Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
Discover the Atlantic coast on a full-day private day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira: Portuguese ramparts, fishing harbour and the UNESCO medina.
A scenic Marrakech to Ouzoud waterfalls day trip — easily one of the prettiest atlas mountains day trip among Marrakech day trips. After breakfast we drive north-east through Berber villages to the falls, where the river drops more than 100 metres in a series of dramatic cascades. A local guide leads you down to the base of the waterfalls and on a leisurely walk through the surrounding olive groves. Browse all Marrakech day trips, the multi-day 3-day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech, or all Marrakech desert tours.
On this one-day adventure from Marrakech we head north-east into the Middle Atlas. After a stop or two through the Berber countryside we reach Ouzoud, where the river plunges more than 100 metres in a string of impressive waterfalls. Our local guide leads you on a walking tour from the upper viewpoints down to the foot of the falls, with a riverside lunch and the chance to spot the resident Barbary macaques. We drive you back to your accommodation in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
English, Spanish, French, and more languages are available upon request.
We depart from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, usually around 8:00 am, and return in the late afternoon.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are 150km north-east of Marrakech — approximately two hours by private vehicle through the Middle Atlas foothills via Azilal. The falls drop 110m in three cascades surrounded by olive groves, Barbary macaques and rainbow mist — the most spectacular natural waterfall in Morocco and a full contrast to the medina and desert environments that define most Marrakech excursions.
The drive to Ouzoud passes through the agricultural landscape of the Haouz plain and then climbs into the first Atlas ridges around Azilal, where the village architecture shifts from painted plaster to dry stone and earthen brick. Arriving at the falls, a short walk down the canyon path brings you to the viewing platforms and the pool at the base, where local rowers offer boat trips under the spray.
Ouzoud is one of the few day trips from Marrakech where the destination itself — not just the drive — justifies the distance. The falls are busiest at midday; arriving early gives you the upper platforms more or less to yourself. Return to Marrakech by early evening. Lunch at one of the terrace restaurants above the falls is available and recommended. Request a quote.
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