Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech

1 Day
Private tour
Atlas Mountains
Marrakech

Route: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakech

Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip at a glance

Distance: About 150 km each way
Driving time: About 2½–3 hours each way
Time at the falls: Suggested 3 to 4 hours
Walking: Moderate: a steep descent and climb back
Group: Private, only the people you travel with
Price: Quoted for your group

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are the Marrakech day trip where the main attraction is a waterfall. The river drops over red cliffs into a green gorge near the town of Azilal, in a fall commonly given as about 110 metres. It is a long day for what you see, and it is worth it if you like walking, shade and a landscape that looks nothing like Marrakech. This page explains what the day involves so you can decide honestly.

What you will see and do

The trip starts at the top of the falls, where paths lead to viewpoints over the main drop. From there a trail descends through olive groves toward the pools at the bottom, with the falls on one side and small riverside cafés on the other. Barbary macaques live in the trees along the way; seeing them is common but never guaranteed, and they are wild animals, so keep bags closed and do not feed them. At the foot of the falls a small rowing boat takes visitors close to the spray. The boat is optional, and it is usually paid on the spot, so tell us in the quote request if you want it arranged.

How hard is the walk?

It is a descent followed by a climb back, with steps and uneven ground, so allow for tired legs even if you do not go all the way down. Sections can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with grip, not sandals, and carry water. If someone in your group cannot manage the full trail, the viewpoints at the top still give you the best sense of the falls, and the driver can wait there. The plan is yours to set.

The drive and the best time to leave

The falls are about 150 km from Marrakech (published figures run from about 145 to 160 km), and the road takes two and a half to three hours each way. Many people leave early, because the site is quieter in the morning and the light on the water is better before the middle of the day. The flow of the falls changes with the season and is usually strongest in spring, after the winter rain, so ask us what to expect for your dates. Summer days at the falls can be hot, which makes an early start worth more.

Private, so the day fits your group

Because the trip is private, you choose the pick-up time, how long to spend at the top, whether to walk down and how long to stay for lunch by the water. A licensed local guide can be added for the trail if you want one; say so in your request and it goes into the quote. We can also combine the falls with a different route back, if your plan allows it.

Is Ouzoud the right day trip for you?

If a long drive does not appeal, the Agafay stone desert is under an hour from Marrakech, and Imlil puts you among High Atlas villages in about two hours. To see more of the mountains, look at our Atlas Mountains page, or ask us to design something longer.

Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip: how the day runs

MorningMarrakech to the falls

Pick-up at your hotel or riad at the time you choose. The road takes two and a half to three hours, and an early start means a quieter site. A coffee stop on the way is yours to add.

MiddayViewpoints and the trail down

Start at the viewpoints at the top, then walk down through the olive groves toward the pools. Look out for macaques in the trees, keeping your distance, and take your time on the steps.

AfternoonBoat, lunch and the climb back

If you want it, take the boat toward the foot of the falls. Eat by the river, then climb back to the vehicle at your own pace.

Late afternoonReturn to Marrakech

Drive back to Marrakech, which takes about two and a half to three hours, so plan for the evening arrival time you prefer.

What is included in the Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

Included

Private vehicle with a driver, Marrakech to Ouzoud and back
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Timing and stops planned with you

Not included

Lunch, drinks and tips
The boat ride and any entrance or guide fees, unless your quote lists them
Personal purchases

Questions about the Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

How far are the Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech?

About 150 km, which is two and a half to three hours by road each way. Published distances run from about 145 to 160 km depending on the route.

How tall are the falls?

They are commonly described as about 110 metres. The figure is widely repeated rather than taken from an official survey, so treat it as approximate.

Will we see the monkeys?

Barbary macaques live in the trees around the trail and sightings are common, but they are wild, so we cannot promise them. Keep your distance, keep bags closed and do not feed them.

Is the boat ride included?

It is optional and normally paid on site. If you want it, tell us in your request and we will list it in the quote.

Can children or older travellers do the walk?

The trail is a steep descent with steps and a climb back, so it suits steady walkers. Anyone who prefers not to go down can enjoy the viewpoints at the top. Tell us who is travelling and we plan accordingly.

When is the best time to visit?

The falls can be visited in any season. The flow is usually strongest in spring after the winter rain, and summer is hot, so an early start helps. Ask us about the season you plan to travel.

Sources and further reading

Photos from the Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

Open full-size photo (opens in a new tab)