From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+
Rouyer Eric
FR

Rouyer

France
Dec 2025
5/5

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The whole day was magnificent. Beautiful scenery in this magnificent Berber village. Many thanks to our friendly tour guide Hamid.
Noa Lanquar
FR

Noa

France
Oct 2025
5/5

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Incredible excursion, thanks to guide Simo for his kindness and explanations. The mountain hike and visit to the Berber house were out of time. I fully recommend
Joao Benjamim Bento Medalha
PT

Joao

Portugal
Oct 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Ourika Valley and the waterfals, was amazing day, great lunch by the river, amazing food, kindness of the people, and everything explained by our guide Simo, amazing person, thanks for everything.
Martal stephan
FR

Martal

France
Oct 2025
5/5
A pleasant moment with attentive staff Please note that the address given does not correspond as there are two hammams.
Patrizia Franco
IT

Patrizia

Italy
Dec 2025
5/5
The tour was well organized starting with picking up all the participants, each at different places in the city! Smooth and relaxing journey until the first stop where we took advantage of a coffee break and breakfast. We then resumed our journey to a Berber cooperative where women were producing argan oil, the berries of which are harvested from the many trees in the area: argan oil for cosmetic and food use. We then arrived in the town of Essaouira where on our own,but with the help of interesting messages about points to visit sent on our cell phones by the team, we visited the medina with its many stalls and typical small stores, walked on the wall on which there are ancient cannons pointing to the giant waves of the 'ocean. Had lunch with a plate of excellent fresh fish. Finally made it back, all on schedule.
Nicolas

Nicolas

Jul 2025
5/5
One of the best days of my trip. Went with friends. The waterfall is MASSIVE and the boat ride is so much fun. Monkeys everywhere, keep your stuff close. Our guide, Amira, was super helpful. Lunch was delicious. Would do again.
Camila

Camila

Aug 2025
5/5
Ouzoud is STUNNING. Went solo and met a bunch of cool people on the tour. The monkeys are cheeky, so keep your stuff zipped. Boat ride was a highlight—got so close to the falls! Lunch had a great view of the water. Would recommend if you wanna escape the city for a bit.

Top things to do in Marrakesh

Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls: Quick overview

At 150km from Marrakech, Ouzoud Falls reaches 110 meters, making it North Africa's tallest waterfall and the perfect day trip from the city.

  • Distance from Marrakech: 150km (93 miles)
  • Typical travel time: 3 hours each way with scenic stop
  • On-site visit duration: 4-5 hours
  • Cost range: Shared tours from €30; private from €120
  • Best season/time of year: Spring (March-May) for maximum water flow; fall (September-November) for fewer crowds
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Hotel/riad pickup across Marrakech
  • Key attractions covered: 110-meter cascades, natural swimming pools, Barbary macaque habitat, ancient grain mills, boat rides, riverside trails

What to expect on a Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls day tour?

Couple enjoying private car transfer from Marrakech.
Tourists on guided hike at Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco, with a guide explaining the surroundings.
Group of tourists posing near Ouzoud Waterfalls during a day tour from Marrakesh.
Barbary macaques on branches at Ouzoud Waterfalls during Marrakesh day tour.
Boats near Ouzoud Waterfalls with lush greenery, part of a day tour from Marrakesh.
Tourists on a boat ride at Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco, with a guide rowing.
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Drive time: 3 hours each way

Drive time is 3 hours each way with a stop at Tamellalt's natural bridge for photos and coffee (15 minutes).

Your guide meets you at the vehicle

Your official guide meets you at the bus. You'll stay with the same guide throughout your visit, no handoffs.

Hike at your pace

The 1.5-hour trail descends roughly 600 steps through shaded olive groves. Can't do the full hike? Clifftop cafes offer views while your group descends.

Wild macaques

Barbary macaques live in the trees along the trail. Your guide positions you for safe photos. Keep sunglasses and phones secured, they grab loose items.

Boat ride to the cascade base

Traditional wooden boats ferry you across natural pools to the falls' base. The 10-15 minute ride brings you close enough to feel the spray and hear the roar.

Optional swimming & lunch

Natural pools work for swimming April-October (bring water shoes for slippery rocks). Riverside restaurants serve grilled fish and tajines for €10-12.

