Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech: A Day Out by Car

The Ouzoud waterfalls drop in several tiers into a green gorge ringed with olive trees, at the foot of the Middle Atlas. From Marrakech it is a long day, but with your own car you choose the departure time, the breaks and when to head back. Here is how to organise it.

At a glance

• Distance: about 150 km north-east of Marrakech.
• Duration: about 2 h 30 to 3 h each way.
• On site: allow three to four hours to walk down, have lunch and climb back up.
• Recommended car: a comfortable saloon or SUV for 2 to 5 people, a van or minibus for groups.

The road to the north-east

You leave Marrakech to the north-east, towards Beni Mellal, then a regional road branches off towards Azilal province and the village of Ouzoud. The signs are clear, and an offline navigation app will spare you any hesitation at junctions. The first part crosses a fairly straight stretch of farmland; the last kilometres become hillier and more winding.

What slows the journey down

Villages follow one another, with 60 km/h limits, sometimes 40, and frequent police checks. On weekly souk days, expect carts, pedestrians and animals by the roadside. Nothing difficult, but these slowdowns explain why 150 km takes nearly three hours.

Fill up before you go

Fill the tank in Marrakech. You will find petrol stations along the way, but it is simpler not to have to think about it. Also bring a little cash for parking, drinks and small purchases.

Why leave early

Leaving around 8 am gets you there mid-morning, before the crowds and before the heat. In July and August it is often over 40 °C in Marrakech, and the climb back up from the bottom of the falls is noticeably harder at midday. At weekends and during Moroccan school holidays, the site attracts a lot of people: the first parking spaces go quickly.

Leaving early also means getting home in daylight. Country roads are poorly lit, and meeting pedestrians or unlit carts at night is no fun. Aim to leave Ouzoud in the middle of the afternoon.

Parking near the waterfalls

As you arrive in the village, at the top of the gorge, you will see several parking areas. Attendants wave you in and point out a space; it is customary to pay them, and the simplest thing is to ask the rate when you arrive. If possible, choose a shady spot, especially in summer.

Leave nothing visible inside the car: bags, phones and papers go with you or stay in the boot, packed away before you arrive. Some people may offer to guide you down. The path is easy to find without help; a polite refusal is enough if you do not need one.

Walking down to the pool

A path, partly laid out in steps, leads down from the village to the foot of the falls. It is lined with stalls and small restaurants with terraces. The descent is easy; the climb back requires more breath, especially with young children.

• Wear good shoes: the rocks are slippery near the water.
• Take water and a hat, even in spring.
• At the bottom, small boats offer to take you close to the falls; ask on site.
• If you plan to swim, be careful: the current can be strong near the waterfalls.

The Barbary macaques: watch, don't feed

The trees around the waterfalls are home to Barbary macaques, an endangered species. They readily approach visitors. Do not give them anything to eat: human food makes them ill and more aggressive, and a monkey that has learned to beg can scratch or bite. Keep your bags closed, do not hold out your hand and keep an eye on children. In the car park, do not leave food in sight or windows open.

Which car for Ouzoud?

Five to six hours on the road in a day: that is the criterion that counts. For two people, a city car does the job; the Renault Clio 5 automatique spares you the clutch fatigue when driving through villages. For a family, a saloon such as the Dacia Logan or an SUV from the standard range gives rear passengers more space.

For groups: a single vehicle

With six, eight or more people, one vehicle is better than two cars that lose sight of each other. The van 7 places and the minibus H1 8 places suit extended families; beyond that, the whole range of vans and minibuses goes up to 18 seats. Most of these vehicles have a manual gearbox. On a round trip this long, add the additional driver option so you can take turns at the wheel.

If you are staying in the Palmeraie, we can deliver the car to your hotel the evening before so you can set off at dawn. And if you are looking for a shorter outing for another day, the Ourika Valley is about 1 h 15 from the city.

In practice

Choose the car and dates in the form, say that it is for an excursion to Ouzoud, and we will finalise the details with you on WhatsApp. Cancellation is free up to 24 h before pick-up, which leaves some margin if the weather changes your plans.