Ouzoud Falls — Attraction in caïdat de Tanant

Lovely place to visit, but it's an extremely long way down through a busy market with steps that never end.. Once at the bottom, there really isn't much to look at apart from a mud kinda lake, the boat ride you pay for in your trip we'll that's not even a boat it's a raft with oars... There are locals jumping off the bridge into water, no deeper than chest height... which isn't a problem at all... The boat ride lasts about 5 mins top. They do get you as close to the waterfall as they can, On the other hand, when you do get to the monkeys, there are people there who will just stick food in your hand so the monkeys climb onto you, then they demand money from you... I told the guy just to go away after he took my phone off me and stuck food in my hand whilst my wife was taking a picture as I was next to the monkeys...he gave my wife my phone... He followed me up a path demanding money for the broken chocolate biscuit he stuck in my palm...I then had to tell him kindly that I hadn't asked for the food, and that he just took my phone of me at that time, If I had asked, I wouldn't have been bothered... so the guide told him to go away... However, the guide basically ignored the 2 English groups and was solely focused on the Spanish Group of young lads, with the group... He took us to a restaurant that he said was 5" rated on trip advisor, I would only give 0" When you get in there. It's fine but dark and dingy.. we were informed it's 100 dirrum PP which is about £10 each You haven't got a choice of what you choose as it's either chicken kebab ( all 9 pieces on 3 skewers) with undercooked chips, A piece of lamb and chips, Or if you're a vegetarian like my wife, then it's vegetable cuscus ( with 2 whole carrots and loads of onion's That's your only choice... My wife couldn't pallet the vegetarian option, and neither could the other english girl... My wife went to the toilet and found that there are no hand washing facilities And that the food is being prepared on a little gas stove next to the toilet... By old ladies, which we gather are the restaurant owners' family... And the bread which is brought to you is stored in a tray on the floor... There is also a mattress, which is dirty and stained, which is also next to the cooking area and toilets so they can sleep on and rest during the day... You have to wonder that the people cooking how they wash their hands after using the toilet if there is nowhere to was your hands ??? We paid our 300 dirrum, and then we was approached buy the guide and the restaurant owner and said it was 120 dirrum per person...I did question this and said that he said it was 100 dirrum each...I actually couldn't be arsed with them to argue over 60 dirrum £6 The guide doesn't even give you the option of letting you choose where to eat, as before you get to the grotty restaurant, there is a large, clean pizza place just before you enter the market area, Would I trust this guide again? Absolutely not, as everything that comes from his mouth is a lie... If you want to feed the monkeys, then buy a bag of Monkey nuts ( pardon the pun) from the children that are selling them, they cost 10 dirrum, which is about £1.... You really don't need a guide as the transport drops you of at the top of the square and it's basically a Hugh loop up and down steps to the square again... If you look on trust pilot about the reviews with this restaurant then it only has 1* My wife has reported this guide on the site GET YOUR GUIDE who we booked through and they are now doing an investigation into this... But don't let this put you off This is my honest opinion Would I visit again Yes I would but it will be without a...

The falls themselves are spectacular. It’s sadly just the people and how you get here you have to be weary of. 5 stars for the falls - 1 star for the experience.

We considered hiring a car but it would have been a round 5hr trip and as a professional driver I wanted someone else to take the strain for a change! Also some of the roads there were a bit ropey and there were a lot of police checks.

In the end we booked an excursion via Expedia to get here which essentially was the transport from Marrakech and with the description we picked it was for the option to explore the area on our own. We are independent and confident travellers. Sadly no chance of that as when we arrived the our driver wouldn’t tell us when and where the pick up would be and said we would have to go with the guide and he’ll bring us back. And so you have no choice but to go along with the guides irrespective of what tour you think you have booked so be mindful of that. The guide did have our details from the Expedia booking and so it’s a big planned tourist trap the way they off load you onto a guide who of course asks for payment as well at the end of the tour. We also knew you could pay to do the boat whilst there so didn’t include it in our booking option but the guide told us it had all been arranged and so that was something else we had to pay him for at a price that’s twice as much as what the boat actually costs. To be honest the guide was a decent bloke, spoke English, Spanish and French well and guided us around the area without issue. Having a guide also means you get hassled a little bit less so there are some positives it’s just the whole polite assertiveness thing & having to stump up more money here and there that grinds you.

The guides also ensure you eat at the restaurant they have arranged and even when you say you are not hungry, don’t want lunch or would like to eat somewhere else; they basically tell you it’s all been prearranged and pre-prepared and so you have to. Didn’t get presented with a menu or price - just had poor quality food thrust on the table in front of us and made to pay at the end regardless of whether we wanted it or ate any of it. Along with the children and other people begging, or trying to sell you things as you walk around it was a good visit.

You may struggle if you have mobility issues as the route around the falls is only about 2km but involved lots of steps and in some parts walking down steep muddy banks which I imagine are very slippery if there has been rain.

Oh and also ensure you have some small dirham in change if you are going to need the toilet as everyone charges you here and be prepared that some of the facilities are just holes in the ground in someone’s back yard!

We saw a good number of...

A Day Trip from Marrakech

Craving a break from the bustling streets of Marrakech? Look no further than the awe-inspiring Ouzoud Falls, a mere 2 hour 45 minutes drive away. This majestic cascade, the tallest in Morocco, plunges 110 meters into a dramatic gorge, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.

A Thrilling Descent:

The journey to the falls itself is a nice small adventure. As you approach, the landscape transforms from sun-baked plains to lush greenery, offering a refreshing contrast. Upon arrival, prepare to be captivated, first park your car which will cost you 10 dirhams.We wanted to explore on our own but then choose a guide on our way while walking down who charged us 65 Dirhams. You can start on your own chosing the path on right side to go down the hill and then come back up on the left side of the hill where there are many restaurants. Descent down the hill is a delight, winding through olive groves and offering glimpses of the cascading water, you will also see some beautiful smaller waterfalls when you walk along the stream at the bottom of hill. Whether you choose to explore with a guide or forge your own path, the experience is sure to be unforgettable.

Embrace the Power of Nature:

Reaching the base of the falls, you'll be met with the invigorating spray and the mesmerizing roar of the water. Take a moment to soak in the grandeur and appreciate the raw power of nature. For an even closer encounter, hop on a small boat(we were charged 140 dirhams for 4) ride that takes you right up to the base of the cascading water. Feel the spray on your face and marvel at the sheer scale of this natural wonder.

A Word of Caution:

While the drive to Ouzoud Falls is scenic, be aware of increased police presence. At least we were stopped multiple times on our way back. To ensure a smooth journey, maintain a safe speed and be prepared to show your documents if pulled over.

A Day Trip to Remember:

Ouzoud Falls offers a perfect escape from the city, promising a day filled with natural beauty, adventure, and a refreshing change of scenery. So pack your bags, embrace the journey, and prepare to be awestruck by the magic of this...