For most, Morocco means colorful fabrics, dunes, winding streets, delicious food, oases with palm trees, the Atlas Mountains, the cities of Marrakech, Fes, and the ruins in the middle of the desert. But Morocco is also about spectacular waterfalls that will take your breath away with their beauty.
The highest and most impressive waterfall in Morocco is Ouzoud, which flows into the El-Abid river near Tanaghmeilt village in Azilal province.
The best waterfall in Morocco is situated at a distance of only 160 km from Marrakech, or two and a half hours. Therefore, a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech could be the perfect way to get rid of the hustle and bustle of city.
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Marrakech to Ouzoud waterfalls
Is it worth the trip to Ouzoud Falls?
Even if it’s not as famous as other tourist attractions in Morocco, this Marrakech waterfall it’s one of the country’s most visited and photographed natural places. Cascades d’Ouzoud, in French, consists of several small waterfalls that together form a waterfall of 110 meters.
However, the highest individual waterfall in this group is 75 meters. The place looks like a paradise, especially since there are a lot of olive trees and some oleanders with pink flowers around the waterfall. All this, on the brick background of the earth, looks incredibly beautiful. You will immediately understand why it’s considered the best waterfalls in Morocco.
You can enjoy the view from several perspectives. In the first phase, from above and then, at the base, where almost every time, a rainbow is formed.
Ouzoud waterfalls day trip
To reach the waterfall’s base, you will have to follow some paths and go down some steps. I say paths because several ones lead to the lower part of the waterfall.
Some go through the olive grove, and others are among restaurants and souvenir shops. If you want to spend more time here, you can have lunch at one of the restaurants with a direct view of the waterfall. We chose the last restaurant, where we had a good meal and a fantastic view of the waterfall.
The rule here is that each person spends at least 100 Moroccan dirhams, in exchange for which they will receive water, juice or tea, salad, and the main dish.
So, the bottom line is that going on a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech, even if it means wasting a day on your Morocco itinerary, it’s a great idea. It will not be a lost day at all, but a must-have experience that will give you beautiful memories and great pictures.
What other activities can you do around the waterfall? | Marrakech to Ouzoud waterfalls
There is a lake at the waterfall’s base and several natural pools. In summer, the water is warm enough to take a bath here. You can also go on a short boat tour on your Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip. It will take you quite close to the waterfall’s base, and you can admire its greatness, beauty, and power in all its splendor.
Another activity you can do around the Ouzoud waterfall is to admire the monkeys that gather, but not always. They are not aggressive, but it doesn’t hurt to pay more attention to your belongings. Otherwise, you risk losing them.
You can also add to the list of activities at the Ouzoud waterfall a shopping session at the stalls full of bargains. From bracelets, figurines, jewelry, and other ornaments to magnets and initials carved in wood, you can find everything here.
Before or after visiting the Ouzoud waterfall, you can go to the top along the river. Here you will see the local children bathing in the river, olive groves, donkeys, and sheep grazing. It’s a rural and authentic experience that you will enjoy adding to the box of memories.
River at Ouzoud Waterfall | Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech
How to get to Ouzoud Waterfall from Marrakech
- with a rented car, on your own
This option was the best for me because I rented a car for my ten days in Morocco. It takes about two hours and a half to drive from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls. Keep in mind not to speed to avoid possible accidents and fines.
In Morocco, especially as a tourist, it often happens to be stopped by the police. Therefore, you should avoid driving fast or making various dangerous and illegal maneuvers. This could also occur on a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech.
You must also consider parking if you choose to get here by car, although it’s not expensive. The price is around 20 Moroccan dirhams for the whole day.
Road to Ouzoud Waterfall | Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech
- on an organized tour
There are quite a few tours that offer day trips from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls. Prices are generally between 100 and 200 dirhams per person. For this amount, you will receive transport, English speaking driver, and possibly a local guide. Some tours have a boat tour included in the price.
Before booking the tour, ensure the van has AC, and the price includes fuel for the whole day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls. Scams are quite common in Morocco, so vigilance is essential.
Also, lunch is not included, so you have to make a choice here as well. Either bring snacks or make sure you have money to dine at one of the restaurants in the area.
→ book a day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls with an air-conditioned van, English-speaking driver, local guide, and boat tour included
Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls
Is Ouzoud Falls a safe destination? | Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls
It is pretty safe to visit Ouzoud waterfalls from any point of view. The road is marked, there are many people in the area, and you have to pay more attention to the steps to not trip and fall into the canyon.
Some people take this risk when they choose to walk on the edge to take that perfect Instagrammable photo. I admit I also took a negligible risk, but I kept a long enough distance to ensure that I would not have any unfortunate incidents.
From that height, it doesn’t even matter if you know how to swim or not because it’s like falling from a building with 30 floors in the water.
Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech
How much does it cost to visit Ouzoud Waterfall?
Visiting the waterfall is free. You don’t need an entrance ticket or guide, so don’t fall into the trap of so-called guides who will try to fool you.
Where to stay when visiting Ouzoud Waterfall
The nearest large city to the Ouzoud waterfalls is Marrakech. It’s about 3 hours away, so a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech is perfect. I recommend using Booking to pay for a riad in Marrakech. Here are some excellent suggestions, depending on your budget:
- budget: The Bohemian Jungle – pool, Wifi, very good breakfast
- mid-range: Riad NayaNour – swimming pool, parking, bar, Wifi, delicious breakfast
- luxury: Riad El Mezouar – swimming pool, parking, restaurant, bar, authentic decoration
What is the best time to visit the Ouzoud waterfall?
The best time of year to visit the Ouzoud waterfalls depends on everyone’s preferences. In summer, the temperatures are higher, and it is more crowded.
On the other hand, in winter and spring, the volume of water increases, but the water is too cold to swim in. The most significant advantage is that you will probably share the waterfall with fewer tourists.
Bottom of Ouzoud Waterfall | Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls
Do you need a local guide to visit Ouzoud Waterfall?
No, you don’t need any guide to visit Ouzoud Waterfall. The road is clear and intuitive, and you will see other people. You can’t get lost or follow the wrong paths, so the presence of a guide is not necessary at all when visiting the best waterfalls in Morocco.
What to bring for your Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip
First, you need comfortable clothes because you will be away from the hotel for a whole day. Bring a backpack with an umbrella, sunscreen, money, and a snack.
Ah, yes, and a camera or phone for the most Instagrammable pictures of the beautiful Ouzoud waterfall. Add a raincoat if you want to venture out by boat.
What to wear at Ouzoud Waterfall
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, restrictions on clothing among tourists do not exist. Therefore, it would be advisable to wear something in which you feel comfortable.
If you want to swim in the natural pools at the waterfall’s base, don’t forget to add a swimsuit underneath because you don’t have a special place to change.
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