If you’re craving a break from Marrakech’s buzz, this day trip gets you up close with Morocco’s tallest waterfalls and lets you taste real village life—plus there are monkeys and fresh mint tea waiting for you.
We left Marrakech just after sunrise, the city still yawning awake. Our driver, Youssef, chatted about his favorite football team as we rolled past roadside stalls selling oranges and stacks of flatbread. The road north winds through villages where kids wave at passing vans and old men sip coffee outside tiny cafés. By mid-morning, the air felt cooler—almost damp—and you could smell wild herbs when we opened the windows.
The first glimpse of Ouzoud Waterfalls is a surprise. You hear them before you see them—a deep rush that drowns out everything else. There’s a path shaded by olive trees leading down to the base; it’s a bit uneven in spots but nothing tricky. We passed women rinsing laundry in the river and a guy roasting corn on a little grill. At one bend, our guide pointed out macaque monkeys lounging in the branches—one bold little guy tried to swipe my biscuit right out of my hand.
Lunch was at a simple café perched above the falls—tagine bubbling away, sweet mint tea poured high into glasses. The view from up there is something you don’t forget: water tumbling down almost 100 meters, rainbows flickering in the mist if you catch it at the right angle. On the walk back up, we peeked inside one of those old grain mills still grinding away, just like they have for generations here. We got back to Marrakech just as dusk settled in, tired but happy (and with way too many monkey photos).
Yes! Kids love watching the monkeys and there are stroller-friendly paths. Infant seats are available if needed.
It’s about a 3-hour drive each way, with plenty to see along the route and stops for breaks or photos.
No need for heavy boots—just comfy walking shoes or trainers are fine for the paths around the falls.
No, but there are several local restaurants by the falls where you can buy traditional Moroccan dishes and drinks.
Your ride’s sorted with an air-conditioned minivan and door-to-door pick-up from your place in Marrakech—no taxi hassle at all. We’ll get you home at sunset, too.
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