How to Get To Ouzoud Falls, Morocco
Everything You Need To Know About Ouzoud Falls
So you’ve found yourself in Marrakesh, saw some pictures of a magnificent cascading waterfall, and are now wondering how to get to Ouzoud Falls, Morocco?
Well you’re in luck! Here are several ways to get to the unbelievably gorgeous Ouzoud Falls, as well as what you should expect from your visit there.
So What Are the Ouzoud Falls?
Ouzoud Falls — or the Cascade D’Ouzoud — are a series of waterfalls that empty into the El-Abid River Gorge. The Falls are multi-tired and deposit into several swimmable fresh water pools. The word “Ouzoud” most closely translates to “the act of grinding grain” in Berber, which could derive from the plentiful grain mills in the region.
Ouzoud Falls spans a total height of 110 meters, making it the second-largest waterfall in Africa behind Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Besides being simply enormous, the Falls are breathtakingly gorgeous and definitely worth the hype.
While the majestic Ouzoud Falls might seem like something out of an adventure movie, luckily you don’t have to journey to the center of the earth to find them!
How to get to Ouzoud Falls
The Ouzoud Falls are located near the town of Ouzoud, Morocco about 2 ½ hours outside of Marrakech. Here are a variety of ways to get to Ouzoud from the Ochre city:
By Car
This way to Ouzoud is the most direct — renting a car and driving yourself to the Falls. There are plenty of car rental companies that rent to foreigners in Marrakech.
The road to Ouzoud is pretty straightforward with a few switchbacks and hills. You get to drive through the Palm Groves of Marrakech and foothills of the Atlas Mountain, so make sure that your passenger has their camera ready!
By Guided Tour
Personally, this is the option that we opted for on our journey to Ouzoud. There are plenty of tour operators easily booked through Trip Advisor. These providers essentially offer the same service — private transportation between Ouzoud and Marrakech and a personal guide to take you around the area.
While the guide was not necessary (the trail leading down to the Falls is pretty straightforward), it was nice to have someone from the area to chat with and help organize the boat ride and lunch. The tours shouldn’t cost you more than 200-350 MAD in total per person.
By Shared Taxi
In Morocco, there are two types of taxis. Taxi Saghirs (local small taxis) and Taxi Kabirs (big white taxis). Taxi Kabirs–the white taxis–can take you in between cities throughout Morocco.
To get to Ouzoud, you can grab a shared White Taxi from a Taxi station in Marrakech headed to Azilal. From there, you can hop in another shared taxi to Ouzoud. Overall, the trip shouldn’t take longer than 3 or so hours and should cost between 50 and 100 MAD in total.
What to Expect at Ouzoud Falls
Getting Around the Falls
Like I previously mentioned, it is not necessary to hire a guide to get around Ouzoud. There is a very straightforward path from Ouzoud town leading down to the Falls.
Navigating the Trail Down
While the trail down to the waterfall pools isn’t much of a hike, you can catch some pretty cool glimpses of the Falls on the way down. There are also a few houses and local shops dotted along the dirt trail down.
We noticed that the path on the right hand side of the Falls (as you’re facing the Falls) was more paved and had defined steps leading down, while the left-hand side was more of a traditional nature trail.
Meeting the Ouzoud Monkeys
I have to admit, the coolest part of the trip was a toss up between the larger-than-life waterfalls and the monkeys! Like nearby Ifrane, Ouzoud is known for their local macaque monkeys. And they’re huge.
The monkeys are really friendly and will even climb up on you (typically prompted by one of the tour guides). At first, I was worried about my camera but to my surprise the monkeys didn’t try to grab any of our things. They did — however — open tree nuts into our hair, but what can you expect? They’re monkeys!
Venturing in The Row Boats
These boats were an unexpected favorite part of the trip. They cost about 10-20 dirhams and (1-2 USD) and take you around the Falls for a couple minutes.
Our rower brought us right up to the Falls and we got absolutely soaked in the water spray. Luckily he had a waterproof cover for our cameras, but bring an extra rain jacket or poncho just in case!
Grabbing Some Lunch
While the food options in Ouzoud are limited, you can find some amazing views at the small terraced lunch spots at the Falls. The options for lunch are pretty typical — kefta, tagine, and a few assortments of Moroccan salads. While the food is overpriced for Moroccan standards, you’re paying for the gorgeous terrace views, so it’s hard to complain.
Going for a Dip
More than likely during your visit to Ouzoud, you’ll see scores of young kids jumping off the rocks and playing in the waterfall pools. Honestly there were so many of them swimming right up to the rowboats that I thought they were going to get run over!
While people swim all over the waterfall pools (and even right up to and under the Falls), there are a few different areas to swim at. If you don’t want to battle the gnarly waterfall current and rowboat traffic, you can take a dip in the smaller pools down the river.
Grabbing a Souvenir
Alongside the trail around the Falls, there are a handful of craftspeople and shopkeepers selling products. Though there isn’t nearly the selection of treasures that you’d find in a Marrakech souk, you can still find some great knick knacks or products alongside the trail.
At one of the lookouts, you can also buy some herbs for teas and tisanes.
Returning to Marrakech
Well, with that you’ve hopefully enjoyed your day at Ouzoud! With Marrakech only a 2 hour ride away, you should have plenty of time to enjoy an evening in the Ochre City.
You could also check out some nearby sights like lake Azilal or venture further into the Atlas Mountains.
What to Wear to Ouzoud Falls?
When I was originally researching travel options to Ouzoud, I didn’t see much written about the trail leading down to the waterfall pools. While the trail is by no means a difficult one, it can easily get dusty or muddy which could definitely lead to a twisted ankle or worse if you’re not careful. Definitely wear athletic shoes and watch your step on the way down!
In addition to athletic shoes, I’d also recommend some loose-fitting clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty or wet. If you’re planning on swimming, there aren’t really any places to change by the pools so I’d hike in already dressed in a bathing suit and coverup.
Ouzoud Falls Packing LIst
- Comfortable, Athletic Clothes
- Athletic shoes/sandals
- Water bottle
- Quick dry towel
- Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- Sunscreen
- Bathing Suit
- Travel Bag
- Snacks
- Cash in Moroccan Dirhams
