The Ouzoud Waterfalls-A wonderland in Morocco’s Arid desert
Ouzoud Morocco waterfall
Ouzoud waterfalls are located about 150 kilometers northeast of Marrakech in Morocco, high in Atlas mountain and empty into the El-Abid River gorge. Ouzoud falls creates beautiful scenery around the place. There are rafts available for the adventurous hiker near the bottom. 110m high Ouzoud Falls is the perfect destination for enjoying the wonders of nature and the serenity of the cascading falls. The bottom of the falls is very pleasant, surrounded by thousands of olive trees that shade the path. At the summit of the fall, there is a dozen of old small mills that are still in use. Surrounding the area, there are several restaurants with a beautiful view of the Ouzoud Falls. See Ouzoud Morocco map.
Ouzoud waterfalls tour
Most people around the world imagine Morocco to be a vast barren desert; however, there are countless lush forests and waterfalls in this country. The southern part of Morocco is quite arid, there are beautiful sand dunes in Merzouga and the canyons near the Todra gorges are really amazing to explore. However, compared to the southern part northern part is covered with lush forests and waterfalls. The Ouzoud Falls is one of the most magnificent and impressive waterfalls in North Africa. It stands atop of the Azilal region of Morocco, overlooking the Tanaghmeilt village.
The Ouzoud trails start From the left path downhill. It will take you down a cemented little road which is lined with small shops and restaurants. From there you can continue all the way to the bottom of the waterfall. The waterfalls are relatively safe to visit and is the well-marked paths. A few parts that overlook the waterfalls could be dangerous, especially near the top of the great cascade.
Cascade de Ouzoud Morocco waterfalls
The walk up to the bottom of the falls is wonderful to experience. Follow a narrow and difficult track leading to the road of Beni Mellal. While descending the gorges from the “wadi el-Abid in a canyon is nearly 600 meters down. It is the most visited site in the region. In the vicinity, green valleys, mills, orchards, and a superb circuit of the gorges of the El-Abid River are wonderful places to see around.
A counterclockwise loop with a stop at the brink of the falls and a bridge spanning the river Oued Tissakht is also the best place to see. The Ouzoud trail curved along with the rim of the canyon as it slowly went further from the main drop of Ouzoud Falls and providing amazing frontal views. The main attraction of the Ouzoud fall is to climb up a series of steps and uphill trails, which essentially ascended alongside the height of the Cascades d’Ouzoud’s multi-tiered drop. A few spur trails get the tourist closer to the wall of water of the main drop.
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Eventually at the end of the climb, which is flanked by one last spur trail, provide a broad view of Cascades d’Ouzoud and the cliffs consist of the gorge below. The Ouzoud Waterfalls is the second tallest waterfall in Africa. It’s a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited and photographed natural wonders in Morocco.
Must visit place near Marrakesh-
Setti Fatma Village
The Setti Fatma village is located in the picturesque Ourika Valley, 30 km from Marrakech. The village is surrounded by steep snow-capped Atlas mountains. The village offers sidewalk cafes and plenty of shops selling traditional crafts and carpets. The main attraction of the Setti Fatma is the Waterfall, as it has seven waterfalls above the village in the High Atlas Mountains.
The Toubkal National Park
Toubkal National Park is located in the southwestern-central part of Morocco. The national park encompasses an area of 380 sq km. Mount Toubkal is the main attraction of the park and is famous for the Atlas Mountains hiking and climbing activities from around the world. The mountain is the tallest 4167m. in North Africa. Only 15% of the park features forest with the majority having arid mountains.
The Ourika Valley
The Ourika Valley is located 30 km south of Marrakech and lies in the foothills of the High Atlas. Valley is famous for its beautiful expanse of luxuriant green and adobe villages clinging to the mountainsides. The terraced Timalizene Garden also offers visitors a great view, its special Berber tea, scented with homegrown herbs is worth seeing.
When to visit Ouzoud waterfalls
The Ouzoud waterfalls can be visited the whole year-round. However, it’s much busier during summer and the best time to go there is if you want to swim in the pools at the bottom of the falls. There is more water during winter and usually a lot fewer tourists.
