Ouzoud Waterfall Hike Guide: Day Hike from Marrakech
Hassan Ait Baha · 11 min · Hiking
Ouzoud is Morocco's highest waterfall and a great day hike from Marrakech — the route, macaques, swimming, guides and costs explained.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are Morocco's highest waterfall — a 110-metre cascade tumbling in tiers through a limestone amphitheatre of olive groves and Barbary macaques, about three hours from Marrakech. It is one of the most rewarding day hikes from the city: not strenuous, genuinely beautiful, and with swimming, wildlife and riverside cafes thrown in. This guide covers the route, what to expect, and how to plan the day.
The Route
From the village of Ouzoud at the top, a path leads to the main viewpoint overlooking the falls, then descends through olive groves and past the resident macaque troops to the base of the cascade. From there you can walk behind the lower falls (expect to get wet), swim in the pools, and climb back up via a different path or the local boat-and-steps shortcut. The full loop is 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace.
The Barbary Macaques
A wild population of Barbary macaques — North Africa's only native monkey — lives in the trees around the falls, most active in the morning. They are used to humans, and local guides often encourage feeding for photos. Resist this: feeding harms the monkeys' health and makes them aggressive. Watch from a respectful distance instead.
Difficulty
Easy to moderate. The paths are established and well-trodden. The descent to the base involves steps and uneven ground but no scrambling. The climb back up is the only real effort — take it slowly in the heat. Suitable for families with children and most fitness levels.
Swimming & Lunch
There are swimming pools at the base of the lower falls — cold but refreshing, especially in summer. Be very careful on the wet rocks, which are extremely slippery. Riverside cafes at the top and base serve mint tea, tagine and grilled fish; lunch overlooking the falls is a highlight of the day.
What to Pack
- Sturdy shoes with grip — the rocks at the base are very slippery when wet.
- A swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim.
- Sun protection and water — the climb back up is exposed.
- A light rain layer if you plan to walk behind the falls.
- Cash for cafe meals and the optional boat crossing.
Getting There & Costs
Ouzoud is about 150 km from Marrakech, a 2.5-3 hour drive. A guided day trip including transport runs $50-90 per person. Self-drive or grand taxi is cheaper but less convenient on a long day. The falls area has a small entry fee and cafe costs; budget for lunch.
Best Time
Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures and reliable water flow. Summer is hot but the spray from the falls and the swimming keep you cool. Winter can be cold and the water higher after rain — check conditions.
Book Your Ouzoud Hike
We run guided Ouzoud waterfall day trips from Marrakech with licensed local guides. Book the Ouzoud waterfalls day trip, or combine it with an Ourika or Imlil day hike through our plan-my-trip form.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ouzoud from Marrakech?
About 150 km, a 2.5-3 hour drive each way. It is a full day trip — allow 10-12 hours total with the hike, lunch and travel. Most tours leave Marrakech around 8 am and return by 7 pm.
How long is the Ouzoud waterfall hike?
The main walk down to the base of the falls and back is about 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace, including the viewpoint, the path down through olive groves, and the base of the falls. Longer loops add the upper trails.
Are there really monkeys at Ouzoud?
Yes — a population of wild Barbary macaques lives in the trees around the falls, especially in the morning. They are habituated to humans but are wild animals — do not feed them or get too close, despite local guides encouraging it.
Can you swim at Ouzoud?
Yes — there are swimming pools at the base of the lower falls, popular in summer. The water is cold year-round. Be careful on the wet rocks around the base, which are very slippery.
Is the Ouzoud hike difficult?
No — it is an easy to moderate walk on established paths. The descent to the base of the falls involves steps and some uneven ground, but no scrambling. Suitable for families and most fitness levels.
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