Marrakech: Day Tour to Ouzoud Waterfalls with Boat Trip

Imagine a day spent wandering through lush landscapes, watching cascading waterfalls, and sharing laughs with curious monkeys — that’s exactly what this tour offers. This popular day trip from Marrakech combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and a bit of adventure, all at an attractive price point.

What we love about this experience? First, the scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Second, getting up close with the falls via a boat ride really puts the power of nature in perspective. And third, the chance to sample traditional Berber tagine with a view of the waterfalls makes the whole day feel like a cultural feast.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves moderate hiking and a long journey — roughly three hours each way — so it’s best suited for active travelers. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, those curious about Berber culture, and anyone wanting a full day of authentic Moroccan scenery without breaking the bank.

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Key Points

Stunning natural scenery with cascading waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Engaging guides who share local culture and history.
Affordable price offering great value for the full-day experience.
Boat ride providing an up-close and refreshing perspective of the falls.
Delicious Moroccan lunch with views of the waterfalls.
Moderate walking and some hiking, so good footwear is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

This tour kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickup in Marrakech around 8:30 am. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, enjoying a comfortable ride that lasts roughly three hours each way. The drive through Moroccan landscapes is part of the charm — you’ll see everything from dry plains to lush patches, with occasional stops for restroom breaks or snacks.

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Cultural and Scenic Drive

As your guide shares insights about Berber culture and local life, you’ll start to appreciate the diversity of Morocco’s regions. Many reviewers mention the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides, like Mustafa’s comment about how the guides made the experience smooth and engaging. This part of the trip sets the tone, making you feel more connected to the place before arriving at the falls.

Arrival at Ouzoud Waterfalls

Once at the site, you’ll set off on foot to explore the area. The well-maintained trails lead to several viewpoints where you can snap photos of the cascading water and surrounding cliffs. The scenery is breathtaking, and plenty of spots offer perfect photo ops, especially if you’re into capturing nature’s grandeur.

Many visitors, including Filippos, mention how “the place is awesome” despite the crowds. The falls themselves are spectacular, with water plunging in multiple tiers, creating a thunderous yet soothing soundscape.

Monkey Encounters

One of the highlights — and a real treat — is the chance to see the Barbary macaque monkeys. They are used to visitors and generally not aggressive, but as Razwan notes, it’s wise to bring some almonds or snacks to feed them, as they love human food. Be sure not to overfeed or feed them human snacks, especially babies, as some travelers have unintentionally caused harm in past years.

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Boat Tour: Up Close with the Waterfalls

The included boat ride is a major plus, giving you a chance to feel the water’s spray and see the falls from beneath. Many reviewers like Michelle’s mention of how “getting within touching distance of the waterfalls on the boat was a highlight” of their trip. The boat glides across the basin, offering a refreshing perspective and a fun way to beat the heat.

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Lunch with a View

After the hike and boat ride, you’ll find a restaurant facing the waterfalls. The reviews rave about the delicious Moroccan tagine and reasonably priced meals. Elena highlights the quality of the food, describing it as “tasty and the best she’s had in Morocco.” It’s a perfect way to relax and refuel while soaking in the stunning scenery.

Walking and Exploring the Basin

The full-day experience includes roughly 1.5 hours of guided hiking, revealing more about local flora and fauna. The trails, while moderate, involve some steps and inclines, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are advisable. Several reviews, such as Nish’s, praise the well-organized nature of the walks and the helpfulness of guides like Yassine, Ramona, and Marwan.

Return Journey

The drive back to Marrakech is usually smooth, with the journey taking about three hours. The return time is around 7:00 to 7:30 pm, giving you ample time to unwind after a day of adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Value for Money: At around $17 per person, this tour offers an incredible amount of activity, scenery, and cultural insight. Many reviews emphasize the great value, especially considering the included boat ride and guide services.

Authentic Experience: Unlike some tours that feel rushed or overly commercialized, many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts about Berber traditions and Moroccan landscapes. For example, Michele mentions the “super friendly guides,” who made the day memorable.

Diverse Highlights: From scenic viewpoints and playful monkeys to an exciting boat ride and a traditional lunch, the itinerary is well-rounded. The combination of natural beauty and cultural tidbits keeps the day engaging.

Comfort and Convenience: The air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and drop-off make the experience hassle-free. Reviewers like Stacey highlight the smooth organization and attentive guides, such as Younes and Mohamed.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Wear comfortable shoes: The hiking involves some steps and uneven terrain.
Bring sun protection: Sunglasses and a sun hat are essential, especially during the walk.
Feed the monkeys responsibly: Bring almonds or similar snacks, but avoid overfeeding or offering human food.
Prepare for a long day: The journey is about 3 hours each way, so patience and good company make the ride pleasant.
Cash for extra purchases: While the tour covers the main activities, you might want cash for souvenirs or additional snacks.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is perfect if you’re after breathtaking scenery combined with cultural insights. It’s well-suited for active travelers comfortable with some walking and hiking. Families with children may enjoy the playful monkeys and the boat ride, but consider the length of the drive and the moderate hiking involved.

Travelers who love nature, photography, and authentic Moroccan food will find plenty to love here. The tour’s friendly guides and well-organized itinerary make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a memorable day outside Marrakech.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
This tour involves moderate hiking and some walking, so it may not be ideal for those with difficulty mobility. It’s best for active individuals comfortable with a bit of physical activity.

How long does the journey from Marrakech take?
The drive typically lasts about three hours each way, with breaks. The long journey is part of what makes this trip feel like a true escape into nature.

What is included in the price?
For approximately $17, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local guide, and the boat ride. Lunch is not included but is available at a reasonable price.

Can I feed the monkeys?
Yes, many visitors bring almonds or similar snacks to feed the monkeys, but it’s important not to overdo it or feed them human food to protect their health.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat and sunglasses), and some cash for extra purchases. It’s also useful to bring a camera and water.

Are there any restrictions on strollers or baby carriages?
Yes, strollers and baby carriages are not allowed, due to the walking involved and uneven terrain.

What is the best time of year to visit?
While not explicitly mentioned, the reviews suggest that conditions can vary. It’s best to check the weather forecast, but generally, spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This tour to the Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech is truly a value-packed way to experience Morocco’s natural beauty and culture. The combination of scenic views, playful monkeys, and a boat ride makes it a memorable day suited for outdoor lovers and curious explorers alike. The guides’ knowledge, the delicious local food, and the well-organized logistics all contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re wanting to escape the city’s buzz or capture stunning photos, this trip offers a genuine taste of Morocco’s diverse landscape. It’s affordable, authentic, and packed with highlights — ideal for anyone craving a full day of natural wonder and cultural richness.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, well-priced adventure that balances nature, culture, and fun, this trip to Ouzoud Falls is a fantastic choice. It’s a day that combines adventure with relaxation, and loads of opportunities for memorable moments.