Barbary Macaques at Ouzoud: Watching Them in the Wild
As you hike down toward the waterfalls, don't be surprised to see branches moving in the olive grove: Ouzoud is home to one of the largest wild colonies of Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) in the High Atlas, living freely all along the trail.
To plan your visit, check out our Ouzoud waterfalls trip from Marrakech.
Mis à jour le 15 août 2026
The Essentials
Scientific name: Macaca sylvanus, also known as the Barbary macaque or Barbary ape • Sightings: present year-round in the olive grove above the trails • Golden rule: don't feed them, don't touch them, keep your distance.
What is a Barbary Macaque?
The giveaway detail: the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) has almost no tail, unlike most other macaques — it's often the first thing you notice when you spot one on the trail.
Brown-to-beige coat, pale face, sturdy build: adults are bigger than you might expect, and they live in organized groups with a well-established hierarchy.
Where to See Barbary Macaques at Ouzoud
Barbary macaques are present year-round in the olive groves lining the trails leading down to the waterfalls. Used to human presence, they sometimes come within a few meters of visitors, making them one of the most popular sights for families.
You can spot them near wooded areas, on certain trails, in the olive trees, or near busy crossing points. Their presence is never guaranteed, though — they move freely and can shift location throughout the day. For the best chance to observe them, stay alert without trying to attract them.
Social Life and Grooming
They live in groups, and it shows: the young stay protected, food is foraged together, and there's usually one individual keeping watch while the others rest or groom each other.
Watch a group for a few minutes and you might see one macaque going through another's fur — that's social grooming. It removes parasites and dirt, but it also serves an essential social function: strengthening bonds within the group.
Can You Approach or Feed the Macaques?
It's best to keep a certain distance. Barbary macaques are wild animals and should not be treated as pets. A macaque can seem calm and then react quickly if it feels threatened, disturbed, or thinks a visitor is carrying food.
Even though handing a piece of food to a monkey might seem fun, this habit changes its behavior — animals that associate humans with food can become pushier, and it encourages them to stay in tourist areas instead of naturally foraging for fruit, seeds, leaves, roots, plants, and small invertebrates depending on the season.
After the Macaques, a Swim in the Natural Pools
During the hot Moroccan summer months (May to September), the water temperature in the downstream pools sits around 20 to 22°C, offering an ideal refreshment after watching the macaques and hiking down the trails.
To see the waterfall from the water without swimming, the traditional boat ride is a separate option. Check the boarding process and equipment on site — it's not required to watch the macaques.
Tips for Families with Children
Kids are often fascinated by the monkeys. Before approaching an area where they're present, explain a few simple rules: don't run toward the macaques, don't shout nearby, don't offer them food, never try to touch the babies, and don't get your face too close for a photo.
A supervised child can fully enjoy watching the macaques while respecting the animals. To plan an outing suited to younger kids, check our guide to visiting Ouzoud with family and kids.
Analyse pratique
Barbary macaques at Ouzoud : les repères essentiels
these are wild animals — keep enough distance and always leave yourself a way to back off.
don't feed or touch them, and put away food, open bags, and shiny objects.
use zoom to photograph them instead of walking toward a group or a mother with her baby.
Les points à vérifier avant de choisir
- watch calmly without direct contact.
- keep young children close to an adult.
- step back without running if an animal approaches.
Questions Fréquentes sur Ouzoud
Tout ce qu'il faut savoir avant de réserver votre excursion aux cascades d'Ouzoud.
Good wildlife watching lets the animal set the distance
Use your zoom, keep an escape route, and put away all food. If a macaque approaches, step back calmly without running. A photo taken from further away beats an interaction that changes its behavior.