Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech: Swim, Monkeys & Berber Villages
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for short steep walks and uneven terrain; able to climb steps and handle short hikes.
Overview
Leave Marrakech for a day and find Ouzoud’s thundering tiers, olive-scented trails and curious macaques. This practical guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and where to get the best views.
Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech: Swim, Monkeys & Berber Villages
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On a clear morning a minibus slips away from the narrow lanes of Marrakech, the city’s ochre walls shrinking behind you as the road folds into olive-sculpted hills. The engine hum is a promise: in three hours the town noise gives up to water. At Ouzoud, the canyon announces itself before the falls do — a cool mist that moves downhill, tasting of wet stone and crushed herbs.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring grippy footwear
Trails around the falls are steep and slippery from spray; trail shoes or sturdy sandals with good tread reduce the risk of slips.
Carry cash in dirhams
Small vendors and local guides usually accept only cash—have small bills for tea, tips, and souvenirs.
Respect the macaques
Do not feed or provoke the monkeys; secure loose items and follow local guidance to avoid bites or stolen belongings.
Time your swim
Swim only in calmer downstream pools and avoid the immediate plunge zone where currents are deceptively strong.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque (monkey)
- Griffon vulture or other raptors circling the canyon
History
The falls cut through Miocene limestone and older schist; the area’s Berber communities have farmed olives and terraced these slopes for generations.
Conservation
Visitors should avoid feeding wildlife, use designated paths to limit erosion, and support local vendors to strengthen community-based tourism.
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Adventure Hotspots in Marrakech
Recommended Gear
Trail shoes or sturdy sandals
Provide traction on slippery, uneven paths around the falls.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Useful for swimming in the river pools during warmer months.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat + SPF)
Protects against strong sun on exposed viewpoints and terraces.
summer specific
Light fleece or windbreaker
Mornings and evenings near the water can be cool and breezy, especially outside summer.
winter specific