Ouzoud Falls: Guided Hike & Boat Trip from Marrakech

Summary

Ouzoud waterfalls hike boat ride Berber lunch from Marrakech

You’ll hike through olive groves above Ouzoud Falls with a local guide, pause for argan oil tasting, then descend steep trails to feel the mist from Morocco’s tallest waterfall on a traditional boat ride. Lunch is served late on a terrace with Berber flavors and endless views. It’s not polished—just real moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through olive trees when I realized how far we’d come from the noise of Marrakech. The minibus had dropped us in Ouzoud village, and our guide—Youssef, who grew up nearby—pointed out the first glimpse of the falls through a gap in the leaves. It was louder than I expected, all that water tumbling down. There was this faint smell, kind of earthy and sweet, maybe from the wild mint underfoot or just the damp rocks. I kept stopping to look back at the cliffs; it’s hard not to.

Youssef took us past an argan oil co-op where women sat chatting in Tamazight, grinding nuts by hand. He let us taste some oil on fresh bread (nutty, almost buttery) before leading us down a path that got steeper and slicker than I thought it would—my sneakers definitely lost traction once or twice. There were macaque monkeys darting around; one tried to steal someone’s snack and Youssef just laughed. By the time we reached the bottom pool for our boat ride, my legs felt wobbly but in a good way.

The boat itself was painted bright red and blue—kind of battered but cheerful—and as we floated right up to where the spray hit your face, I remember thinking how cold it felt after that hot walk down. Lunch was late but worth waiting for: tagine with olives at a terrace restaurant overlooking everything. People lingered over mint tea and nobody seemed in a hurry to leave. On the drive back to Marrakech I watched sunlight flicker through dusty windows and thought about that moment under the falls—I can still hear it sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ouzoud Waterfalls guided hike and boat trip

• Pickup from hotel in Marrakech
• Travel to Ouzoud village
• Admire waterfall views and take photos
• Hike through olive groves with local guide
• Visit argan oil co-operative and learn Berber culture
• Continue to waterfall viewpoint
• Boat ride on pool below waterfalls
• Enjoy late Berber lunch overlooking falls
• Return transfer to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls?

It takes about 2.5 hours by minibus from Marrakech to Ouzoud village.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech is included; extra fees may apply for certain locations like Pickalbatros Aqua Fun.

Is there a lot of walking on this Ouzoud Falls tour?

Yes, there’s a moderate hike with some steep and uneven ground when descending to the base of the falls.

What languages does the local guide speak?

The guide speaks French, English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Is lunch included during this Ouzoud Waterfalls trip?

A late Berber lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls is included.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is there a boat ride at Ouzoud Falls?

Yes, a short traditional boat ride at the base of the waterfalls is part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech by air-conditioned minibus, guidance in several languages throughout olive groves and village paths, an argan oil tasting stop, entry to Ouzoud Falls with a traditional boat ride at its base, plus a late Berber lunch overlooking the cascades before returning in mid-afternoon.