If you’re looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls is the perfect choice. Located about 160 km (100 miles) away, Ouzoud is home to Morocco’s highest waterfalls, surrounded by lush olive groves, dramatic red cliffs, and charming Berber villages.
This full-day adventure will take you through the stunning Atlas Mountains, where you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, meet Barbary monkeys, and even take a boat ride under the falls.
- Duration: 10 Hours
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Marrakech
Depart Time: | 8:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 17:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €50 per person |
- Explore Morocco’s tallest waterfall (110m high).
- Scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains & Berber villages.
- Hike through olive groves & lush valleys.
- See playful Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
- Take a boat ride close to the cascading water.
- Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch with a view.
- Relax by the river or take in panoramic views from the top.
Itinerary of the 1 Day Trip Marrakech To ouzoud waterfalls:
.1. Departing from Marrakech
Your journey starts with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at around 8:00 AM. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minivan), driven by a professional guide.
As you leave Marrakech, the cityscape fades into vast open countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Berber villages, where you can see traditional houses, farmers working in the fields, and locals going about their daily lives.
2. Drive Through the Atlas Mountains
The scenic drive takes you through the beautiful Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and deep valleys. The air becomes fresher as you gain altitude, and the landscape shifts between rugged cliffs and green fields.
A quick stop at a roadside café is included, where you can grab some Moroccan mint tea or coffee and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
3. Arriving at Ouzoud Waterfalls
After about 3 hours of driving, you’ll arrive at Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Morocco. These 110-meter-high cascades create a breathtaking scene, with water plunging down rugged cliffs into a deep natural pool below.
As soon as you step out of the car, you’ll hear the roar of the waterfalls and feel the refreshing mist in the air.
4. Exploring Ouzoud Waterfalls
Hiking Down to the Base
A local guide (optional but recommended) will lead you on a hike down the scenic trails that lead to the base of the waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll walk through olive groves, fig trees, and lush vegetation, while enjoying panoramic views of the waterfalls from different angles.
Meet the Friendly Monkeys
Ouzoud is home to Barbary macaques, playful monkeys that live in the surrounding forest. They often come close to visitors, hoping for snacks, and are fun to watch and photograph. However, be mindful not to feed them processed food!
Boat Ride Under the Falls (Optional)
For a truly unique experience, take a small boat ride (for a small extra fee) that brings you right under the waterfalls! This is an incredible opportunity to get up close to the cascades and feel the cooling mist on your skin.
5. Lunch with a View
By 1:00 PM, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan meal while overlooking the waterfalls.
Popular dishes include:
Berber Tagine: slow-cooked meat with vegetables and spices.
Couscous: served with seasonal vegetables.
Grilled fish or chicken: with fresh Moroccan bread.
There are also vegetarian options available, and most restaurants have terraces with spectacular waterfall views.
6. Exploring More of Ouzoud
Climbing to the Top of the Falls
After lunch, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. If you’re up for some adventure, hike up to the top of the waterfalls, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the entire valley.
The climb includes around 1,000 stone steps, but it’s worth it for the incredible photo opportunities and the chance to see the falls from a different perspective.
Relax by the River
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, find a shady spot by the river, dip your feet in the cool water, and simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
7. The Journey Back to Marrakech
By 4:00 PM, you’ll start your return journey to Marrakech.
On the way back, there’s an optional stop at Imi-n-Ifri, a natural rock bridge created by an ancient cave collapse. It’s a fascinating geological formation and a great place for some final photos before heading back to the city.
Expect to arrive in Marrakech around 7:00 PM, feeling refreshed and re-energized after a day surrounded by nature.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 165 Km
- Approx. 3-4 (Including Stops)
Included:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech.
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver.
- Optional guided hike (extra cost).
- Time to explore the waterfalls at your own pace.
- Fuel and all necessary transport costs
Excluded:
- Lunches, Drinks
- Additional activities (such as boat ride under the falls...)
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes :
You will be walking a lot, including hiking down to the waterfalls and climbing stairs. The paths can be rocky and uneven, so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Avoid flip-flops or slippery sandals, as they might not be safe for the hike.
2️. Bring Some Cash
Most places in Ouzoud do not accept credit cards, so it’s important to bring cash (Moroccan dirhams). You may need money for lunch, drinks, the boat ride, tips, or small souvenirs. There are no ATMs near the waterfalls, so withdraw money in Marrakech before your trip.
