The Ouzoud Waterfalls are Morocco’s highest and most spectacular falls — a 110-metre curtain of water dropping through red cliffs and greenery about 2.5 to 3 hours northeast of Marrakech. It’s the country’s most popular waterfall day trip for good reason: dramatic cascades, wild Barbary macaque monkeys in the trees, little wooden boats that carry you into the spray, and riverside cafés for lunch. This guide covers the distance, what to expect at the falls, and how to make the most of a long but rewarding day out of Marrakech.
- Height: around 110 metres — the tallest waterfalls in Morocco and among the highest in North Africa.
- Distance: roughly 150–180 km northeast of Marrakech, about 2.5–3 hours each way — a full-day trip (around 8:00–18:00).
- Wildlife: wild Barbary macaques live around the falls — the only wild monkeys in Africa north of the Sahara. Keep food and shiny objects zipped away.
- Do it all: hike down past viewpoints, take a short boat ride to the base, have lunch by the water and swim in the pools.
- A long green day out — the perfect counterpoint to Marrakech’s dry Agafay desert, only 40 minutes the other way.
Where are the Ouzoud Waterfalls and how far from Marrakech?
Ouzoud lies northeast of Marrakech in the Middle Atlas, roughly 150 to 180 km away depending on the route, which works out to about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving each way. That makes it a genuine full-day trip: most tours leave Marrakech around 8:00 and return by early evening. The drive itself climbs through olive groves and Berber country, and the last approach reveals the falls from above — a striking first view.
Morocco’s highest waterfalls
The falls drop about 110 metres in a series of cascades, framed by ochre cliffs, olive trees and, after rain, rainbows in the spray. The volume is at its most powerful in spring, when snowmelt swells the river; in high summer the flow is gentler but the pools are warmer for swimming. Paths lead down from the top viewpoints to the base, passing café terraces cut into the hillside where you can stop for mint tea with the falls in full view.
The Barbary macaques
One of Ouzoud’s signatures is its troop of wild Barbary macaques — the only wild primates in Africa north of the Sahara. They live in the woodland around the falls and are used to visitors, often coming close along the trails. They’re generally not aggressive, but they are bold opportunists: they’ll grab food, drinks and anything shiny straight from an open hand or bag. Enjoy watching them, don’t feed them, and keep snacks and phones secured.
The hike down and the boat ride
From the top, a well-trodden path descends through the cafés and viewpoints to the foot of the falls. It’s downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back — moderate, but wear proper shoes, as it can be uneven and slippery near the water. At the bottom, traditional wooden boats ferry visitors across the plunge pool toward the base of the cascade; the short 10–15 minute ride brings you close enough to feel the spray and hear the roar. It’s the classic Ouzoud photo, and well worth the small fare.
Swimming, lunch and taking your time
Give yourself two to three hours at the falls to do it justice: the descent, the viewpoints, the boat, and lunch at one of the riverside cafés serving tagine and grilled dishes. In warm weather you can swim in the natural pools below the cascades — cold, refreshing and unforgettable with the water thundering above you. It’s an active day, so pace it and take the time to sit and watch.
Best time to visit Ouzoud
Spring is the best all-round season — the falls are at full power and the surroundings are green. Autumn is comfortable and quieter. Summer brings warmer swimming pools but hotter days and bigger crowds, so start early. Winter is crisp and clear, with a strong flow after rain. To avoid the busiest hours and the midday heat, aim to reach the falls in the morning.
What to bring
- Closed shoes with grip for the descent — the path is uneven and slippery near the water
- A swimsuit and towel in warm months
- Sun protection, water and a hat for the exposed viewpoints
- Cash (dirhams) for the boat ride, café lunch and guides
- A secure, zipped bag to keep snacks and valuables away from the monkeys
How to get to the Ouzoud Waterfalls
Because it’s a long drive, most visitors go on an organised day trip with hotel pick-up — shared tours are affordable and handle the driving, a local guide and the timing, while private tours let you set your own pace and stops. Self-driving is possible on paved roads, but the round trip is tiring in a day; a driver-guide is the easier option for making the most of your time at the falls.
Ouzoud or the Agafay desert?
Ouzoud and Agafay show two very different sides of the landscape around Marrakech. Ouzoud is a long, green, water-and-forest day with a big drive and a big payoff. The Agafay desert, by contrast, is close and dry — only about 40 minutes from Marrakech, a stony, cinematic landscape of rocky dunes, luxury camps, camel and quad rides and sweeping sunsets. If Ouzoud is your big excursion, Agafay is the easy half-day that needs no early start.
Balance a big drive with an easy desert escape
Planning a few days around the city? Compare it with the Ourika Valley day trip and see our guide to things to do in Marrakech.
Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip FAQ
How far are the Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech?
Ouzoud is roughly 150 to 180 km northeast of Marrakech, about 2.5 to 3 hours’ drive each way. It’s a full-day trip, typically running from around 8:00 to 18:00.
How tall are the Ouzoud Waterfalls?
The Ouzoud Waterfalls drop about 110 metres, making them the highest in Morocco and among the tallest in North Africa.
Are there monkeys at Ouzoud?
Yes — wild Barbary macaques live around the falls, the only wild monkeys in Africa north of the Sahara. They’re used to visitors but bold, so keep food and shiny objects secured and don’t feed them.
Can you swim at Ouzoud?
Yes, in the natural pools below the cascades, mainly in the warmer months. The water is cold; bring a swimsuit and towel and check conditions.
Is the Ouzoud hike hard?
The path from the top viewpoints down to the base is moderate — downhill in, uphill out, on uneven and sometimes slippery ground. Good shoes make it comfortable for most people.
Is Ouzoud worth it as a day trip?
Yes, if you don’t mind the drive. It’s Morocco’s most impressive waterfall, with wild monkeys, boat rides and swimming. If you’d rather stay close to the city, the Agafay desert is a shorter 40-minute alternative.