Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls: Day Trip with Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip from Marrakech with olive groves, local lunch and Atlas views

You’ll feel the spray of Morocco’s tallest waterfalls on this day trip from Marrakech, wandering olive groves and ancient paths with a local guide. Taste tajine overlooking Ouzoud Falls, watch monkeys play, and pause for coffee breaks along the way. It’s a day full of small surprises and big views — you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s not rain — it’s the waterfall!” That’s what our guide Youssef said as we felt the mist on our faces, standing near the bottom of Ouzoud Waterfalls. I’d seen pictures but didn’t expect the sound — it’s loud in a good way, like white noise you can feel in your chest. The drive from Marrakech was longer than I thought (about two hours with a coffee stop in Ouled Khellouf), but watching the red earth and olive trees roll by made it go fast. Our driver played old chaabi music quietly, which somehow fit the morning.

Walking down toward the base, we passed through these tangled olive groves where older men waved at us from under the trees. Youssef pointed out a tiny grain mill still working — apparently “Ouzoud” means “olive press” in Berber, which I wouldn’t have guessed. The path was rocky in places (I slipped once but just got dusty), and you could smell woodsmoke from someone grilling fish nearby. There were monkeys too — one stole half my biscuit before I even noticed. I didn’t mind; everyone laughed.

Lunch was simple tajine in a place perched above the falls — honestly, I still think about that view. The sound of water below mixed with clinking plates and kids giggling behind us. After eating, some people went swimming but I just sat there letting my feet dangle over the edge for a while. On the way back up, Youssef showed us a shortcut through more olive trees (my legs are still sore). We stopped again for coffee in Tamlalte before heading back to Marrakech as the sun started dipping low behind the hills.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech

• Meet at riad or hotel in Marrakech
• Drive about 1 hour to Ouled Khellouf
• Take coffee break in Ouled Khellouf
• Drive 30 minutes to Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Walk around waterfalls through olive tree roads
• Take photos and learn history from guide
• Have lunch at restaurant overlooking waterfalls
• Depart from Ouzoud Waterfalls back to Marrakech
• Stop for coffee break in Tamlalte
• Continue drive back to Marrakech

Top questions

How far is Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech?

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are about 150 km from Marrakech, roughly a 2-hour drive each way with stops.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant overlooking the waterfalls during your visit.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech are included in this tour.

Can infants or small children join this trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear for walking around Ouzoud Waterfalls?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for rocky paths; some areas can be slippery or uneven.

Is there a guide during the Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip?

A local guide will lead you around Ouzoud Waterfalls and share information about its history and surroundings.

Are there any stops along the way from Marrakech?

Yes, there are coffee breaks planned in Ouled Khellouf on the way there and Tamlalte on the return journey.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, air-conditioned transport with a professional driver, guided walks around Ouzoud Waterfalls through olive groves, time for photos at scenic spots, and lunch overlooking the falls before returning to Marrakech with another coffee stop en route.