Things to know before booking your Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls day tour

  • Duration & timing: Tours last 10-12 hours total. Depart at 8am, return by 6pm. The drive from Marrakech takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. You spend 4-5 hours at the falls, enough for hiking, boat rides, wildlife, and lunch.
  • Transport: Shared tours use air-conditioned coaches with guides (best for solo travelers). Private tours give you dedicated drivers (better for families with kids or seniors). All include hotel pickup.
  • Physical requirements: The visit involves moderate walking on uneven terrain. You'll descend roughly 600 steps on dirt paths and stairs through olive groves (45-60 minutes), then climb back up (60-75 minutes). Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues, back problems, or wheelchairs. Seniors with good mobility can manage with breaks.
  • Inclusions vary: Lunch is not always included. Riverside restaurants serve grilled fish, tajines, and salads for 100-120 MAD (€10-12). Bring Moroccan Dirhams as cards aren't accepted consistently.
  • Local guides explain the ancient Berber grain mills and position you for safe macaque viewing. Some tours offer lunch add-ons (€10-12). Private tours let you leave at 7:30am to beat crowds.
  • Shared group tours (15-20 people) offer best value. Private tours give you dedicated guides and flexible timing. Combo tours pair Ouzoud with Agafay Desert sunset experiences.

Which Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls tour Is right for you?

Ouzoud Falls cascading into a misty pool, surrounded by lush greenery.

Shared tours

Travel with a small group (15-20 people) in an air-conditioned coach. Hotel pickup at 8am, guided hike to the falls, boat ride at the base, and Berber-style lunch included. Return to Marrakech by 6pm.

  • Best for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, couples, small groups
  • Duration: 10-12 hours (including transfers)
  • Price: Starting from US$22.38 per person

Recommended:
From Marrakech: Full-Day Tour to Ouzoud Falls with Boat Ride and Lunch

Boat near Ouzoud waterfall in Morocco with tourists enjoying the view.

Private tours

Your own vehicle, driver, and guide for the day. Leave earlier (7:30am) to beat crowds or take more time at viewpoints. Flexible pace for photo stops. Berber lunch and boat ride included.

  • Best for: Couples, families with kids or seniors, photographers, groups wanting control
  • Duration: 10-12 hours (flexible timing)
  • Price: Starting from US$168.44 for 2 people

Recommended:
From Marrakech: Private Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike with Boat Ride & Lunch

Why book with Headout?

Your guide meets you at the vehicle and stays with you throughout the visit. What’s included is clearly stated upfront, including the boat ride, so you can focus on the waterfalls.

Main stops on your Ouzoud Falls day trip

Ouzoud Falls cascading into a misty pool, surrounded by lush greenery.

Ouzoud Cascades

North Africa's tallest waterfall at 110 meters, thundering over rust-red cliffs in three tiers. Between 1pm-3pm, sunlight creates rainbows through the mist. "Ouzoud" means "grinding" in Berber, a nod to ancient water-powered mills in the gorge walls.

  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Included: Yes, all tours
Tourist taking a selfie with a monkey at Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco.

Barbary Macaque Habitat

Wild troops of endangered Barbary macaques swing through olive trees. These are North Africa's only wild primates. Your guide knows their spots and safe viewing distances.

  • Duration: 30-45 minutes
  • Included: Yes, all tours
Boat near Ouzoud waterfall in Morocco with tourists enjoying the view.

Boat ride to the base

Traditional wooden boats ferry you across pools to the falls' base. The 10-15 minute ride brings you close enough to feel the spray and hear the roar. Low-angle views are impossible from clifftops.

  • Duration: 15-20 minutes
  • Included: Yes, all tours
Entrance sign at Ouzoud Waterfalls trailhead, Morocco, surrounded by trees and stone structures.

Ancient Grain Mills

Centuries-old Berber mills along cliff walls once ground wheat using waterfall force. Some structures remain semi-intact. Your guide points out millstone channels and explains how communities shared water power.

  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Included: Guide explanation, all tours
Monkey on a railing with Ouzoud Waterfalls landscape in the background, Marrakesh tour.

Riverside Cafes

Clifftop and valley-level spots serve grilled fish, tajines, and Moroccan salads with direct falls views. Prices are fair (€10-12 for full meals). Vegetarian options available.

  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours
  • Included: Select options only
Guide pointing out Ouzoud Falls to tourist, Marrakesh.

Scenic Viewpoints & Photo Spots

Multiple viewpoints along the clifftop and trail offer different angles of the 110-meter cascades. The best spot for rainbow photos sits midway down the trail. Between 1pm-3pm, mist creates natural rainbows when sunlight hits at the right angle.

  • Duration: 30-45 minutes total
  • Included: Yes, all tours

Your Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls itinerary

Morning (8am-11am)

Hotel pickup begins at 8am across Marrakech. Drive northeast through Middle Atlas foothills, passing Berber villages and olive groves. Stop at Tamellalt's natural bridge for photos and coffee (15 minutes). Arrive at Ouzoud around 11 am, and your verified guide will meet you at the vehicle.

