OUZOUD WATERFALL.

For a great day out, take a trip to Ouzoud to see the spectacular waterfall.

The second largest waterfall in Africa, it is well worth the three hour drive through the stunning Atlas Mountains to see it.

I met my driver at Cafe de France, and after picking up a few more passengers, we were on our way.

The mini bus had air conditioning and was pretty comfortable. We drove for around one and a half hours, then stopped for a toilet break and a drink.

There was a small cooperative selling Argan oil, but I didn’t bother going in.

Soon, we were on our way again, and believe me, the views of the Atlas Mountains were astonishing.

On arrival, we were introduced to our guide, who spoke several different languages, and we set off walking through the lush vegetation.

We rambled through the olive groves as the cheeky wild Barbary macaque monkeys played hide and seek in the trees with us.

The waterfall was visible from different angles with plenty of viewing points to take photographs or rest.

The waterfalls plunge 110 metres into the canyon below, making it a breathtaking sight.

We stopped for a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice before continuing our way down to the boats.

A boat ride up to the waterfall is part of the itinerary if you book a tour.

The boats are colourfully decorated, and we were taken right up against the waterfall.

It was an amazing experience.

The feeling of the cool water spraying our faces was a welcome relief from the heat, and we had the opportunity to take plenty of photos up close.

We were dropped off on the opposite side and then had quite a steep climb up to the restaurants.

I was able to get a table overlooking the waterfall, and the view was absolutely stunning.

I had a simple three course meal consisting of a starter, which was a small salad with fresh bread and olives,  followed by a vegetable tagine and fruit for dessert.

The meal was finished off with a glass of Morroccan whisky or mint tea as we know it.

The meal cost around 150 dirhams and was fairly good value. It was very tasty and filling enough for a light lunch.

After lunch, we made our way up some more steps, stopping off to feed the monkeys at the top.

Finally, we were reunited with our driver and set off back for Marrakech.

We arrived back in the early evening, giving me plenty of time to freshen up and go out again for an evening meal.

Overall, the trip to Ouzoud was well worth the six hours travelling.

It was absolutely beautiful, and sitting above the waterfall looking down whilst eating lunch was the highlight of the trip for me.

The monkeys were very amusing, and I had to keep hold of my sunglasses to stop them from stealing them.

The guide was so helpful and looked after everyone really well. Many morroccans speak five languages, and it’s very impressive.

I highly recommend going to Ouzoud if you visit Marrakech. It’s a wonderful day trip.

If you have mobility issues, it may be challenging because there are a lot of steps, and it can be quite a steep climb from the bottom backup.

There’s a fair amount of walking involved.

Some people were taken back up on Donkeys.

I booked my trip with Get Your Guide, and it was reasonably priced.

The lunch was separate, and you paid after the meal.

Your riad or hotel can also organise day trips for you, but it sometimes works out slightly more expensive.