Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech: Viewpoints, Boats and Monkeys

The short answer: the Ouzoud Waterfalls are about 150 km north-east of Marrakech, a drive of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way. The falls drop about 110 m in several tiers into a green gorge. Plan a full day: walk down past the viewpoints, take a small boat to the foot of the falls, have lunch on a terrace and look for the wild Barbary macaques on the path.

"Ouzoud" means olive in Tamazight, and olive groves cover the plateau above the falls, where old water mills once pressed the harvest. The falls are fed by a tributary of the Oued El Abid in the Middle Atlas foothills of Azilal province, which is why they keep flowing even in late summer.

The day, step by step

1. Drive (2.5 to 3 hours). North-east across the plain, then into the hills. A comfort stop around halfway is usual.
2. Top of the falls. The village of Tanaghmeilt sits at the top. From here the first viewpoint looks straight down the main drop.
3. Walk down (20 to 30 minutes). A path of steps and packed earth winds down past cafés and viewpoints, each with a different angle on the water.
4. Boat ride. At the bottom, colourful rafts take you close to the spray. It is short, wet and fun.
5. Lunch. Terraces facing the falls serve tagines and grilled meat.
6. Climb back up on the other side of the gorge, then drive back to Marrakech by evening.

The Barbary macaques

Ouzoud is one of the easiest places in Morocco to see Barbary macaques, an endangered species found only in Morocco, Algeria and Gibraltar. They come close to the path because people feed them, which harms their health and makes them bolder. Keep your distance, keep food out of sight, and never let children hand them snacks.

Swimming and photos

• In summer locals swim in the pools below the falls. Swim only where others do, away from the falling water and currents.
• The afternoon sun often creates a rainbow over the main fall: the best photo of the day.
• Spring brings the most water; by late summer the flow is lower but still impressive.

Is it worth the drive?

Six hours in a car is a lot in one day, which is why a private vehicle with air conditioning and a flexible schedule makes a real difference. Our day trips from Marrakech include Ouzoud with an early start to beat the tour buses. On the way back you can detour via Demnate and the natural rock bridge of Imi n'Ifri if you have energy left.

Practical tips

• Wear trainers or walking sandals with grip; the steps are wet near the falls.
• Bring cash for the boat, lunch, parking and an optional local guide.
• Weekends and Moroccan holidays are crowded; weekdays are calmer.
• From Fes or Beni Mellal, Ouzoud also fits into a private Morocco tour between the imperial cities and Marrakech.