Afternoon (11am-3:30pm)

Start your 1.5-hour guided hike down roughly 600 steps through shaded olive groves. Your guide explains ancient grain mills and positions you for safe macaque viewing. Reach the valley floor for the boat ride to the cascade base. Between 1pm-3pm, watch for the Ouzoud rainbow forming in mist. Swim in pools if weather allows, or relax at riverside cafes for lunch (not included, roughly 100-120 MAD).

Evening (3:30pm-6pm)

Hike back up at your pace (guides help anyone needing breaks). Depart Ouzoud around 4pm. Return to Marrakech by 6pm with drop-off at your riad or hotel.

Private tour note: Leave Marrakech at 7:30am to arrive before tour buses. Or extend on-site time until 5pm. Your schedule, your pace.

Best time to visit Ouzoud Waterfalls

Ouzoud Waterfalls canyon view with lush greenery and river, seen on a day tour from Marrakesh.

Weather

  • Spring (March-May) brings maximum water flow from Atlas snowmelt. The falls roar at full power and landscapes glow green.
  • Summer (June-August) offers swimming weather but intense drive heat.
  • Fall (September-November) balances comfortable temperatures with strong flow.
  • Winter (December-February) sees reduced cascades but near-empty trails.
Ouzoud Waterfalls cascading over red cliffs, seen on a day tour from Marrakesh.

The rainbow hour

Between 1pm-3pm, sunlight at optimal angle creates rainbows in the mist. Photographers time visits around this. Your guide knows the best viewing spots. Overcast days skip this.

Tourists walking past colorful clothing stalls on the Ouzoud Waterfalls hike in Morocco.

Crowds

  • July-August bring peak tour bus traffic, so expect 200+ visitors at midday.
  • Spring and fall see moderate crowds. Winter weekdays offer most solitude.
  • Private tours departing before 8am arrive ahead of shared groups (1-2 hours near-exclusive access).

How to get from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls

Ouzoud Falls cascading over red rock cliffs in Morocco.
  • Pre-arranged transfers offer hotel pickups across Marrakech, air-conditioned comfort for the 3-hour journey, scenic stops at Tamellalt, and verified guides meeting you at Ouzoud.
  • Return transfers handle timing.
  • Quick online booking locks your spot during peak spring-summer months.

Rent a car in Marrakech and drive yourself. Gives maximum flexibility but requires confidence on mountain roads.

  • Best for: Experienced drivers wanting full schedule control
  • Time taken: 2.5-3 hours (via N8 and R304)
  • Approx price: US$35-50/day for rental plus fuel
Black sedan driving through Agafay Desert near Marrakech.

Grand taxis (Mercedes sedans seating 6) run intermittently from Marrakech's Bab Doukkala stand to Ouzoud. You share with local passengers.

  • Best for: Budget travelers comfortable with uncertainty
  • Time taken: 2.5-3.5 hours (depends on pickups and driver speed)
  • Approx price: US$9-12 per person (taxis only leave when full)
Luxury interior of private car for airport transfer with leather seats.

Hire a private driver without tour guide services, essentially a taxi for your group.

  • Best for: Travelers wanting transport comfort but exploring independently
  • Time taken: 3 hours each way
  • Approx price: US$92-117 for round-trip vehicle

Helpful tips for your day trip

  • Start early: 8am departures beat midday heat and crowds. Better rainbow photos, cooler hiking.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes: The 600-step trail has uneven stones, tree roots, occasional mud. Sandals don't work.
  • Bring a light jacket: Ouzoud sits higher than Marrakech and stays 5-10°C cooler, especially in shade.
  • Pack water shoes if swimming: Smooth underwater rocks turn slippery. Water shoes prevent painful falls.
  • Pre-book tours with boat rides: On-site sellers may overcharge independent visitors. Tours guarantee fair pricing.
  • Carry cash for lunch: Riverside restaurants accept cards inconsistently. 150-200 MAD covers meal and drinks.
  • Try grilled fish: Ouzoud restaurants serve fresh trout from Atlas streams—regional specialty.
  • Ask about grain mills: Most groups rush past, but these structures reveal cultural significance.
  • Rainbow timing: Appears between 1pm-3pm when sunlight hits mist right. Time your boat ride accordingly.
  • Buffer time: Return traffic through foothills adds 30-45 minutes summer weekends. Keep evening flexible.
Explore Ourika Valley from Marrakech

Trade waterfalls for mountain streams. Discover Berber villages, Setti Fatma waterfalls, and Atlas Valley views on a day trip starting from MAD 158.77.

Frequently asked questions about Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls day trip

How long is the day trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls?

Most tours last 10-12 hours total. You spend 6 hours traveling (3 hours each way with Tamellalt stop) and 4-5 hours at the falls. Depart at 8am, return by 6pm.

What’s included in the Ouzoud Waterfalls tour ticket?