3️. Be Ready for the Monkeys
Ouzoud is home to friendly Barbary monkeys, and they love to interact with visitors. However, they can try to grab food, sunglasses, or other small items. It’s fun to take pictures with them, but hold on to your belongings and avoid feeding them, as this can make them aggressive.
4️. Prepare for the Weather
Ouzoud can be hot in summer, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay cool. If you visit in winter, the weather can be chilly, especially in the morning and evening, so bring a jacket or sweater. Comfortable, light clothing is best for walking and exploring.
Why Take This Day Trip Marrakech to Ououd Waterfall?
This day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfall is a perfect way to escape the city’s noise and heat and enjoy Morocco’s most beautiful natural wonder. The 110-meter-high waterfalls offer breathtaking views, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic Atlas Mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Once at Ouzoud, you can hike through olive groves, take a boat ride under the falls, meet playful Barbary monkeys, and enjoy a delicious Moroccan meal with a stunning view.
Pricing Overview for the 1-Day Marrakech to Ouzoud Trip
A day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls typically costs around €50 per person. This usually includes comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pick-up and drop-off for convenience.
The trip often comes with a professional driver who ensures a smooth journey, but extras like lunch, drinks, the optional boat ride, and hiring a local guide are not included in the base price.
To fully enjoy the experience, it’s best to bring some extra money for food, activities, and any personal expenses along the way!
Extra Activities For Marrakech To Ouzoud Waterfalls 1 Day Trip:
Besides enjoying the stunning waterfalls, there are plenty of fun activities to make your trip even more special. Here are some exciting things you can do at Ouzoud:
1. Boat Ride Under the Falls
Hop on a small wooden boat and get up close to the waterfalls! Feel the cool mist on your face as you float near the rushing water. A fun and refreshing experience for just a few euros.
2. Hiking & Exploring the Trails
Walk along scenic trails leading to the top and bottom of the falls. Pass through olive groves, fig trees, and lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers and photographers!
3. Meet the Barbary Monkeys
Ouzoud is home to friendly wild monkeys that love to play in the trees. Watch them swing, jump, and sometimes pose for photos—just keep your snacks hidden!
4. Relax by the River
Looking for peace and quiet? Find a shady spot by the water, dip your feet in the cool river, and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.
5. Taste Local Berber Food
Try a delicious Berber tagine or grilled fish at a restaurant with a view of the waterfalls. A perfect way to enjoy authentic Moroccan flavors while surrounded by nature.
Places to Visit on Your Ouzoud Day Trip From Marrakech:
Want to see some cool spots? Here are a few places you might like to check out!
1. Ouzoud Waterfalls:
The main attraction, these waterfalls are the highest in North Africa, cascading down 110 meters (360 feet) into a beautiful pool below. The sight is breathtaking and perfect for photography.
2. Olive Groves:
On your way to the waterfalls, you’ll drive through vast fields of olive trees. This scenic route offers lovely views and a chance to see local agriculture.
3. Berber Villages:
Experience traditional Berber culture by visiting nearby villages. You can learn about their way of life and enjoy local hospitality.
4. Barbary Apes:
Look out for Barbary macaques in the area around the falls. These playful monkeys are often seen near the water and provide a fun wildlife encounter.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are kind of far from Marrakech. They’re about 150 to 180 kilometers away. That means it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to get there if you’re driving in a car or a small bus.
Most of the tours start pretty early in the morning. Usually, they pick you up from your hotel in Marrakech around 8:00 AM. This helps you get the most out of your day!
There are lots of cool things to do! You can take guided walks to see the best spots, take awesome photos of the waterfalls, watch the funny monkeys that live there, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, and enjoy a yummy lunch at a local restaurant.
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some cash. Not all the restaurants and shops near the waterfalls take cards, so having cash makes it easier to buy things and have a good time.
Some tours don’t include lunch! Often, they’ll take you to a traditional Moroccan restaurant. You can try some local foods like tagine, which is really tasty. Check with your tour to see if lunch is included in the price.
Yes, you can swim in some of the areas near the waterfalls. But be careful! Make sure to ask someone which spots are safe to swim in, and always watch out for slippery rocks. It’s fun, but safety first!
Important:
Customize your adventure with Travel-Morocco-Tours to fit your needs.
If you want to visit a charming coastal town, consider our day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, If you prefer mountains, consider the day trip from Marrakech to the High Atlas Mountains in Imlil.
Ready for an unforgettable experience? Contact Travel-Morocco-Tours today to start planning your dream trip!
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