Ouzoud Waterfalls
شلالات أوزودMorocco's most spectacular waterfalls, with monkeys and rainbows.
Nearest host city Marrakech
Best for Nature, families, a day out of the city.
Overview
The Ouzoud falls drop about 110 metres in several cascades into a green gorge in the Middle Atlas, near Azilal. A path lined with olive trees and small cafés leads down to the pools at the bottom, where you can take a small boat under the falls. Barbary macaques live in the trees around.
How to get there
About 2.5–3 hours by road from Marrakech. Most visitors go with a day tour or a private driver.
Highlights
Viewpoints at the top
See the full height of the falls and, in the afternoon, often a rainbow.
Path down the gorge
A walk of 20–30 minutes with steps; cafés serve tagine with a view.
Boat ride
Small decorated rafts take you close to the falling water.
Macaques
Wild monkeys live in the trees; watch them but do not feed them.
Local tips
- Wear shoes with a good grip: paths are slippery.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.
Explore Morocco
- Chefchaouen: The blue city of the Rif mountains.
- Meknes & Volubilis: An imperial city and the best Roman ruins in Morocco.
- Ifrane & the cedar forest: Cool mountain air, alpine houses and wild Barbary macaques.
- Essaouira: A windy, artistic port town with blue boats and ramparts.
- Imlil & Mount Toubkal: Hiking in the High Atlas, under North Africa's highest peak.
- Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou: Earthen kasbahs and film-set landscapes beyond the Atlas.
- Merzouga & the Sahara: Golden dunes, camel rides and a night under the stars.
- Laayoune & the Sahara coast: The largest city of the Moroccan Sahara, between dunes and ocean.
- Dakhla: A turquoise lagoon in the desert, a world capital of kitesurfing.