The short answer
About 150 km north-east of Marrakech, a drive of two and a half to three hours each way via Azilal. With time at the falls, a return trip is a full day, typically 10 to 12 hours door to door. There is no train, so you go by private car or an organised tour. Set off early.
In more detail
The road crosses the plain towards Azilal in the Middle Atlas foothills. The time varies with traffic leaving the city and the stops you make, which is why sources range from two and a half to three hours.
At the falls, allow two to three hours on the ground to walk down to the base, take a boat past the spray and climb back up without rushing. That plus about six hours in the car makes it a long day.
Leaving early has two rewards: you beat the midday heat, and you arrive before the coach groups build up from late morning.
Ouzoud is not on our standard tour list, so we quote it as a private day: your driver, your vehicle and timing set around your group. Lunch is at one of the terrace cafés over the gorge.
Good to know
- Leave Marrakech early in the morning.
- Wear shoes with grip for the stepped paths down the gorge.
- A quieter add-on is the Imi n'Ifri natural arch near Demnate.