Ouzoud Waterfalls and Bin El Ouidane Lake: A Local Guide
The Ouzoud waterfalls are the most spectacular falls in Morocco, and they sit right in our home region of Azilal. Just up the road is Bin El Ouidane, a long turquoise lake between red hills. Most visitors see Ouzoud on a rushed day trip from Marrakech. Here is how to see both places properly, from the team that rides and walks here every week.
Quick answer: The Ouzoud waterfalls are about 150 km north-east of Marrakech, roughly a 3-hour drive, in the province of Azilal. The water drops around 110 m in several steps into a green gorge with olive trees and Barbary macaques. Bin El Ouidane lake is about an hour further on. Spring (March to May) has the most water; early morning is the quietest time at the falls. You can visit both on our Happy Valley treks and on our hike and bike tour, which ends by cycling to Ouzoud.
Where Are the Ouzoud Waterfalls?
Ouzoud is in the foothills of the Middle and High Atlas, near the town of Azilal and the village of Tanaghmeilt. The name comes from the Amazigh (Berber) word for olive, and olive groves cover the slopes around the gorge. Old water mills, some still turning, line the path to the top of the falls.
What to See and Do at Ouzoud
- The viewpoints at the top: the main path starts by the cafés above the falls and gives you the classic view down into the gorge.
- The walk to the bottom: a stepped path winds down through olive and fig trees to the pools below. Allow about an hour for the round trip at an easy pace.
- A boat to the falls: small, colourful boats take you close to the spray at the bottom pool.
- Barbary macaques: wild monkeys live in the trees around the gorge. Watch them, but please don’t feed them.
- Lunch with a view: simple restaurants on the terraces serve tagine and grilled fish facing the falls.
Bin El Ouidane Lake
Bin El Ouidane is a large reservoir on the Oued El Abid, about an hour’s drive from Ouzoud towards the Ait Bouguemez valley. Its blue-green water against the red and ochre hills is one of the great views of the region, and it is a quiet place to stop for the night, with lakeside hotels, swimming and kayaking in the warmer months. The gravel roads around the lake, through thuya and oak forest, are some of our favourite riding in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit
- March to May: the falls are at their fullest after the winter rain and snowmelt, and the countryside is green.
- June to September: hot and busy, especially at weekends, but the shade and the spray are welcome. The lake is perfect for a swim.
- October and November: mild and quiet, a very good time for cycling around the lake.
- Time of day: arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the day-trip crowds from Marrakech.
Visiting Ouzoud on a Tour
Ouzoud is on the road between Marrakech and the Ait Bouguemez valley, so three of our tours include it:
| Tour | Duration | Ouzoud and the lake | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hike and Bike: Happy Valley, Lake and Waterfall | 8 days | A night at Bin El Ouidane, then the last ride ends at the falls | 1,050 € |
| Hiking in the Ait Bouguemez Valley | 8 days | A walk at the falls on the way to the Happy Valley | 890 € |
| Climb Mount M’Goun | 8 days | A stop at the falls on the way back to Marrakech | 950 € |
On the hike and bike tour, the last day’s ride from Azilal is mostly downhill through oak forest and olive groves, about 50 km, and you have lunch looking at the falls before the drive back to Marrakech. It’s a great way to arrive. Read more about cycling here in our guide to gravel biking in Morocco.
Ouzoud Waterfalls: Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech?
About 150 km, or roughly 3 hours by road. It is possible as a day trip, but you spend most of the day in the car. Combining Ouzoud with the Happy Valley or Bin El Ouidane makes the drive worth it.
How high are the Ouzoud waterfalls?
The falls drop about 110 m in several steps, which makes them the highest waterfalls in Morocco.
Can you swim at Ouzoud?
Swimming is possible in some of the pools below the falls, but the water is cold and the currents near the falls are strong. Bin El Ouidane lake is a better place for a swim in summer.
When is the best time to see the Ouzoud waterfalls?
Spring, from March to May, when the falls carry the most water. Early morning is the quietest time of day.
Are there monkeys at Ouzoud?
Yes. Barbary macaques live in the trees around the gorge. Please don’t feed them.
Plan Your Trip
Browse all our cycling tours and trekking tours in Morocco, or contact our team in Azilal and Marrakech to add Ouzoud and Bin El Ouidane to a private trip.
Do it with a local guide
Small groups or private tours from Marrakech · licensed local guides · 4×4 support or mules · reply within 24 hours.
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