Ouzoud Waterfalls★★
The Cascades d'Ouzoud are the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Morocco at 110 meters high—and one of the most beautiful natural spots in North Africa. The water plunges in three cascades over red rocks into a deep green basin, surrounded by olive and pomegranate trees. Rainbows form in the mist when the sun shines.
The Visit
Several paths lead from the parking lot to the foot of the falls (about 20-30 minutes descent). The main path has steps and is well laid out. At the bottom, you can swim (the basin is deep and cool—refreshing in summer), take a rowboat across the small lake, and admire the falls from different perspectives. The ascent on the opposite side leads to viewpoints with the best panorama.
Barbary Macaques
A colony of Barbary macaques (Magot)—North Africa's only wild monkey species—lives in the trees around the waterfalls. They are accustomed to humans and often come surprisingly close. Do not feed them (they become aggressive), do not carry food openly, and keep bags closed!
Getting There
The Ouzoud Falls are about 150 km northeast of Marrakesh (2.5 hours drive) and 20 km from the town of Azilal. Day trips from Marrakesh are possible (from 250 MAD by Grand Taxi), but an overnight stay in one of the simple accommodations at the upper edge of the falls is more rewarding—in the early morning, you almost have the falls to yourself.
💡 Tipp
Ouzoud is very crowded on weekends and holidays (Moroccan family outing). During the week and early in the morning, there is significantly more space. The best travel time is spring (March-May), when the river carries the most water.
