NATS WORLD MAP

Ouzoud Waterfalls is a true Moroccan gem, located around 150 km from Marrakech in the Middle Atlas Mountains. These stunning falls are the highest in Morocco at 100 meters, and only Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe outranks them in Africa. Here’s a breakdown of our full experience, from the monkeys to the must-see stops, and a few essential tips to make the most of your day trip.

Getting There

We booked our tour through Viator for just £21 per person, and it was well worth it. The journey was a bit longer than expected. Our driver took about 3 hours and 45 minutes each way (usually it’s around 2.5-3 hours), but the scenic views and our guide’s fascinating insights made the time fly surprisingly. It was a comfortable minibus, and we even took turns to be DJ with the music choices. Along the way, we met other friendly travelers, which made the experience even more memorable.

Exploring Ouzoud Waterfalls

Upon arrival, we were immediately taken in by the breathtaking views of the 100m cascade. The hike down to the base of the waterfall is fairly straightforward, with multiple viewpoints offering unique perspectives of the falls. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots for photos and even get close enough to feel the spray from the water if you take the boat ride to the base, which I highly recommend! Seeing the impressive fall from all angles was worth it. You feel the sheer scale of it when you see it from below.

The Monkeys

One of the absolute highlights was meeting the monkeys! I had two friendly monkeys on my shoulders at one point, one was especially fluffy and cuddly. They’re incredibly tame and will jump right on you, especially if you have food.

A tip here: locals will sometimes put food in your hand to attract the monkeys but will then ask for money, so it’s best to agree on a price upfront. About 20 dirham (roughly 2 euros) is fair, and for me, it was worth every penny for the photos and videos!

Discovering the Local Culture

After spending time at the falls, our guide took us through nearby olive groves and a traditional Berber village. The village’s flag – a mix of blue, green, and yellow, represents the Berber people and the diverse landscapes of Morocco: water, mountains, and desert.

We also visited the Papillon Cosmetics Boutique, a beautiful shop where women work hard to produce authentic Moroccan argan oil. Watching the local women meticulously grind the argan nuts, extract the oil, and produce cosmetic products was a fascinating insight into the effort and skill that goes into each bottle. They offer a fantastic selection of high-quality oils, and I picked up some for myself—it’s a must for anyone interested in natural skincare!

We stopped to try the local cuisine in one of the Moroccan restaurants available to sample, all overlooking the spectacular waterfall. We went for the Traditional Chicken Tagine, and it did not disappoint! Just wow! The flavours, the presentation – it was all incredible. I was nervous that we may get food poisoning somewhere so rural, but it was cooked to perfection. It came out piping hot and my mouth is watering now just thinking about it! Highly recommend.

Tips for Your Visit

• Book in Advance: Tours fill up quickly, so booking in advance is a good idea. The Viator tour was great value, but be prepared for it to be a long day, and don’t make plans for that evening in case you just need an early night.
• Monkey Tips: If you want photos with the monkeys, negotiate any fees upfront. 20 dirham is usually a fair price and ensures you’ll get some great shots.
• Stay Overnight: If you have the time and the money, consider staying overnight at the luxury hotel overlooking the falls. Built over 11 years by a prominent Moroccan businesswoman, the hotel offers a serene place to enjoy the views without the daytime crowds.

Final Thoughts

From the playful monkeys to the powerful waterfall, our day at Ouzoud was packed with beautiful sights, cultural insights, and unforgettable moments. It’s a long day but filled with adventure and new friends, making it one of the best excursions from Marrakech.

If you’re ready to book your own adventure in Morocco, you can do so through my Viator link here: Viator