Many people associate North Africa’s Morocco with deserts, beaches, and bustling souks.
Whilst these are certainly highlights, the country is also home to some splendid waterfalls, an aspect that lots of people find surprising in a land that is often thought to be dry and hot.
You’ll find magnificent waterfalls flowing through the mountains and a handful that are tucked away in rather unexpected locations.
Some of Morocco’s magical waterfalls have pools that are suitable for swimming, providing the perfect way to cool down after long hikes on hot days, whilst others are scenic beauties to be admired from a distance.
If you’re a waterfall lover, or want to see more of Morocco’s natural features, here are some of the best waterfalls in Morocco for you to visit:
Table of Contents
Ouzoud Falls
Perhaps the best-known waterfalls in Morocco, Ouzoud Falls are also often said to be the most stunning waterfalls in all of North Africa.
Located in the province of Azilal in the Middle Atlas Mountains, you can easily visit on a day trip from Marrakech if your vacation time is short.
Standing at the top of the reddish-brown craggy rocks, the plunging cascades are a marvellous sight to see. Stretching around the wide cliffs, the highest fall is around 100 metres high.
Made up of several individual waterfalls of varying heights and widths, it’s rather a unique vision.
Gaze down at the river below and you’ll see small boats bobbing on the water, and shimmering rainbows can often be seen in the spray.
A hike to the bottom of the falls takes around an hour, passing through orchards and groves, with plenty of olive trees, pomegranate trees, and different species of mosses.
The Barbary macaque is the area’s most curious creature, often approaching tourists in the hope of getting food. Other animals that live around the waterfalls include wild cats, reptiles, and birds.
A boat trip at the bottom is a pleasant way to enjoy the falls from a different perspective, though do be warned that you may get wet!
Ourika Valley
Ourika Valley is nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and is another easy day trip from Marrakech.
As well as offering scenic hiking trails and plenty of restaurants and cafes right alongside the rocky river, there are some pretty waterfalls too at Setti Fatma.
Climbing up the track, you will pass by several waterfalls that increase in size the higher you go.
There are seven falls in total, with each more impressive than the previous. The views also open up more the higher that your journey.
Though the climb will require scrambling over rocks at parts and some pretty challenging stretches, it’s worth it!
There are drinks vendors and souvenir stalls along the way, with plenty of places to stop for a rest.
You can dip your toes in the chilly pools or tinkling streams or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, take a deep breath and plunge right in to the larger pools for an invigorating swim!
Paradise Valley
Within easy reach of Agadir, Paradise Valley’s waterfalls may be fairly small, but the stunning beauty of the falls and pools makes this a top place to visit when in southern Morocco.
Clear water tumbles over craggy rocks, splashing into dazzling green-blue pools.
There are several pools and falls to enjoy, so don’t despair if you reach the first pool and it’s already busy; just keep going higher up the picture-perfect valley and you’re sure to find a tranquil spot of paradise to enjoy.
Feel the rush as you leap off high rocks into deep pools, splash around in the sparkling waters, bask in the sunshine on the smooth rocks, and stand in one of the many small waterfalls for a natural shower!
Akchour Waterfalls
Located in the Rif Valley, fairly close to Morocco’s charming blue town of Chefchaouen, Akchour Waterfalls are popular with locals and tourists alike.
There’s a small dam, artificial fall, and pool where you can swim close to the car-parking area before starting the ascent to the main falls.
Pass to the left of the dam and climb for around an hour and you’ll reach the petite falls. After a breather and a few pictures, continue for another hour or so to reach the stunning grand cascades.
The trail winds past olive trees, pinkish rocks, and pretty hibiscus flowers, with some fairly challenging sections where you need to criss-cross streams using wobbly stepping stones. Watch your balance!
Water cascades from about 30 metres high, coming down a cut-in in the rocks to meet the clear pool at the bottom. Swimming is possible here.
Oum Rabia Waterfall
The stunning Oum Rabia Waterfall can be found in Morocco’s province of Khenifra. A watery jewel in the Middle Atlas Mountains, it is perhaps the lesser-visited waterfall of the five on this list.
Sparkling water falls powerfully over brown-red rocks to meet the brownish-coloured waters of one of Morocco’s biggest rivers, the Oum Rabia River.
The rocky landscapes surrounding the falls are quite dramatic, and you can soak up the views whilst perched on a boulder with your toes trailing in the cool water.
If you want to get up close to the falls, you’ll need to balance along a fairly narrow pathway alongside the river, hugging the soaring rocks at the side, and make your way across large stones in the water.
Fret not though, as the waterfall is still just as stunning when viewed from a distance.
The valley is sprinkled with traditional wooden homes, olive trees, and other greenery, and it’s certainly one off-the-beaten-track destination that is well worth visiting in the northern part of Central Morocco.
Be sure to add a couple of these awesome feats of Mother Nature and pretty waterfalls to your bucket list for your next trip to Morocco.
Ready to Explore Morocco?
Check out these resources to make the most of your trip: