Morocco's highest falls
Drops into a gorge.
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Morocco's highest waterfalls, pouring in several drops from about a hundred and ten metres into the gorge of the El-Abid River in Azilal Province, amid olive groves and red rock. Ouzoud means the grinding of grain in Amazigh, after the old water mills, some still standing along the stream. Visitors start at the top of the falls among cafés and viewpoints, then walk down steps and a path between olive and fig trees to the bottom of the gorge, where colourful wooden boats take you close to the spray. On sunny afternoons a rainbow often forms over the falls. Barbary macaques live wild around the falls and often come close to visitors, but do not feed or touch them, for their health and your safety. At the foot of the falls simple restaurants by the water serve tagine and fish. Viewing the falls is free, while guides, boats and parking are paid. The site is about a hundred and fifty kilometres from Marrakech, two and a half to three hours by car, so it takes a full day; it is at its best in spring, when the water runs high.
Drops into a gorge.
Close to the spray.
In the wild.
Azilal Province, about 150 kilometres north-east of Marrakech
Some visitors swim in the pools below the falls in summer, but currents and rocks can be dangerous, so the boats and the view are the safer choice.