Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip: Atlas Mountains, Boat & Lunch

Summary

Atlas mountain drive, wild monkeys and lunch by Ouzoud falls

You’ll travel from Marrakech through Berber villages into the Atlas Mountains for a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls. Hike down with a local guide, meet wild monkeys, take a boat ride under Morocco’s highest falls, and enjoy traditional lunch overlooking the water. Expect laughter, spray on your face, and maybe a little dust in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. The road out of Marrakech was still waking up when we got picked up — our driver, Youssef, pointed out Berber villages tucked between olive trees and I kept losing count of how many times I saw goats in the oddest places. There’s something about that early light over the Atlas Mountains that makes everything look softer. We stopped for coffee halfway and the air smelled like sweet bread and diesel, which somehow works together at 9am.

Arriving at Ouzoud Waterfalls felt louder than I thought it would — not just from the water crashing down (which you can hear before you see), but also kids shouting in Arabic, vendors calling out, monkeys rustling in the trees above us. Our guide, Hassan, led us down a dusty path where my shoes collected half the mountain. He told us about Barbary macaques (“don’t feed them,” he grinned) and showed us a spot where rainbows show up if you squint right. The boat ride was short but wild — we got close enough to feel the spray on our faces and I realized my shirt was clinging to my back for hours after. Worth it.

Lunch was tagine at a place with plastic chairs and a view straight onto the falls. The tomatoes tasted almost smoky, or maybe that was just me being hungry from all the walking. Hassan sat with us and tried to teach me how to say “Ouzoud” properly — Li laughed when I tried; probably butchered it. Afterward there was time to just sit by the pools or watch people swim (I didn’t bring a suit, kind of regret that now). The drive back felt quieter somehow; everyone nodded off except Youssef humming along to old pop songs on the radio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip from Marrakech

• Depart Marrakech at 8:00 a.m.
• Drive through plains and Berber villages
• Take coffee break halfway
• Arrive at Ouzoud waterfalls at 11:00 a.m.
• Guided hike around waterfalls for 2 hours
• Observe Berber monkeys and viewpoints
• Lunch at local restaurant overlooking falls
• Free time for swimming or relaxing
• Depart Ouzoud at 3:00 p.m.
• Return to Marrakech by 6:00 p.m.
• Drop off at hotel or meeting point

Top questions

How far is Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech?

About 150 km northeast of Marrakech; it takes around 3 hours by car each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or riad in Marrakech or an agreed meeting point.

What time does the Ouzoud Waterfalls tour start?

The tour departs at 8:00 am from Marrakech.

Can you swim at Ouzoud Waterfalls?

Yes, there’s free time for swimming in natural pools at the base of the waterfalls.

Is lunch included during this excursion?

A traditional Moroccan lunch overlooking the waterfalls is included.

Are guides provided during the hike?

Yes, a local guide leads a two-hour hike around Ouzoud Falls with several viewpoints.

Is this trip suitable for young children or infants?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be used and infant seats are available.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water bottle—and maybe swimwear if you want to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech with return transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, travel insurance throughout, guided hiking around Ouzoud Falls with a local guide who knows every shortcut (and monkey), a 20-minute boat ride right up to the base of Morocco’s tallest waterfall, plus traditional Moroccan lunch with views of tumbling water before heading back in late afternoon.