Ouzoud Waterfalls

Ouzoud is a set of waterfalls in a limestone amphitheatre, with village paths, terraces and, in season, a cold spray that makes stones slick. It is not next door to Marrakech. Treat it as a full day with an early start.

The viewpoint terraces are enough for many guests. The descent toward the pools is optional. Closed shoes matter more than a swimming costume; the river is not a resort beach.

We run this as a private day from Marrakech so you are not tied to a coach lunch stop. Combine it with an Atlas village only if you accept a thinner waterfall hour — usually we do one or the other well.

When to visit Ouzoud

The waterfalls are fullest in spring after the winter rains and snowmelt. Summer brings more visitors and lower water, but the shade of the olive groves keeps the walk pleasant. Autumn is calm and green again after the first rains.

Getting to Ouzoud

Ouzoud is about 150 kilometres north-east of Marrakech, a drive of around two and a half to three hours through farmland and the foothills of the Middle Atlas. From the parking area, paths lead through olive trees to the top of the falls, with terraces and cafés along the way. The walk down to the pools takes about twenty to forty minutes; small boats take visitors close to the spray, and Barbary macaques live in the trees nearby.

Authoritative background: Visit Morocco nature and mountains guide (Visit Morocco — nature and mountains).