Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech — Olive Groves, Monkeys & Swimming
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Good for travelers with average fitness—able to manage multiple flights of stone steps and short steep sections.
Overview
Escape Marrakech for the day and trade the medina’s clamor for the steady thunder of Ouzoud Falls. This full-day trip pairs scenic driving across the Haouz plain with cliffside viewpoints, terraces for lunch, and the chance to swim in clear plunge pools.
Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech — Olive Groves, Monkeys & Swimming
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The van slips out of Marrakech as the city is still yawning; a low sun gilds flat fields of wheat and the occasional adobe village. The road climbs, leaving the ochre houses and palm fronds behind, and opens onto a green scar in the Atlas foothills—Ouzoud. The falls announce themselves before you see them: a deep, steady thunder, a mist that cools the roadside. From the viewpoint the cascade drops roughly 110 meters over a honeycombed cliff, dividing into ribbons that catch light and throw it back in spray.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy shoes
Stone steps near the falls stay wet and can be slippery—trail runners or hiking shoes with good tread are recommended.
Carry cash
Small cafes and local vendors often accept only cash for lunch, tea, or souvenirs.
Keep distance from monkeys
Barbary macaques are curious—don’t feed or hand them belongings; store cameras and snacks securely.
Check swim conditions
If you plan to swim, ask your guide about currents and water depth—pools are cold and conditions change after rain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque (magot)
- Kingfisher and other riparian birds
History
Local Berber communities have managed terraces and olive groves here for centuries; the name references nearby olive trees and traditional olive oil production.
Conservation
Tourism supports local livelihoods but increases litter and disturbance—avoid feeding wildlife, use local guides, and pack out waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Marrakech
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on wet stone steps and uneven trails.
Daypack with water (2L)
Keeps hydration and layers handy for the misty viewpoints and river walks.
Quick-dry swimwear & towel
Useful if you plan to take a dip in the lower plunge pools.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Open sections of trail and terraces offer little shade during midday.
summer specific