Cascades D’ouzoud, Marrakesh

Waterfalls near Marrakesh

Ouzoud Falls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) are the kind of place that feel both wild and welcoming at the same time: a 110-metre cascade tumbling in three drops into a red-rock gorge, surrounded by olive, almond, fig, and carob trees, with the roar of water and the occasional rainbow hanging in the spray. Set near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the Atlas Mountains, about 150 km from Marrakech, they are one of the must-see places in Marrakech's wider region and a classic day trip for anyone who wants to swap medina alleys for cool mountain air. Around the falls, simple cafés, Berber food stalls, and rustic huts cling to the slopes, giving the whole place a laid-back, holiday feel.

What makes Ouzoud special is how many layers of experience it offers in one compact area. You can hike down through terraced paths to the main plunge pool, cross the river on small rafts for close-up spray shots, swim in designated areas in summer, or simply sit at a terrace watching the water thunder past. Troops of Barbary macaque monkeys dart between the trees, and if you take your time, you’ll find quiet corners where the only sounds are birds and rushing water. This spot is one of the best places to see in Morocco if you want dramatic scenery, Berber culture, and a taste of rural Atlas life in a single outing.

History and Significance of the Ouzoud Falls
Things to See and Do in the Ouzoud Falls
How to Get to the Ouzoud Falls
Practical Tips on Visiting the Ouzoud Falls
Where to Stay close to the Ouzoud Falls
Is the Ouzoud Falls Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Ouzoud Falls
Nearby Attractions to the Ouzoud Falls

History and Significance of the Ouzoud Falls

The name “Ouzoud” comes from a Berber word meaning “the act of grinding grain,” a reminder that these falls have long been tied to local livelihoods rather than just tourism. For generations, the reliable flow of the Ouzoud River powered traditional grain and olive mills dotted along the valley floor. Even today, a number of small, traditional oil mills still operate near the cascades, using the same water that drives the falls to press olives from the surrounding groves. The landscape you see - terraces of olive trees, small fields, simple stone houses - reflects a long history of people working with, rather than against, the terrain.

At 110 metres high, broken into three main drops, Ouzoud is widely regarded as the biggest and most impressive waterfall in Morocco. Fed by a river that carries water year-round, the falls continue to flow even when other streams dry to a trickle, making them a reliable destination in most seasons. Over time, the force of the water has carved the red sandstone gorge you walk through today, creating an oasis-like wadi where dense vegetation thrives even in the heat of summer. The contrast between the lush valley and the bare, sun-baked hills beyond is part of the site’s visual drama.

In recent decades, Ouzoud has grown from a regional beauty spot into a major national attraction. Campsites, bamboo and reed huts, simple restaurants, and craft stalls now line the pedestrian paths leading to the foot of the falls. The area has been classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE), but increasing visitor numbers and business activity are putting pressure on the environment, especially through habitat loss and waste. That tension between economic opportunity and conservation is now a key part of the Ouzoud story - and something visitors should bear in mind when they choose how to experience the falls.

Things to See and Do in the Ouzoud Falls

Most visits to Ouzoud begin at the clifftop viewpoints, where you first glimpse the falls from above. This is the classic postcard angle, with the three-tiered cascades plunging into the gorge below, often topped by a misty rainbow when the light is right. From here, follow the pathways past signs for local riads and cafés - including landmarks like Riad Cascades d'Ouzoud - and start descending towards the water. The main trails are well-trodden but can be steep and dusty in places, so decent shoes are a good idea. Along the way, you pass terraces with Berber restaurants perched on the slopes, offering tagines and mint tea with spectacular views.

At the base of the falls, the atmosphere changes from panoramic to immersive. Here, the sound of water becomes almost deafening, and spray cools the air even on hot days. Rafts operate at the plunge pool, taking visitors close to the falling water for a fun, slightly theatrical experience (and very wet photos). In the warmer months, some people choose to swim in calmer sections of the pool, though you should always check local conditions and use common sense. Off to the side, calmer eddies in the river and small cascades create natural paddling and lounging spots, while simple bamboo huts and terrace cafés line the banks.

