What is the exact height of the Ouzoud waterfalls?

The Ouzoud waterfalls measure exactly 110 meters in total height. They consist of 3 successive tiers of falling water cascading down the red cliffs of the High Atlas.

How much does the boat ride at the foot of the falls cost?

The crossing on a small decorated traditional wooden boat costs around 20 MAD (€2) per person on site. It lets you get as close as possible to the base of the main falls.

Can you hike down to the base of the falls without a guide?

Yes. The main trail is well marked and paved with steps. The descent takes around 20 to 30 minutes of walking, accessible to the whole family.

Where does the water feeding the Ouzoud waterfalls come from?

The water comes from the Oued Ouzoud, a karstic spring in the central High Atlas, ensuring a natural and permanent water flow throughout the year.

What's the best spot to photograph the falls?

The two best viewpoints are the upper lookout near the village parking lot and the café terraces below, at the edge of the lower pool.

Are there public restrooms along the waterfall trail?

Yes, several establishments and cafés along the paved steps have restrooms accessible to visitors for a small fee (2 to 5 MAD).

How long does it take to climb back up from the base of the falls?

The climb back up the paved steps takes around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace. Many shaded terraces along the way make for comfortable breaks.

Can you see rainbows over the waterfalls?

Yes! Around midday (between 12pm and 2pm), sunlight refracting through the spray creates beautiful, near-permanent rainbows above the pool.

Natural Wonder of the High Atlas

Everything to Know About the Ouzoud Waterfalls (110 Meters)

A 110-meter drop spread across three ochre rock tiers — it's the largest waterfall in Morocco, and the roar of the water reaches you long before you catch sight of it.
To plan your visit from Marrakech, check out our Ouzoud waterfalls trip.

Mis à jour le 15 août 2026

Panoramic view of the 110-meter main drop of the Ouzoud waterfalls in Morocco

The Essentials

Ouzoud Waterfalls: 110m total height • Located in Azilal province, 150 km northeast of Marrakech (2h30 drive) • Free access to the natural site • Traditional boat ride: ~20 MAD • Best time to visit: March to May (peak flow) and June to September (swimming).

Key facts about the Ouzoud waterfalls

Height of the falls	110 meters (3 cascading tiers)
Location	Ouzoud village, Tanaghmeilt, Azilal Province, Morocco
Distance from Marrakech	150 km (2h30 by car/minibus)
Site altitude	1,060 meters above sea level
Source river	Oued Ouzoud (tributary of the Oued El Abid)

How were the Ouzoud waterfalls formed?

The water feeding the falls comes from a karst resurgence in the central High Atlas: the surrounding limestone, slowly dissolved by underground water over thousands of years, lets the Oued Ouzoud resurface at one specific point on the plateau. This explains a permanent flow, fed year-round even outside direct rainfall.

The waterfall's three tiers correspond to rock layers of different hardness: the softer strata erode faster, creating successive steps rather than a single drop. The ochre cliffs framing the site owe their color to iron oxidation in the local sandstone.

This site is listed among the geosites of the M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark , which recognizes the exceptional geological richness of the central High Atlas.

Wildlife and local life around the waterfalls

The site is home to a colony of Barbary macaques, a North African endemic species classified as endangered by the IUCN, which frequents the main trail's edges. See our dedicated page on Ouzoud's Barbary macaques to learn how to observe them without feeding or touching them.

Ouzoud village itself, with its traditional oil mills still powered by the current and its local crafts, is part of the visit. See our page on Ouzoud village to learn more about local life around the site.

Small traditional wooden boats decorated with flowers sailing at the foot of the Ouzoud falls

Natural turquoise pool at the foot of the Ouzoud waterfall surrounded by olive groves

The Traditional Boat Ride at the Foot of the Falls

Once you reach the bottom of the main pool, one of the most memorable experiences is climbing aboard a small flower-decorated wooden raft.
The boatman can bring the boat closer to the misty zone depending on the day's conditions. Before boarding, confirm the price, watch how boarding works, and check that a suitable life vest is available. The boat ride stays optional — the trails already offer several complete views of the falls.

Gear Protection Tip

Bring a waterproof pouch or protect your camera during the boat crossing — the water spray at the foot of the 110-meter falls is very dense!

Hiking and Viewpoints Around the Waterfalls

Beyond the main descent, several trails let you extend your exploration of the site through the olive groves and traditional mills. Check out our Ouzoud waterfalls hiking guide for accessible routes, or our selection of the best viewpoints and photo spots to find the most spectacular angles on the 110-meter falls.

Foire aux Questions

Questions Fréquentes sur Ouzoud

Tout ce qu'il faut savoir avant de réserver votre excursion aux cascades d'Ouzoud.

Sources

Geological, administrative, and conservation data verified with the following organizations:

M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark
Official recognition of the site's geological heritage (geosites of the Ouzoud syncline)
Azilal Province
Official Moroccan institutional site for the province where the waterfalls are located
IUCN — Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status of the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), classified as endangered

The key thing to remember near the water

Mist, wet rocks, and water flow change conditions from one day to the next. Keep stable footing when photographing, protect your gear, and never treat a natural pool as a supervised swimming area.