A family day at Ouzoud: what I always pack for the trip

Why I take every family to Ouzoud

After ten years guiding visitors around Marrakech, there is one excursion I never tire of suggesting to families: the Ouzoud waterfalls. This is not just a nature outing — it is a full day of complete escapism, around 160 km from Marrakech, about 2h30 by road. The landscape changes, the air changes, and the children arrive wide-eyed with wonder.

I always prepare this day carefully, because a few small details truly make the difference between an ordinary excursion and a memory that gets retold years later.

The departure: starting well to make the most of the day

Pick-up is directly from your hotel or riad at around 8:30 am, in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a French-speaking driver-guide. That is the thing I appreciate most: no morning stress, no shared shuttle where you wait for everyone else. You leave at your own family pace.

I always recommend preparing a small bag the evening before. Swimsuit and towel if you are coming in spring or summer — swimming in the natural pools at the foot of the falls is one of the most loved moments of the day. Comfortable shoes are essential, as the paths and steps leading back up from the waterfalls require a little effort. Sunscreen, water, and a light jacket if you are going outside summer. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic and drinks.

Arriving at the falls: the moment that takes your breath away

When you catch sight of the three cascades tumbling down from a cliff of red ochre sandstone, mist rising up and sometimes a rainbow hanging in the middle of the day — I cannot recall a single child who remained unmoved. Barbary macaques roam freely along the paths, and this unexpected encounter often becomes the favourite memory for the youngest visitors.

The difficulty level is rated easy to moderate: the paths are accessible, but do allow for quite a few steps when climbing back up after descending to the water's edge. Worth bearing in mind if you are travelling with very young children or less mobile members of your group.

What I recommend doing on site

A local guide on site is available for around €30 per group — it is not compulsory, but I do recommend it if this is your first visit. These guides know the best viewpoints, the less-frequented paths and the ideal times to enjoy things more quietly.

The boat ride at the foot of the waterfalls (around 20 MAD per person) is an option that children absolutely love. You find yourself right up close to the falls, face to face with the spray, and it gives you a truly unique perspective on the cascades. Also plan for lunch on site: the small terrace restaurants offer simple Moroccan dishes for around 120 MAD per person.

Booking the excursion: what you need to know

The Excursion Cascades d'Ouzoud depuis Marrakech must be booked at least 5 days in advance. A deposit is required at the time of booking, and the balance is paid in cash on the day. Cancellation is free up to 5 days before departure — after that deadline, the deposit cannot be refunded.

The total duration of the day is around 10 hours, including pick-up from and return to your accommodation. It is a wonderfully full day, one that rewards preparation — and that you savour all the more for it.

The best time to go as a family

I recommend spring and summer: the waterfalls are at their most powerful, the water is accessible for swimming, and the light is beautiful. Whatever the season, bring water, sunscreen and good shoes — that is the foundation of any great day at Ouzoud.