Ouzoud Falls
Waterfall Series of dramatic waterfalls amid olive groves
Ouzoud Falls in central Morocco tumble over stepped cliffs into plunge pools edged by olive groves. Visitors hike, take boat trips to the cascades and often spot wild Barbary macaques nearby.
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Ouzoud Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall in the Middle Atlas foothills of Morocco, located in Béni Mellal-Khénifra. It is one of the country’s most visited waterfalls and drops roughly 110 metres in total across several cascades.
The site offers multiple viewpoints and short walking paths that lead to cliff-top overlooks and the pool at the base. There are cafes and terraces near the upper viewpoints and boat trips to the plunge pool when water levels permit; local trails through olive groves connect the viewpoints. Monkeys are commonly seen around the falls and small riverside pathways allow close-up views of the cascades.
The falls have been a local landmark for centuries; the modern visitor infrastructure developed as the site became popular with tourists in the 20th and 21st centuries. Villages and terraced olive groves around the falls have long used the water for irrigation and local mills.
The falls sit near the village of Ouzoud in central Morocco, within the Atlas foothills. They are roughly northeast of Marrakech and accessed by regional roads from nearby towns and villages.
- Height and flow: The falls have a total drop of roughly 110 metres across several cascades, best seen after winter and spring rains when flow is highest.
- Viewing points: Lookouts and short trails provide views from above and from the base; small local boats operate in the plunge pool when conditions allow.
How to Get to Ouzoud Falls #
From Marrakech the easiest way is by car or organized day tour: it’s about 150 km northeast of Marrakech and typically a 2½-3 hour drive along the main road toward Beni Mellal, with local junctions into the mountain road to the Ouzoud village. Many tour operators and shared minibuses (grand taxis) run from Marrakech; private cars can be parked in the village and it’s a 10-20 minute walk from the village parking area down to the main viewing points by the falls.
Tips for Visiting Ouzoud Falls #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid‑day day‑trip crowds from Marrakech and to catch better light on the falls; midweek is noticeably quieter than weekends.
- Approach via the village trails rather than the main overlook: follow the stepped paths down to the base for closer viewpoints and to arrange a short boat ride with local operators if water levels permit.
- Most visitors stick to the main terraces; take the upper footpaths upstream through the olive groves to discover smaller cascades and quieter viewpoints that are often empty by late afternoon.
- If staying overnight in one of the local guesthouses you can enjoy the falls at dusk or dawn when tour buses have gone - book accommodation in the village in advance during high season.
Best Time to Visit Ouzoud Falls #
Visit Ouzoud Falls in spring or autumn for pleasant conditions, good water flow, and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Ouzoud Falls #
Ouzoud Falls's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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