Traveling through Morocco is a dream for many backpackers. Bustling souks, winding medinas, colorful spices, and endless cups of mint tea; it’s a country full of energy and adventure. But if you’re in Marrakech and looking to escape the busy streets for a day, there’s one destination that combines affordability, nature, and unforgettable experiences: the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Photo: Facebook – Morocco Tours Agency
Making the journey from Marrakech to Ouzoud is one of the best day trips you can do on a backpacker budget. With some smart planning, you can enjoy this natural wonder without spending a fortune. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your adventure while keeping it friendly on your wallet.
Why Backpackers Shouldn’t Miss Ouzoud Waterfalls
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are the tallest in North Africa, dropping about 110 meters (360 feet) into sparkling pools below. Surrounded by olive groves and red cliffs, the scenery feels like something straight out of a postcard. It’s raw, wild, and incredibly refreshing after the hustle of Marrakech.
But what makes Ouzoud a perfect destination for backpackers is not just the view; it’s the experience. Hiking trails, curious Barbary macaques, budget-friendly cafés, and the chance to swim in natural pools all make it a backpacker’s paradise. Unlike some tourist attractions that feel commercialized, Ouzoud still keeps its authentic charm.
Getting from Marrakech to Ouzoud on a Budget
The distance from Marrakech to Ouzoud is about 150 km (93 miles), which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. You have several options, depending on how much you want to spend:
1. Shared Minibus or Tour
The most common and budget-friendly way is to join a shared day trip. Prices usually range from 20–30 USD and include round-trip transport in a minibus. It’s simple, affordable, and you don’t have to worry about navigating on your own.
2. Local Bus Adventure
For an even cheaper option, you can take a local bus. CTM and Supratours don’t go directly, but small regional buses often do. Expect to pay less than 10 USD, though travel times can be longer and schedules less reliable. For backpackers who love the local experience, it’s a fun (and wallet-friendly) option.
3. Rental Car Split with Friends
If you’re traveling with other backpackers, splitting the cost of a rental car can be surprisingly cheap. It gives you the freedom to stop in villages along the way and travel on your own schedule.
First Look: The View from Above
Arriving at Ouzoud, your first stop will likely be the upper viewpoint. From here, you’ll see the waterfalls in all their glory, plunging down into the canyon. It’s the perfect spot for photos, and the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing.
From the top, you can either walk down the trail to the base of the falls or hire a local guide to lead you. Hiring a guide is optional, but it’s usually just a few dollars if you want extra insights.
Hiking on a Shoestring
Backpackers love Ouzoud because you can explore most of it on foot without paying entrance fees. The trails leading down to the bottom are free and filled with stunning viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll pass olive trees, small souvenir stalls, and cafés serving cheap mint tea.
Tip: Bring sturdy shoes. The path has steps and can get slippery, especially near the water.
Swimming Without Spending a Dirham
One of the best free activities at Ouzoud is swimming at the base of the falls. The water is fresh, cold, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day. You don’t need to pay anything. Just bring a swimsuit and a towel.
Many travelers say this is the highlight of their trip, and it won’t cost you a cent.
Boat Rides: Cheap Fun Up Close
For a small fee (usually around 2–3 USD), you can take a traditional wooden boat that gets you close to the falls. It’s not essential, but it’s cheap, fun, and gives you a totally different perspective. Plus, getting sprayed by the mist feels refreshing after the hike
Watch Out for the Locals… the Monkey Kind
Ouzoud is home to Barbary macaques, cheeky monkeys that are both entertaining and mischievous. They’re fun to watch, but keep your snacks and shiny items tucked away. Feeding them isn’t recommended, but enjoying their antics costs nothing.
Eating on a Backpacker Budget
After exploring, you’ll probably be hungry. Luckily, you don’t need to spend much to eat well at Ouzoud
- Local Restaurants: Many cafés and small restaurants overlook the falls. Meals like tagine or couscous are affordable, usually between 4–6 USD.
- Street Snacks: You’ll also find vendors selling bread, olives, or fresh fruit for just a few dirhams.
- Backpacker Trick: Pack your own snacks from Marrakech to avoid spending too much at touristy spots.
Budget-Friendly Overnight Options
Although most travelers visit Ouzoud as a day trip, backpackers who want a slower pace can stay overnight in a guesthouse or small riad nearby. Rooms are usually cheap, starting around 10–15 USD per night in dorms or basic private rooms.
Staying overnight gives you the chance to see the falls at sunset or sunrise when there are fewer tourists. For many backpackers, this quiet moment is worth the extra night.
Money-Saving Tips for Backpackers
Here are some practical tips to keep your costs down:
- Go with Friends: Splitting transport or food makes everything cheaper.
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle: Tap water isn’t drinkable, but you can refill at your riad in Marrakech.
- Travel Light: A small daypack with essentials is enough. No need to carry heavy gear.
- Skip Expensive Souvenirs: There are stalls along the trail, but prices are higher than in Marrakech.
- Use Small Change: Carry coins and small bills for cafés and buses.
The Backpacker Vibe
One of the best parts of visiting Ouzoud is the vibe. You’ll meet other travelers along the trail, share stories over mint tea, or laugh as monkeys try to grab a snack. It’s a place where backpackers connect with each other and with nature, away from the rush of Morocco’s bigger cities.
A Day in the Life: What Your Trip Might Look Like
Here’s what a simple budget-friendly day at Ouzoud could look like:
- 7:00 AM: Leave Marrakech on a shared minibus or local bus.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Ouzoud, enjoy the upper viewpoint.
- 11:00 AM: Hike down the trail, stopping for photos and tea.
- 12:30 PM: Swim at the base of the falls.
- 1:30 PM: Grab a cheap tagine at a café overlooking the water.
- 3:00 PM: Take a boat ride or relax by the pools.
- 4:30 PM: Climb back up, stopping to watch monkeys along the way.
- 5:00 PM: Head back to Marrakech.
Why Ouzoud Belongs on Every Backpacker’s List
So why is Ouzoud so special for budget travelers? Because it proves you don’t need lots of money to have an incredible experience. From swimming under the tallest falls in North Africa to enjoying mint tea for just a few dirhams, everything here feels rich in experience but light on the wallet.
The trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud is proof that the best adventures are often the simplest ones. It’s about trading busy streets for olive groves, souks for swimming pools, and city noise for the sound of crashing water.
Ouzoud: The Perfect Budget Escape from Marrakech
Backpacking Morocco is all about balance; exploring the vibrant chaos of Marrakech and then finding peace in nature. Ouzoud Waterfalls offers that perfect break. It’s affordable, beautiful, and full of small adventures that make lasting memories.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly day trip that combines nature, culture, and fun, Ouzoud is the answer. Pack your day bag, grab a bus or shared ride, and let the falls show you a side of Morocco you’ll never forget. Because sometimes, the best bucket list moments don’t cost much at all.