Ouzoud Waterfalls: Day Trip from Marrakech (2026 Guide)
The Ouzoud waterfalls are Morocco's highest and the number-one nature day trip from Marrakech. About 150 km to the northeast, these 110 m falls tumble in tiers into a green canyon home to Barbary macaques. Swimming, a boat ride, hiking and lunch with your feet above the water: a perfect breath of fresh air after the bustle of the medina.
The Ouzoud waterfalls (110 m) lie about 2.5 hours' drive from Marrakech (150 km). You can go on an organized tour (from €13-15 for the day, transport included), by grand taxi (€40-70 round trip) or by car. On site: a shaded descent trail to the pools (20-30 min), swimming possible in the natural pools, a boat ride under the falls (10-20 MAD), Barbary macaque watching (don't feed them) and lunch on a terrace (€8-15). More active travellers can add 1-2 h of hiking in the canyon, past traditional mills and Berber villages. Allow half a day to a full day. Free site entry (local guide optional, 100-200 MAD); best in spring (March-May, high flow) or early morning, to avoid the crowds.
1. What to see and do at Ouzoud
The falls and the trail
From the top, a shaded trail descends in 20-30 min to the foot of the falls through olive trees and stalls. Along the way, viewpoints reveal the tiered cascades and, often, rainbows in the spray in the afternoon.
Swimming and boats
At the bottom, natural pools allow swimming (cool water). Small wooden boats edge close to the falls for a few dirhams — guaranteed thrills in the spray.
The Barbary macaques
The canyon is home to a colony of wild Barbary macaques. They're easy to spot in the trees and near the trail. Don't feed them: it harms their health and behavior.
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Hiking in the canyon
For the more active, a trail climbs up the canyon of the El Abid river, between olive groves, traditional mills and small Berber villages. Allow 1-2 extra hours. A local guide enriches the walk.
2. How to get to Ouzoud from Marrakech?
Two organized tours from Marrakech cover most of the demand. Same format (guided hike, boat ride and lunch), but two different profiles: one ranks among the most-booked activities in the entire catalogue, the other is a newer alternative, slightly cheaper and better rated but with far fewer reviews.
| Tour | Duration | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech: guided hike, boat and lunch | full day | €15 | 4.7/5 | 36,658 |
| Ouzoud waterfalls: guided hike, boat and lunch from Marrakech | full day | €13 | 4.8/5 | 1,271 |
Price per person, hotel transfer included. Both options cover essentially the same program (hike, boat, lunch): the first is by far the more established and reviewed option (36,000+ reviews), the second a slightly cheaper, better-rated but still lightly-reviewed alternative.
Without an organized tour, you can also arrange a grand taxi (€40-70 round trip, shared or private) or a rental car (2.5 h drive, A7 then a regional road, ~10-20 MAD parking on site).
What program for your profile?
Indicative budget
- Organized tour: from €13-15 / person (transport included)
- Site access: free
- Boat: ~10-20 MAD
- Local guide (optional): 100-200 MAD
- Terrace lunch: €8-15
- Parking (by car): ~10-20 MAD
Practical tips
- Leave early: fewer people in the morning and softer light.
- Footwear: sloping trail, sometimes slippery near the water — skip the flip-flops.
- Swimsuit + towel if you plan to swim.
- Don't feed the monkeys and watch your belongings (they're curious).
- Water and a hat: the climb back up is physical in the heat.
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Mistakes to avoid
Bookable on the ground: our catalogue of nature activities in Morocco.
FAQ — Ouzoud Waterfalls
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In summary
The Ouzoud waterfalls are the perfect nature escape from Marrakech: spectacular falls, wild monkeys, a refreshing swim and lunch with your feet above the water. Easy to reach on a day trip, they appeal to families, couples and hikers alike.
My 3 key tips:
- Set off early for the light and the calm.
- Take a boat to get close to the falls.
- Don't feed the monkeys and keep an eye on your belongings.
