Ouzoud Waterfalls

Morocco

The Ouzoud Cascades near Marrakech, Morocco

Experience The Ouzoud Waterfalls Morocco

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are located about 2.5 hours drive north east of Marrakech City in Morocco.

Being the collective name for several falls, the Ouzoud falls are the tallest cascades in north Africa – an amazing 350 feet tall. These amazing falls are one of the top Things to do in Marrakech.

The journey from Marrakech to the Waterfalls takes you east of the city along the N8 or the R210. passing through some small villages along the way.

Upon reaching the Ouzoud waterfalls, you’ll find that there is a series of steps leading down to the base area of the falls. From the top of these steps you can enjoy a view of the whole area surrounding you, which includes the falls.

Taking the steps downwards, enables you to reach the base area of the falls, where you will find an area to walk around and relax and take in the full beauty of the scenery. You’ll find some of the resident wildlife here too, as Ouzoud is home to local Monkeys. The Moneys are friendly. Though, we do recommend not touching them and not feeding them.

At this level, there is also a small pool where you can opt to take a ride in a boat to the foot of the falls. The boat trip costs around 20 dirham. You may get a few splashes of water on you from the spray of the falls, but generally speaking you don’t usually get too wet.

During the summer, if you take your bathing suit with you, it’s also possible to take a dip in the pool – as many locals do.

It’s also important to note that during the summer months, if it is an unusually hot summer or there is a drought, it is possible that the falls may not be in full flow.

When you start feel hungry or you would like some refreshments, you’ll find a range of Cafés and restaurants to relax and enjoy some Tea, coffee, cold drinks or some lunch. Most of the restaurants have a fixed price menu, if you are wanting to have a good local lunch. The price for a fixed menu 3 course meal including drinks is usually around 110.00 Dirham. Though, other options are available.

Ouzoud Waterfalls top lunch tip

A really nice experience that I personally enjoy is taking my own packed picnic lunch, which I buy from a local shop in Marrakech (Moroccan bread, Cheese triangles, boiled eggs and some crisps / chips). It’s a very low cost option and I like to settle for a while on the grass verge that overlooks the falls for an extra special experience. I often wash it down with a delicious coffee which I then buy from one of the Cafes at the falls.

Facilities at the Falls

There are basic toilet facilities at the falls (for a small fee).

Visiting Ouzoud Waterfalls

There are several options available for visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Which option you choose will depend upon your budget, the level of comfort and privacy that you require and also the overall quality of the experience that you would like.

If you decide to opt for an Ouzoud waterfalls day trip, most companies will depart from Marrakech at around 8am, which means that you arrive at Ouzoud at approx 10:30 AM – at exactly the same time as most other tourists. However, be aware that most of these trips are “Shared group” trips where you join other people in a Minibus. There is no itinerary flexibility and you literally have to “follow the crowd”.

After this time, in the summer months, the falls are usually very busy, so you won’t be alone. Some people don’t mind this. However, if you want to have an extra special experience at the Ouzoud falls, it is best to take a private day trip.

The best time to start your day trip

Personally, I absolutely recommend a really early start time of 6AM. This brings the absolute advantage of arriving at the falls at least 2 hours ahead of most other people. In this way, you can enjoy the early morning at the Ouzoud falls, without too many people surrounding you. This really helps you to soak up the atmosphere and to have the best opportunity of experiencing the area in peace.