The main cascades
A 110m three-tier waterfall thundering into a pool — walk down to the base or take a small boat into the spray.
Merzouga, MoroccoDesert Concierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Middle Atlas · Central Morocco
Ouzoud Falls, Morocco
Morocco's highest waterfalls — a green, watered contrast to the desert in the Middle Atlas.
Best time
March–June and September–October
Recommended
Day trip from Marrakech
Airport
Marrakech Menara (RAK) + 2h30
Region
Middle Atlas · Central Morocco
Why Ouzoud Falls
If the Sahara is dry heat and sand, Ouzoud is its mirror image — falling water, olive shade and rainbows. The Cascades d'Ouzoud are Morocco's most beautiful waterfalls, a 110-metre triple drop into a green gorge three hours from Marrakech (the desert gateway). It isn't a desert site, but it makes a refreshing green day out before pointing south, or a scenic stop on the central overland route between Marrakech and Fes. A shaded path winds down past old water mills (ouzoud means 'olives' in Berber), with wild Barbary macaques along the way and small boats ferrying visitors to the foot of the falls.
What to see
Highlights of Ouzoud Falls.
Barbary macaques
Wild, habituated monkeys live in the olive and oak woods beside the path — keep your distance and your snacks zipped away.
Gorge walk to El Abid river
A gentle trail continues below the falls into a green river gorge with riverside cafés and swimming spots.
Itineraries
Our Ouzoud Falls tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Ouzoud Falls. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
1 day
Ouzoud Falls green day
A private day from Marrakech to Morocco's highest waterfalls — a watered, green contrast before the desert, with lunch over the cascades.
from $160Enquire →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: About 2h30 by road from Marrakech, the desert gateway, north-east toward Beni Mellal
- Best for: A green nature day before or instead of the desert; families, photographers
Concierge
Have your Ouzoud Falls trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Ouzoud Falls — common questions.
Does Ouzoud Falls fit with a desert trip?+
Yes, as a contrast rather than part of the Sahara. It's the most rewarding green day trip from Marrakech — waterfalls, wild monkeys and a leafy gorge, the opposite of the dunes — and easy to slot in before you head south. Go early to beat the afternoon crowds.
Is Ouzoud a desert site?+
No — it's a lush Middle Atlas waterfall, included here as the green counterpoint to the Sahara. The real dunes are far to the south at Merzouga and Erg Chigaga.
Closest destinations
Pair Ouzoud Falls with.
These destinations are closest to Ouzoud Falls — easily combined on a private itinerary.
46 kmHigh Atlas · M'Goun massif
Aït Bougmez Valley
Morocco's remote 'Happy Valley' — a High Atlas trekking sanctuary whose M'Goun traverse drops to the desert's edge.
Explore
50 kmMiddle Atlas foothills · Béni Mellal-Khénifra
Béni Mellal
Springs, turquoise reservoirs and Atlas foothills — a green central crossroads between the desert gateways.
Explore
107 kmPre-Sahara · Drâa-Tafilalet
Skoura
On the kasbah road west of the dunes — Skoura's palm oasis and the storied Kasbah Amridil.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Stories, guides and practical notes to help you plan a richer trip to Ouzoud Falls.
Journal