The Ouzoud Waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud), are one of the surprising attractions in Morocco. This 100 drop is hidden in the El Abid river gorge in the Atlas Mountains.
When you think of Morocco, you think of camel safari’s and souks and marketplaces and Hammams and cities with names like Casablanca, Agadir, Fez and Marrakech that all conjure up images of exotic fantasies.
You imagine bright cloths and carpets and pottery and spicy foods in clay pots when you think of Morocco. You think of narrow streets and sweltering hot North African days. You imagine the blue of the Mediterranean and camels walking lazily on the beaches in Morocco.
But somehow when you think of Morocco you don’t think of waterfalls.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud)
The Ouzoud Waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud), on the El Abid river gorge, are located in Morocco's Azilal province 95 miles north-east of Marrakech. This is a complex network of waterfalls that cascades one into another through three major and several minor drops.
“At 22 km of Tanaant, a road on the left carries out to the one of the most beautiful sites of the Middle Atlas, where sumptuous cascades, haloed a 100 m height in a basin of rocks limestones in the medium of luxuriant vegetation” reads a rather flowery description.
"Ouzoud" means "olive" in the Berber language and you will see many olive trees in the vicinity when you reach your destination..
How to get to the Ouzoud Waterfalls
Get there by passing through the tiny village of Ouzoud, continue pass the many souvenir stalls, start climbing down the stairs past the many cafes, so you won’t we left thirsty while you enjoy this spectacular sight.
The best way of getting here would be from Marrakech, by hiring a vehicle, or you could rent a taxi for the day in Marrakech or Beni Mellal. Otherwise, you would have to go for a shared taxi from Marrakech to the town Azilal, and then a shared taxi from there to Ouzoud. On the main road from Marrakesh (N8) you have to turn to Azilal (R208), after Tanannt turn left and you have the waterfalls.
Just a word of advice, accommodation in Ouzoud is pretty basic, but you should enjoy the scenery and the monkeys playing round in the trees.
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