Located 150 kilometers northeast of Marrakech in the Middle Atlas foothills, the Cascades d'Ouzoud are North Africa's highest and most majestic waterfalls. 'Ouzoud' translates to 'the act of grinding grain' in Berber, named after the ancient watermills still functioning at the summit of the canyon. The descent winds through shaded centuries-old olive orchards where playful wild Barbary macaques gather in the branches. Reaching the canyon floor, the view opens onto three tiers of thundering water plunging 110 meters into a turquoise basin, creating perpetual misty rainbows. Board a hand-rowed wooden raft decorated with colorful Moroccan carpets to approach within spray distance of the thundering curtain. Lunch is enjoyed at open-air canyon terraces featuring traditional Berber tagines seasoned with mountain herbs.
Detailed Itinerary
- 08:00 AM
Departure from Marrakech through the fertile Tadla agricultural plain.
- 10:30 AM
Arrival at Ouzoud; rendezvous with your local escort guide.
- 10:45 AM
Walk past traditional cliffside watermills to the primary canyon overlook.
- 11:30 AM
Guided walk down canyon steps, observing wild Barbary apes in ancient olive groves.
- 12:30 PM
Traditional wooden boat ride across the lagoon to feel the invigorating falls' mist.
- 01:30 PM
Streamside Berber lunch at panoramic cliff-face restaurants.
- 03:00 PM
Leisurely walk along the canyon rim and visit to upper viewing platforms.
- 04:00 PM
Return drive back toward Marrakech.
- 06:30 PM
Arrival at your riad.
Inclusions
- Private vehicle, driver, local guide in Ouzoud, round-trip transfers, mineral water
Exclusions
- Small boat fee, lunch and drinks, tips