Day Excursion from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in authentic Berber culture in the isolated mountains.
  • Drink in the spectacular sight of the majestic Atlas Mountains.
  • Soak in the pleasant wonder of Ouzoud Falls, the highest waterfall in North Africa.
  • Enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch in stunning surroundings.
  • Explore ancient working mills in the immediate area.
From £188 pp
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What you'll do

Dodge the crowds and discover authentic Berber culture in the midst of the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains, and cool off at the incredible sight of the Ouzoud Falls.

We’ll pick you up at around 8am directly from your riad or hotel, to embark on an adventure deep into the Atlas Mountains to explore the highest waterfall in Northern Africa.

The drive lasts for about 2.5 hours, and sweeps you across mountain roads, through dramatic plunging valleys and round corners that suddenly present stunning vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks, looming imposingly in the distance.

On the drive, we’ll see traditional Berber homes en route to the falls, and you’ll learn a little about traditional Berber culture, and how these particular families and communities live in these isolated mountain villages. This is a unique chance to get under the skin of native culture and really understand the local way of life.

Eventually, we’ll pull up and take a small, scenic hike to Ouzoud Falls, a truly spectacular location. Hemmed in by the dusty, orange-brown rock, the falls cascade down steep valley walls and creates a dripping trail of lush green.

Enjoy the therapeutic sound of the falls splashing into the cool, deep pool below, the rainbow mist providing beautiful relief from the heat of the day. Hop on a boat for an up-close and personal view of the waterfalls, and enjoy this escape from the heat and bustle of the city as you soak in the cool, refreshing spray.

There are a number of exploring opportunities around the Ouzoud Falls, including old working mills set in the idyllic backdrop. You are free to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the laid-back atmosphere, and chill out as you dine in the midst of all this natural beauty.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the endangered Barbary Macaque in the surrounding forest, wandering freely in their natural habitat. After lunch, we’ll take the small hike back up to your vehicle, where we’ll begin the journey back to Marrakech, arriving for the cool early evening.

What's included

Included

  • Private transport to and from the falls
  • Pick up and drop off from your accommodation
  • English speaking local guide
Your local host

Hamid and Gilly

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to ... Read All

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to have his own tour company and show people around his country, so he left his life in the desert to follow this dream. He is passionate about showing visitors the authentic Morocco and its vibrant and rich culture.

Gilly was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She has a passion for travel and Africa is in her blood, so when she got the chance to visit Morocco, she took it and immediately fell under its spell. She has visited countless times and there is always something new to see and experience. The Sahara Desert is one of her favourite places in Morocco,  along with the mountains, the Atlantic coast, The Blue City, Fes, Volubilis and the enchanting chaos of Marrakech! She loves the vibrant culture and the people who are as warm as their sunsets. On Gilly’s first adventure in Morocco, she met Hamid who regaled her with stories of life in Morocco. They both share a passion for authentic experiences and for nature and so the partnership for their tour company was born.

We aim to include all the elements of an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience in our tours and excursions.  Hamid has extremely strong family values and this is extended to our guests, who are cared for as if they were family.

At the end of your time with us, we want you to return home with Morocco firmly in your hearts. We will explore the off the beaten track secrets of Morocco and discover its hidden treasures.  Authenticity is important to us and we want to show you the real Morocco.

Whether it is camel trekking the evocative Sahara Desert and spending a night under a breath-taking sky full of stars, spending a day in the life of a nomad family, indulging all your senses in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech, wandering the enchanting and artistic blue streets of Chefchaouen, taking an authentic Moroccan cooking class and creating a delicious tagine, marvelling at the stunning, mystical architecture and beautiful mosques, exploring snow-capped mountains, ancient Roman Ruins, visiting women’s argan cooperatives, towering mountain waterfalls,  enjoying sand, sea and surf on our North African beaches, we will ensure you have the best time and a wonderfully memorable experience.

As a result of the hardships Hamid endured in his nomadic childhood in Morocco empowering local communities and preserving their culture is very important to him. Our tours are created to give back to the local communities, to help ensure food and water security, employment, education and self-sufficiency.

Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

Learn More

Location

You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Marrakech at a pre-arranged pick up time (typically around 8am). You will return to Marrakech in the evening. Be ready for an amazing day!

FAQs

What should I wear?

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes

What do I need to bring?

Sunscreen and water.

How much walking is there?

There's about an hour walk upstairs to get to the waterfalls :) This is a private tour, so you can take your time.

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