A spectacular natural wonder, the Ouzoud Falls are one of the top natural Moroccan waterfalls.
Rising high into the sky, the Ouzoud Falls make the perfect excursion out to see Morocco’s natural beauty.
These falls attract many visitors each year because of their unmatched natural beauty and its natural feel.
Once you see the falls and visit for yourself, you will see that a picture cannot compare to its true beauty and wonder.
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About the Ouzoud Falls
The Ouzoud Cascades are the most visited site in Azilal, by both travelers and locals. It is the most breathtaking natural beauty in all of Morocco and is enjoyed yearly by many visitors to its refreshing water and breathtaking vistas.
Ouzoud means “olives”, which is a fitting name as the entire area is dotted with olive trees sprouting up along the water’s edge.
The Ouzoud Falls get up to 110 metres high, and the highest waterfall spills elegantly into two smaller drops, forming hundreds of falls and pools that cascade into the gorge.
There are still some old concrete mills in operation near the falls grinding wheat into flour with the power of the river.
Getting There
The Ouzoud Falls are located near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the province of Azilal.
They are approximately three hours away from Marrakech, and many travelers that are staying in the city like to visit Ouzoud Falls for the day.
One option is to rent a grand taxi from Marrakech. Make sure you negotiate the price before you leave with the driver, and be firm about the price and your destination.
Another option is to take a bus from Marrakech into Azilal or Beni Mellal and hop into a taxi from there on. This route can be the cheaper option with a shared bus ride and shorter taxi fares.
The drive into Ouzoud Falls along the open country is quite beautiful, with mountain passes and open countryside to keep you entertained on the long journey.
As you get closer and closer, the falls finally come into view at the last moment and you get your first glimpse of their power and beauty.
Reading Tip ; A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Waterfalls
What to Bring
Plan on being at the falls for a whole day and prepare accordingly. A day bag or backpack is a good option for ease of carrying everything, and great for fitting everything for an entire day’s activity.
A light jacket is recommended as the mist from the falls coupled with wind can be quite chilling at times. If you plan to picnic by the falls, pack a lunch in your day bag.
Make sure you bring good walking shoes as well, as there are many great walking paths that you don’t want to miss out on. If you want to take a dip in the waterfall’s pools, bring a swimsuit and towel as well.
Exploring Ouzoud Falls
Once you arrive at the falls, there are walking paths all over that you can walk along and enjoy the picturesque views of the imposing waterfalls above. Paths go all the way along the river, down to the pools, and up to the precipice of the waterfall’s edge.
A daunting but beautiful sight, the top of the waterfall rewards hikers with an astonishing view.
Many locals like to swim in the pristine waters of the falls, and some travelers like to enjoy the fresh waters as well.
The main waterfalls splits into many separate, smaller waterfalls that form little pools into the gorge that leads to the river.
These pools are the best spots for enjoying a natural, refreshing swim.
Dive right into the waterfall’s pools and—if you’re brave enough—join the local kids and jump off the cliffs into the water below.
See wildlife, include monkeys that roam the trees and water. They are not completely wild creatures and are used to humans being around, which means they may not respect your personal boundaries, so it’s best to enjoy them from a distance.
Enjoy an afternoon in the cafes or restaurants that line the paths near the base of the falls, or bring your own lunch and have a serene picnic by the water.
A picnic near the ponds or along the edge of the falls is a great way to relax and soak in all the natural beauty around you—this is a favorite way for many Morocco travelers to refuel when visiting here as it keeps you closer to nature.
If you want to extend your visit to these gorgeous waterfalls beyond just a day trip there are riads or tents for rental here that are comfortable and friendly for overnight accommodations.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the falls each day is mid to late afternoon. The sun catches the falling water and creates dancing rainbows.
It is a beautiful location to visit year round and is the perfect retreat from the heat in the hot summer months in Morocco.
If you are visiting Morocco, don’t miss out on this star attraction—the natural beauty that can be found in these picturesque falls is said to be the most memorable highlight of any Moroccan vacation and the best natural wonder in the region.