Morocco Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are one of Morocco’s most impressive natural sights, located near the village of Tanaghmeilt in the Atlas Mountains. With multiple tiers dropping a total of around 110 metres into a deep gorge, the falls are surrounded by dramatic red cliffs and lush greenery. It’s a popular day trip from Marrakech and a paradise for nature and landscape photographers.

To capture that soft, silky water effect, bring a tripod and use a slower shutter speed – ND filters are a big help in bright daylight. The best light is either early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t too harsh and shadows bring out the textures in the surrounding rocks. There are plenty of angles to explore – from above the falls, mid-way along the trail, or down at the bottom by the water. Keep an eye out for rainbows forming in the mist, especially when the sun breaks through.

Ouzoud is around 2.5–3 hours from Marrakech by car. There are also plenty of organised tours if you don’t fancy driving. Once there, expect a decent bit of walking – the trail down to the base of the falls can be steep and uneven, so wear decent footwear. There are restaurants along the way with good views, and you’ll likely spot wild Barbary macaques around the area too. Best to visit outside peak season or earlier in the day to avoid crowds.