Ouzoud Falls

Ouzoud Falls tumbles about 110 metres in several tiers into a red-rock gorge in Morocco's Middle Atlas, a comfortable day trip from Marrakech. The name comes from the Berber word for olive, and the trail down runs through old groves and past working water mills.

Why visit Ouzoud Falls

Barbary macaques live in the trees along the path, and flat-bottomed boats carry visitors to the foot of the spray. The gorge walk continues downstream to rock pools where locals swim in summer.

Best time to visit Ouzoud Falls

Spring, from March to May, brings the strongest flow and green terraces. Summer weekends are busy with Moroccan families; go early.

How to get to Ouzoud Falls

Drive from Marrakech in two and a half to three hours, or stay overnight in a riad at the top of the falls to see them without the day-trip crowds.

Walking the falls

The Cascades d'Ouzoud fall about 110 metres in several tiers into a gorge that runs down to the El Abid river. A path lined with olive trees and small cafés zigzags from the village at the top down to the pools at the base, taking 20 to 30 minutes. From the bottom, boats cross to the spray, and a trail continues down the gorge. The name comes from the Amazigh word for olives, and old olive mills still stand along the path.

Practical information

Day trips from Marrakech take about two and a half to three hours each way, so the falls are busiest in the middle of the day, especially at weekends and in summer. Staying overnight lets you see them early or late with fewer people. The flow is strongest in spring. Barbary macaques along the path are wild; do not feed them. Wear shoes with grip on the wet steps near the base.

Pair Ouzoud Falls with a safari

Ouzoud is a natural add-on to a Morocco holiday or an extension to a longer African journey.

Tips for visiting Ouzoud Falls

Arrive early or stay overnight in the village to avoid the midday crowds from Marrakech. Walk down one side of the gorge and up the other for the full set of views, and keep food out of sight of the macaques. For planning, see our Morocco guide and the month-by-month water levels, or compare it with Africa's two most visited falls, Victoria Falls and Murchison Falls.

National parks and sights nearby

• High Atlas
• Bin el Ouidane lake
• Marrakech