Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip – Hike, Monkeys & Berber Lunch
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–12 hours (tour); 2–3 hours hiking
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle several hundred metres of elevation gain on uneven stone steps and dirt paths.
Overview
A day-long escape from Marrakech to Ouzoud reveals North Africa’s highest cascades, a lively monkey population and terraces of olive groves. This shared tour pairs a scenic 3–4 km loop hike with a riverside Berber lunch and plenty of photo stops.
Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip – Hike, Monkeys & Berber Lunch
Select participants and date
The first time the falls appear from the bus window it feels like an apparition: white spray rising from a bowl of green, a rainbow pinned to the cliff. The three-hour drive from Marrakech slides past red-oxide hills, oleander-splashed roadsides and low adobe Berber villages until the Middle Atlas pulls into view and the world tilts toward water. At Ouzoud, the river El-Abid makes a theatrical exit—falling roughly 100 metres in a series of curtains and ledges that keep convincing you there must be one more drop.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy shoes
Stone steps and damp paths at the base can be slippery—hiking shoes or trail runners with good tread are essential.
Bring cash for lunch and tips
Small restaurants and local guides may not accept cards—carry dirhams for meals, tea and tips.
Protect electronics from spray
Waterproof phone cases or zip-lock bags keep cameras safe when you get close to the falls.
Respect the monkeys
Observe Barbary macaques from a distance—do not feed or tease them; they know how to open loose pockets.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque (Atlas monkey)
- Raptors such as Bonelli’s eagle or common buzzard
History
The falls sit in the traditional territory of Berber communities who have farmed the terraces and groves for generations; the area’s name, Ouzoud, comes from the Amazigh (Berber) word for the local olive tree.
Conservation
Increased tourism pressures mean staying on marked trails and avoiding single-use plastics helps protect riverine habitats; local businesses are increasingly adopting waste management practices.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Marrakech
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on stone steps and muddy stretches near the base.
Light waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Shower spray and mountain breezes make a thin waterproof layer useful in cooler months.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Stay hydrated during the walk and the sun-exposed viewpoints.
summer specific
Camera with a protective cover
Captures the falls and rainbows; a cover protects gear from spray.