One of the most popular Marrakech excursions is a visit to Ouzoud Falls. If you’re interested in spending time in the lovely Atlas Mountains, heading to the falls is a guaranteed good time. Just be sure you bring your camera!
Best Marrakech Excursion- Ouzoud Falls
Marrakech is, by far, one of the most popular destinations in Morocco. This bustling old city is the stuff of legends. With busy streets and an even busier old market where you can easily get lost, you will also find amazing food and beautiful hand-crafted goods. When you tire of the hustle and bustle of those busy streets, it is only natural to want a day to escape it all and discover some of the natural beauty of Morocco. And one of the most popular ways to escape is to take a Marrakech excursion to the beautiful Ouzoud Falls!
The Enchanting Ouzoud Falls
Ouzoud Falls is one of the most visited and photographed natural sites in Morocco. The Ouzoud Falls is actually a collective name given to a group of several multi-tiered cascades which all empty into the El-Abid River gorge. It is the longest group of cascades in North Africa. This popular tourist destination is 150 kilometers (93 miles) northeast of Marrakech. It is near the Berber village of Tanaghmeilt, in the Middle Atlas Mountains. You can drive the 150 km to the Falls yourself. But many people enjoy taking one of the full-day excursions available. This way, you can travel in a modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide. Ouzoud Falls is an easy day trip from Marrakech, yet a trip there is like being transported to another world.
Get Back to Nature at Ouzoud Falls
During the trip to the Falls, you’ll travel through the Atlas Mountain range. Enjoy beautiful rolling foothills and numerous olive groves of the Tadla plains. At some point, you may encounter some local Barbary apes. They love getting nuts from the visitors.
The Falls are approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above the river gorge. If possible, try to get a tour to the gorge itself for a truly spectacular sight.
The Falls, often called the prettiest in North Africa, are at their most beautiful during the Spring months. The optimal time for photographing the Falls is mid-afternoon when the sun is just right.
Things to Do at Ouzoud Falls
An experienced guide can take you through a network of trails, down to the pools where the falls create some dramatic rainbow effects. Swimming is allowed in these pools, but currents can be tricky at times.
On the trails, you’ll see numerous olive trees and quite a few monkeys. You’ll also enjoy the beautiful smell of the oak and pomegranate trees.
You can enjoy a traditional Berber lunch at a nearby village which overlooks the Falls.
The area adjacent to the Falls is very popular for taking hikes as well as picnicking. Locals offer boat rides across the El-Abid River. Some of them actually take you into the basin where you can get so close to the Falls that you will feel the spray.
If you feel like “roughing it”, there are several campgrounds located around the foot of the Falls. There is also a combination restaurant and inn at the top of the Falls if you want to make your visit into an overnight adventure.
If you decide to visit the falls, be sure to bring a camera, some sunblock, a change of clothes (if you plan on taking a dip in the pools at the base of the Falls), and comfortable walking shoes.
Ouzoud Falls – A Beautiful Getaway
A beautiful trip to spend time around waterfalls in the mountains might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you dream of Morocco. But this beautiful getaway in the Atlas Mountains will enchant you in every way. Ouzoud Falls is so picturesque and serene, you may find that you want to stay even longer than a day. Don’t worry. The locals will understand.