Another highlight is the resident troop of Barbary macaque monkeys that roam the surrounding olive groves and trails. Watching them leaping between branches, grooming each other, or eyeing up snacks is entertaining, but it comes with responsibilities. Years of being fed by tourists have changed the macaques’ behaviour, making them bolder and more dependent on handouts. For your safety and theirs, it is best not to feed them, avoid wearing sunglasses or dangling items they might grab, and keep a respectful distance. Beyond the monkeys, Ouzoud rewards those who linger: explore quieter side paths, pause at small waterfalls and viewpoints, and you’ll find that the site still offers pockets of calm despite its growing popularity and the fact that it is often visited on walking tours of Marrakech’s wider region.

How to Get to the Ouzoud Falls

The Ouzoud Falls are located near the village of Tanaghmeilt, about 150 km northeast of Marrakech, making them a classic day trip from the city. Most international travellers will first arrive in Marrakech via Marrakech Menara Airport, which is well connected to major European and Moroccan cities and serves as the main gateway for excursions into the Atlas Mountains. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marrakesh on Booking.com. From the city, organised tours and private transfers depart daily towards Ouzoud, typically following routes through smaller towns such as Azilal.

Within Morocco, one practical approach is to travel by train to Marrakech from cities like Casablanca, Rabat, or Tangier, then continue by road to the falls.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From Marrakech, you can either join a shared day tour (which usually includes transport, some guiding, and free time at the waterfall) or hire a grand taxi for more flexibility. Taxis are more economical if you are a group of three or four, since a round-trip can cost in the region of 1500-1700 dirhams; be sure to agree the price and timings in advance.

If you are driving yourself, you can reach Ouzoud by following the main roads from Marrakech towards Azilal and then on to Tanaghmeilt, with the final kilometres winding through rural Atlas foothills. Parking near the village is usually straightforward for a small fee, after which you continue on foot along the pedestrian paths that lead towards the viewpoints and down to the base of the falls. However you choose to travel, allow around three hours each way from Marrakech, making this a full-day excursion.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Ouzoud Falls

Suggested tips: Wear sturdy shoes for the descent and ascent, bring sun protection and water, and consider hiring a local guide at the entrance if you want help navigating side paths and viewpoints.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and slightly cooler temperatures, especially in summer.
Entrance fee:
Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
Official website:
How long to spend: A typical visit from Marrakech takes a full day, with 3-4 hours on site allowing time to walk both top and bottom viewpoints, have a meal, and possibly take a raft ride.
Accessibility: The main trails involve steep, uneven steps and dirt paths; this can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues, and there is limited infrastructure for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Facilities: Expect basic but plentiful facilities: small restaurants, snack stalls, simple toilets, campsites, and rustic huts along the main footpaths down to the base of the falls.
Photography tip: For rainbows, aim to be at the main viewpoints when the sun is behind you and the spray is heavy; wide-angle shots from the top and close-ups at the bottom give very different moods.
Guided tours: Local mountain guides at the entrance typically charge 30-50 dirhams per person; while not essential, they can help you find quieter paths and avoid getting disoriented on the network of trails.
Nearby food options: Numerous terrace restaurants and Berber eateries line the path down to the waterfall, serving tajines, grilled meats, salads, and mint tea with front-row views of the cascades.

Where to Stay close to the Ouzoud Falls

Although many people visit Ouzoud as a day trip from Marrakech, staying overnight lets you enjoy the falls in the quieter early morning or evening when most tour groups have gone. Just above the gorge, Riad Cascades d’Ouzoud offers simple, welcoming rooms and a terrace with views towards the waterfall, making it an ideal base if you want to hear the sound of the cascades after dark. Nearby, Kasbah d’Ouzoud combines kasbah-style architecture with gardens and a pool, giving you space to relax after walking the trails. For a more local, homely feel, Maison d’Hôtes Amazir Ouzoud provides guesthouse comfort within easy walking distance of the site, and is a convenient option if you are travelling by car or on a small-group tour.

