Why I Recommend Ouzoud to Every Single Traveller I Meet

The day I realised Ouzoud was unmissable

The first time I accompanied a group to the Ouzoud waterfalls, I had a slight apprehension: two and a half hours on the road from Marrakech is a real commitment for a day trip. Was it really worth it? The answer came the moment we caught our first glimpse of the falls through the olive trees. Everyone fell silent. I can still hear that silence.

Since then, the Ouzoud waterfalls have become one of my favourite excursions to share. And the reason I recommend them in a private format is simple: with a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle, hotel or riad pick-up, and a French-speaking driver-guide, you can make the most of the day without worrying about a single logistical detail.

What does the day look like?

Departure is around 8:30 am from your accommodation. The drive is approximately two and a half hours — around 160 km from Marrakech. I love this journey; it's a chance to watch the Moroccan landscape shift gradually, from the reddish plains to the foothills of the Atlas.

At the site, you descend toward the falls along paths and steps carved into the rock. The level is easy to moderate: stairs, stretches shaded by olive trees, and a few more demanding sections on the way back up — I always warn my visitors, especially later in the day when legs start to feel heavy! Comfortable closed shoes are a must; leave the beach sandals behind.

Swimming — a moment I never want anyone to miss

Below the falls, natural pools form at the base. Swimming is possible there and, believe me, it's an unforgettable experience: cool water, the roar of the cascades all around you, and monkeys watching from the clifftops… Pack your swimsuit and a towel. And if you forget your sunscreen, you'll regret it — even in the spray, the sun is strong.

If you enjoy something more gentle, a boat ride is available on site (around 20 MAD per person, paid directly on the day). It's not included in the package, but it's a lovely way to admire the waterfalls from the water.

What I always pack for this day

After dozens of trips to Ouzoud, here is my personal list so you don't leave anything to chance:

• Comfortable closed shoes (the paths can be wet in places)
• A swimsuit and a light towel
• Sunscreen and plenty of water
• A light jacket or layer outside of summer — it can be cool near the falls
• A snack or something to nibble on if you'd like — you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks

Restaurants are also available on site, with meals at around 120 MAD per person. The choice is yours — the main thing is not to head home on an empty stomach after such an active day!

When is the best time to experience Ouzoud at its finest?

In my opinion, spring and summer are the best seasons. In spring, the falls are powerful and the vegetation is a vivid, lush green. In summer, the water is perfect for swimming and the cool mist from the cascades is a genuine relief. It's also the ideal time for families — the excursion is perfectly suited to children, who are absolutely enchanted by the Barbary macaques that live around the falls.

The full day lasts around ten hours, including the return to your accommodation. It's a properly full day, but nobody comes back tired in a bad way — rather, refreshed, a little windswept from the spray, and with a phone full of photos.

A few practical details before you book

Booking must be made at least 5 days before the desired date. A deposit per person is required at the time of booking (depending on the number of participants), and the balance is settled in cash on the day. Cancellation is free up to 5 days before departure; after that deadline, the deposit is non-refundable. If you book within 5 days of the trip, no refund is possible.

A local guide on site is available as an optional extra — around €30 per group, paid directly. It's not compulsory, but for those who want to fully understand the history of the site and the local wildlife, I genuinely recommend it.

If you're still on the fence, let me say this: among all the excursions I offer around Marrakech, the Ouzoud waterfalls are the ones my visitors talk about long after they've returned home. It's the kind of day that stays with you. And that's exactly why I keep recommending it, without hesitation.