We were picked up from our hostel around 8 in the morning but didn’t really leave Marrakech until 9:30. Our tour bus had pick to up some people from one hostel to another. The journey from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls was almost three hours with one stop for bathroom break. We finally reached our destination at 12:20 in the afternoon. Our trek guide was already waiting for us and he wasted no time. He gathered us around told us that the hike to the waterfalls would be around two hours – and it would cost us 3 euros each for his guiding service. When we booked this trip at the hostel, we weren’t informed about this extra/hidden service. All we were told is that lunch wasn’t included in the price (20 euros). This fee was strictly for transport only.

Enjoy these photos.

TRAVEL TIP
If you don’t want to hike or pay a trekking guide (because you’re on a budget), then, you better walk away from the group. Make sure to ask the driver the time of your departure. Walk around a  bit around the plaza heading to a few houses. Then, ask a local where the shortcut trail to the waterfall is. Follow that trail and you’ll be there in less than 30 minutes walk. How did I know about this? Well, a couple in our group didn’t join us but chose this shortcut trail. They even packed their own lunch to save money. The restaurants by the falls were freakin’ expensive for a small portion of tagine, a local Moroccan food.

START YOUR MOROCCO ADVENTURE NOW!

So, after briefing us with all the do’s and don’ts of hiking, we started off passing through the shades of olive trees. Then, we met this skinny, hardworking donkey.

An hour later, we were looking down at the lower area of the cascading waterfalls.

We stopped, of course, for a thousand pose.

For pretentious pose in all corners. 😀

Then, we climbed more hills and dales until we saw this view.

While everyone was busy with their selfies, I paused. I mean posed. 😀

We started going down to get close and personal with the waterfalls.

Too close.

And too personal.

Ouzoud Waterfalls is 110 meters high. In French, it’s call Cascade d’Ouzoud, which means the “act of grinding grain.” True to its name, there are still a few mills around the Falls.

This is our view from our lunch table. I guess, we paid more for our view than the food itself, eh?

After a long lunch break, we started our climb back to our car but in a different trail – the shortcut trail I talked about.

 And then, this rainbow bade us farewell.

The shortcut trail passes through little shops selling souvenirs, arts and crafts. And yeah, there are cheeky monkeys along the trail. They freely roam around but they’re too dependent on tourists who feed them nuts. There were two caretakers there who would give you nuts to trick the monkeys to stand on your shoulder or head (for photo op), in exchange for a few dirhams.

I didn’t do it, I promise. It was just so wrong. 

Where to Stay in Marrakech

True to its name, Rainbow Hostel is the most colourful hostel I’ve ever stayed in. It’s right in the medina and a few minutes walk to Place de Jemaa El-fnaa. They also have a tour desk. You can book it via HostelWorld.

DISCOVER MOROCCO

Not into travelling solo or alone?  Discover Morocco via Intrepid Travel. They have tours that aren’t crowded but limited participants. Choose from the different itineraries they have, exploring part of or the whole country. You’ll love their tours!

START YOUR MOROCCO ADVENTURE NOW!