Ouzoud Falls is a three-tiered cascade in Azilal Province in the Atlas Mountains, where the El-Abid River drops about 110 m (longest single drop ~75 m) into a red-rock gorge, making it the tallest waterfall in Morocco. It is famed for the mist-filled canyon framed by olive groves and for the wild, habituated Barbary macaques that live along its walls and trees, and it remains one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech. As of 2026 the site is still free to enter but gets crowded with visitors and souvenir stalls on weekends and in peak season. Come in the afternoon and you will likely catch rainbows shimmering in the spray.
The full 110 m, three-step cascade seen from the lower viewpoints, with rainbows in the afternoon mist
Troops of wild Barbary macaques moving through the gorge and olive trees
Swimming in the calm pools at the base and small boats that nose right up to the falls
The loop trail from the clifftop down to the base with several photo viewpoints
Cliffside cafes and terraces serving mint tea and tagine over the river
Good to know
CautionEntry is free. A common trick is a 'guide' who intercepts you well before the entrance and insists you cannot visit without paying a few euros per person, do not comply. If you do hire a real guide or take a boat, agree the number of people and the price before you start.
CautionStall and restaurant prices are often inflated for tourists. Boat rides typically run around 20 MAD per person, settle the price before you order or board, and carry small-denomination cash since cards are rarely accepted.
SafetyThe path down to the base is steep and slippery from spray, and some viewpoints require scrambling over rocks, so wear grippy shoes and watch your footing near the water. There are no lifeguards, so swim only in the calm lower pools.
RulesThis is a protected area and the macaques are a protected wild species, so do not feed or touch them and keep your distance. They snatch bags, plastic sacks, food and sunglasses, so zip up your belongings and keep food out of sight.
SeasonSpring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) offer the best mix of flow and weather. Summer is hot with little shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water, while winter is chilly with higher flow. Rainbows are usually best in the afternoon light.
SafetyShared grand taxis from Azilal to Ouzoud are infrequent on the return, so agree the round-trip fare and a pickup time in advance to avoid overcharging and being stranded.
MannersThis is a conservative rural area, so modest clothing is the comfortable choice, and ask before photographing local people or vendors. Small tips are customary for services, so keep some coins handy.
Practical info
There is no nearby train station, so most visitors take a CTM or Supratours bus from Marrakech to Azilal (about 3 hours) and then a grand taxi to Ouzoud village (about 45 minutes), or join an organized day tour with pickup and lunch (commonly around USD 30-60 per person). The falls are open year-round with no entrance fee, though parking (about 10-20 MAD) and boat or guide services cost extra, and you should always confirm current bus times, fares and tour terms before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
