want specific recommendations, you can find our favourite riads in Marrakech here.

Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip: What to Know Before You Go

Bring plenty of water with you – like, double what you think you’ll need. The hike to and around the waterfalls can be physically demanding, especially in warmer months. You’ll be walking on rocky paths, climbing stairs, and exploring with little shade, so staying hydrated is essential.

Likewise, make sure you wear sensible clothing and shoes. The terrain around Ouzoud can be uneven and rocky, with some steeper sections on the trails leading to the base of the falls. Make sure you wear loose clothing and bring plenty of sun protection to reapply throughout the day.