Ouzoud Waterfalls: Rainbows & Monkeys in the Middle Atlas
A river throws itself 110 metres off a cliff, rainbows hang in the spray every sunny afternoon, and wild monkeys watch it all from the olive trees. Here's our local guide to Morocco's greatest waterfall.
Why Ouzoud is worth the drive
The Ouzoud Waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) are the highest falls in North Africa — around 110 metres of triple-tiered cascades where the El-Abid river drops into a red-rock gorge in the Middle Atlas, about 2.5–3 hours northeast of Marrakech.
The name comes from the Amazigh word linked to the olive mills that still crown the top of the falls — a dozen small ancient mills fed by the same channels that have split the river for centuries. A shady path zigzags down through olive groves to the base, where wooden boats paddle you into the cool spray and, on sunny afternoons, a rainbow arcs across the gorge almost on schedule.
The other residents are the stars: a colony of wild Barbary macaques lives in the gorge, entirely at ease with visitors. Add riverside tagine terraces and swimmable pools downstream, and you have Morocco's best natural day out — and a favourite with families.
The Ouzoud you'll remember
The best things to do at Ouzoud
Catch the afternoon rainbow
On sunny days the spray throws a rainbow across the gorge from early afternoon — the classic Ouzoud photo. The upper viewpoints by the olive mills frame it best.
Ride a boat into the spray
At the base, brightly painted wooden rafts paddle you close enough to feel the mist on your face. Short, cheap, unforgettable — kids ask to go twice.
Meet the Barbary macaques
The gorge's wild monkey colony poses, grooms and pickpockets its way through the day. Watch as long as you like — just keep snacks zipped and let them keep their wild manners.
Swim the downstream pools
Ten minutes below the falls, the river calms into green pools that are heaven on a hot day. Mountain water — brisk, clean and worth the gasp.
See the ancient olive mills
The small mills at the top of the falls gave Ouzoud its name and still work the surrounding groves' harvest. A two-minute detour most visitors miss.
Lunch on a river terrace
Tagines slow-cooked in rows over charcoal, eaten at a table with the falls as your soundtrack. Simple, honest and exactly right.
Best time & getting there
🗓️ Best time to visit
Spring (March–May) brings the most thunderous flow from snowmelt. Rainbows appear in the afternoon spray on sunny days all year.
Summer weekends fill with Moroccan families on holiday — joyful, but go on a weekday morning for the falls at their calmest.
🚗 Getting there
About 150 km northeast of Marrakech — 2.5 to 3 hours by private car through olive country and Middle Atlas foothills.
The visit itself is a 2–3 hour loop: down the shaded path, boats and lunch at the base, back up past the mills. Comfortable shoes recommended.
Visit Ouzoud with us
Ouzoud is included in our 9 Day Imperial Cities & Atlantic Coast tour — and we run it as a private day trip from Marrakech or add it to any custom itinerary.
Want a waterfall day in your trip?
Private car, our driver-guide, boats, monkeys, riverside lunch — back in Marrakech by evening. Tell us your dates.
Ouzoud questions, answered
How far are the Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech?
About 150 km northeast — a 2.5 to 3 hour private drive through olive country and the Middle Atlas foothills. It's Morocco's most popular waterfall day trip, and an easy one with your own driver.
Can you swim at Ouzoud?
Yes — the pools downstream are a favourite dip on warm days, and small wooden boats paddle you right into the spray at the base. The water is mountain-cool year-round; bring a towel and shoes with grip.
Are the monkeys wild?
Yes — the Barbary macaques living in the gorge are wild, though very used to visitors. Keep snacks zipped away, let them approach on their terms, and please don't feed them.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring has the most thunderous flow from snowmelt, and the famous rainbows appear in the afternoon spray on sunny days all year. Weekday mornings are quietest; summer weekends fill with Moroccan families.
Are the falls included in your tours?
Yes — the 9 Day Imperial Cities & Atlantic Coast tour includes Ouzoud, and we run it as a private day trip from Marrakech or add it to any custom itinerary.
Rainbows, monkeys and a riverside tagine?
Tell us your dates — we'll build Ouzoud into your Morocco trip as a day out or a tour stop.