Your ticket always covers hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech, air-conditioned transfers, a guided hike down to the gorge, and a boat ride at the base of the falls. Many tickets also include a Berber-style riverside lunch.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially March-August when demand peaks. Pre-booking guarantees vehicle space, locks pricing, ensures preferred departure time. Last-minute bookings risk sold-out tours or inflated rates. Winter offers more flexibility but advance booking still recommended for private tours.

Is the guided hike to the base of the falls difficult?

The descent is fairly easy, but the climb back up involves around 600–700 steps and can be tiring. Your guide helps with pacing, and rest stops are included.

Does the tour include the boat ride under the waterfalls?

Yes! Both shared and private tours include the small wooden boat ride that takes you right to the base of the cascade for an unforgettable view.

Can I see the Ouzoud Falls monkeys during the trip?

Absolutely; you’ll spot playful Barbary macaques along the paths and picnic spots. Barbary macaques are wild but habituated to humans. Don't feed, grab, or make sudden moves. Guides know resident troops and position you safely. Keep sunglasses and phones secured—they grab loose items. No aggressive encounters on guided tours.

Are meals and drinks included in the Ouzoud Waterfalls excursion?

Many tickets include a riverside Berber lunch (tagine or couscous with fresh bread). If not, you can buy meals at local cafés near the falls. Cold drinks and snacks are sold along the trail.

Can I book a private Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip for my group?

Yes! Private tours include your own driver, guide, flexible timings, and all the same activities—perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for comfort and privacy.

Do I need to bring cash for the day trip?

Yes. While your ticket covers the essentials, stalls, cafés, and souvenir shops around the falls usually accept only cash (Moroccan dirhams).

Can I visit other waterfalls the same day?

Ouzoud's distance (150km) and on-site time (4-5 hours) make it a full-day commitment. However, our combo pairs Ouzoud with Agafay Desert sunset—Morocco's tallest waterfall and desert in one day. Mixing with Ourika Valley or Setti Fatma isn't logistically feasible as a day trip.

What if weather's bad?

Tours run year-round except extreme conditions. Light rain enhances drama—fuller cascades, fewer crowds. Heavy storms may close boat rides (rare, mainly winter). If weather forces cancellation (very rare), we offer full refunds or rebooking. Check forecasts before packing—bring rain jackets in winter, sun protection in summer.

Are tours available in different languages?

Yes. English, French, Spanish-speaking guides are standard. Some tours offer Italian, German, or Arabic with advance notice. Specify preference during booking—we match you with appropriate guides.

What's the best time of year?

Spring (March-May) delivers maximum water flow from melting snow—110-meter cascade at full power. Fall (September-November) balances strong levels with comfortable temps and thinner crowds. Summer works for swimming but expect heat and buses. Winter sees reduced flow but near-empty trails.

Is it safe to travel from Marrakech?

Yes. Route follows maintained roads through Berber villages and Atlas foothills. Our drivers are experienced professionals with clean safety records. Falls area is safe—trails have railings at steep sections, boat operators use life jackets, guides manage wildlife. Standard precautions apply (watch belongings, stay with group).

Are there restrooms during the trip?

Yes. Tamellalt stop has facilities. At Ouzoud, multiple restrooms exist on clifftop (near parking) and valley floor (by restaurants). Facilities are basic but maintained. Private tours can request additional bathroom breaks en route.

Can elderly or families with kids do this?

Yes, with considerations. The 600-step hike challenges elderly with knee issues—clifftop cafes offer views without descending. Young children handle trails well if used to hiking. Parents should manage energy in heat. Private tours accommodate slower paces better than shared groups. Strollers don't work.

Is swimming allowed?

Yes. Natural pools at base are safe April-October. Water stays cool year-round (refreshing summer, chilly spring/fall). Bring swimsuits, towels, water shoes—underwater rocks turn slippery. Changing facilities exist riverside. Skip after heavy rains when water's muddy. Non-swimmers can wade shallows.

How does Ouzoud compare to Ourika Valley or Setti Fatma?

Ouzoud reaches 110 meters—nearly double Setti Fatma's height and significantly taller than Ourika Valley cascades. Ouzoud offers boat rides, wild macaques, grain mills, swimming in one location. Ourika and Setti Fatma work for half-day trips (closer to Marrakech), but Ouzoud delivers more drama worth extra drive time.

What about Imlil waterfall or Toubkal trip?

Imlil waterfall requires strenuous trekking. Toubkal trips target serious hikers attempting North Africa's highest peak. Ouzoud offers better reward-to-effort for typical travelers—accessible trails with maximum visual impact. Want serious mountain hiking? Choose Toubkal. Want waterfalls without extreme fitness demands? Choose Ouzoud.