Ourika Valley vs Ouzoud Waterfalls: Which Day Trip from Marrakech?

The Ourika Valley starts less than an hour south of Marrakech, where the plain gives way to the foothills of the High Atlas. The road follows the Ourika River past clay villages, walnut trees, small farms and pottery workshops, and ends at the village of Setti Fatma.

Most tours stop at a Berber house for mint tea, sometimes at an argan oil cooperative, then continue to Setti Fatma. From there, a local guide leads you up a rocky path to the first of the waterfalls. The higher cascades need more climbing, so most visitors turn back after the first one or two.

Ourika is less about one big sight and more about the day itself: fresh mountain air, the sound of the river and lunch at a table set right beside the water. In summer, when Marrakech can pass 40°C, the valley is noticeably cooler, which is why many Marrakchis come here at weekends.

The path to the waterfalls is the only demanding part. It crosses boulders and small bridges and can be slippery. Wear shoes with grip, not sandals, and do not feel you must reach the higher falls.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls lie north-east of Marrakech, near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the province of Azilal. The water drops about 110 metres over red cliffs in several streams, and is often described as the highest waterfall in North Africa. Even in late summer, when the flow is lower, the falls are impressive.

A path lined with olive trees, cafés and small shops leads from the top of the falls down to the pools at the bottom. On the way you will almost certainly meet Barbary macaques, an endangered species that lives in the surrounding woods. At the bottom, simple boats take visitors close to the spray.

The monkeys at Ouzoud are wild animals, not pets. Feeding them is common but harms their health and makes them aggressive, and the species is protected. Keep a distance, do not hold food in your hands, and keep bags closed.

You will also find people offering photos with monkeys on chains in Marrakech. Avoid these: seeing the macaques free at Ouzoud is the far better experience.

This is the biggest difference. Ourika leaves you with time to rest in the afternoon or enjoy an evening in Marrakech. Ouzoud means about five to six hours in the vehicle, on a road that becomes winding as you approach the falls.

If you get car sick, take a front seat, eat a light breakfast and ask for a short stop on the way. If you are planning a multi-day Sahara tour from Marrakech, avoid doing Ouzoud the day before: you will spend most of the next day in a vehicle too.

Spring, from March to May, is the best time for both. Snowmelt and spring rain give the strongest waterfalls, the valleys are green and temperatures are comfortable.

In summer, Ourika is the clear winner: it is cooler than Marrakech and you can sit by the river. Ouzoud still flows, but the heat on the walk back up can be tough, so start early and carry water. In autumn and winter both are pleasant during the day, but Ourika can be cold, and heavy rain can close the path to the waterfalls.

Both trips are very affordable as shared tours. When we checked the listings below, shared Ourika tours started from roughly US$11–20 per person and shared Ouzoud tours from roughly US$14–20 per person, usually with hotel pickup. Private tours started from roughly US$85–90 per person for Ourika and Ouzoud, and become cheaper per person for families or small groups.

Check what is included. Lunch, the local guide at the waterfalls and the boat ride at Ouzoud are sometimes extras. Bring some cash in dirhams for drinks, the boat, lunch if it is not included and tips for your guide.

These tours start in Marrakech and include the Setti Fatma waterfalls with a local guide. Two are popular shared tours with lunch; the third is a private tour for families or couples who prefer their own pace.

These tours start in Marrakech and go to the Ouzoud Waterfalls with a guided walk and the option of a boat ride. Two are highly reviewed shared tours; the third is a private day trip.

No. The two places are in different directions from Marrakech, and Ouzoud alone takes most of the day. If you want to see both, plan two separate days, ideally with a rest day or a city day in between.

A good order for a week in Morocco is Ourika on your first full day, a day in the medina, Ouzoud if you love waterfalls, then a three-day tour to the Sahara.

Ourika and Ouzoud are perfect for a single day, but the most memorable trip from Marrakech is still the Sahara. Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are a long drive away, so most travellers join a three-day tour or travel with a private driver.

If you travel independently or with your own driver, you can choose your camp. Merzouga Glamping has private ensuite tents with AC and heating running day and night, and dinner in an air-conditioned restaurant. Stays start from €70 per person per night; a single tent is €85.

Itineraries, ratings and starting prices were checked against the selected GetYourGuide listings on 8 November 2026. Prices and inclusions can change; review the current listing for your date. Distances and driving times are estimates.