Is the Ouzoud Falls Worth Visiting?

Yes - Ouzoud Falls is absolutely worth the journey from Marrakech, especially if you enjoy landscapes, walking, and a taste of rural Berber life. The combination of a 110-metre, three-tier waterfall, red sandstone cliffs, olive groves, rainbow-filled spray, and resident macaques is hard to match elsewhere in Morocco. When you factor in the chance to swim, take a raft ride, or linger over a tajine on a terrace overlooking the water, Ouzoud easily stands out as one of the top attractions in Marrakech’s hinterland and a memorable contrast to the city’s urban energy.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (18,641)

Ouzoud Waterfalls Discovery, located in Ouzoud, Morocco, is a scenic spot framed by olive trees where visitors can enjoy boat rides to get closer to the falls and multiple viewpoints for walking around; tours often include a boat trip and lunch, and cafes and handicraft stalls are available on site. Reviewers praise the breathtaking cascades and say guided visits help find alternative routes and viewpoints; expect steep steps on the descent, occasional crowds in places, and opportunities to see and sometimes feed wild monkeys (locals may offer nuts or fruit to sell). Guides note a small fee for the short boat ride, visitors warn against treating the monkeys like pets, and many found the food and drinks reasonably priced.

Mangesh Shrestha

2 weeks ago

"Absolutely beautiful! It’s about a 3-hour drive from Marrakech, and it was completely worth it. We visited in December 2025, and the waterfall wastruly breathtaking. We were lucky with the weather too — the sun was shining the whole time. Our tour guide was amazing, and we even got to enjoy some traditional Moroccan tea while learning about the history of argan oil...."

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Zulfi Huss

a week ago

"Nice place to visit, beautiful waterfall (once you’ve seen them once you’ve seen them all) we a tour booked which came with boat ride and lunchincluded in the price. Be prepared to walk down some steep steps. There’s a place up top where you can have a look at some wild baboons, you’ll get people trying to sell you nuts, bananas etc. I would recommend if you want to feed them bring fruit, nuts with you...."

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Kamilla Reidl

a month ago

"We were on an organized tour. Beautiful area, worth a visit. The restaurant offers a delicious lunch and you can also buy handicrafts here. You canalso feed many monkeys, a pleasant and not tiring program. Easy to get to, the boat ride was 20 DH which is about 3 minutes...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Ouzoud Falls

The falls are about 150 km (around 3 hours’ drive) northeast of Marrakech, making them a popular full-day excursion from the city.

Yes, some visitors swim in calmer areas near the base in warm weather, but conditions can vary, so always follow local advice and use common sense around deep or fast-moving water.

A guide is not strictly necessary, as the main paths are generally well-marked, but hiring one is inexpensive and can help you navigate less obvious routes and viewpoints.

The Barbary macaques are used to people but can become bold, especially if they expect food; avoid feeding them, keep your distance, and do not wear loose sunglasses or wave food around.

Families and older visitors do come, but the paths are steep and uneven; it may be better to focus on the upper viewpoints if climbing up and down the gorge would be too demanding.

Nearby Attractions to the Ouzoud Falls

Azilal: A small Atlas town that serves as a regional hub and a gateway to surrounding mountains and rural villages.
Bin el Ouidane Lake: A scenic artificial lake surrounded by hills, popular for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
Aït Bouguemez Valley: Known as the “Happy Valley,” this lush high-altitude area offers traditional villages, trekking, and panoramic mountain views.
Beni Mellal: A provincial city with nearby viewpoints and access to other natural sites in the Middle Atlas region.
Imi n’Ifri Natural Bridge: A striking rock formation and gorge near Demnate, often combined with Ouzoud on multi-stop excursions in the area.

The Cascades D’ouzoud appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marrakesh!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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