Cascades d'Ouzoud
Set in a lush valley and falling about 100m (328 ft.) into the river below, the Cascades d'Ouzoud are the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. The combination of crashing water, dense wood areas, laid-back rural atmosphere, and daily rainbow displays are making the waterfalls an increasingly popular destination for day-tripping visitors from Marrakech or overnight stays for those traveling between the city and Fes. The small village of Ouzoud -- whose name is Berber for "delicious," likely chosen because of the surrounding olive groves -- spreads up the hills around the waterfalls. Visitors can walk among the olive and almond trees, or head to the nearby village of Tanagh-Melt, about 1.5km (1 mile) away from the waterfalls' lower pools. This fascinating medieval hamlet, set on the steep slopes of the wooded hills, is connected by a series of semi-underground passages. Back at the falls, there are numerous lookout points and terraced cafe-restaurants (the local Barbary ape population is quite cheeky around here, so watch your food), and the best photographs can be taken in the mid- to late afternoon when the sun works its way over the falls and the rainbows are at their widest.
Traveling between Demnate, Ouzoud, and Azilal is pretty straightforward, with buses and grands taxis plying the route throughout the day. Once in Ouzoud, follow the trail of hotel signs and souvenir stalls to find the waterfalls. If you'd like to stop over, there are a few hotels within spray range, the best by far being the Riad Cascades d'Ouzoud (tel. 0662/143804; www.ouzoud.com), an ocher-colored former residence restored in an eco-friendly manner and exuding a welcoming warmth, both from the Algerian-born owner and the often-roaring salon fireplace. There are nine en suite rooms, each with an individual character and some with their own fireplace. The interior courtyard is centered around an orange tree, and there are numerous spots to lounge; you can also head to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the view. The riad offers a wide range of day trips including guided hikes into the surrounding hills, donkey treks to a local village market, or a day on the lake of the nearby Bin el Ouidane dam. Rooms are 710dh to 1,050dh for a double, half price for kids between 5 and 10. Meals are also available.
Set in a lush valley and falling about 100m (328 ft.) into the river below, the Cascades d'Ouzoud are the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. The combination of crashing water, dense wood areas, laid-back rural atmosphere, and daily rainbow displays are making the waterfalls an increasingly popular destination for day-tripping visitors from Marrakech or overnight stays for those traveling between the city and Fes. The small village of Ouzoud -- whose name is Berber for "delicious," likely chosen because of the surrounding olive groves -- spreads up the hills around the waterfalls. Visitors can walk among the olive and almond trees, or head to the nearby village of Tanagh-Melt, about 1.5km (1 mile) away from the waterfalls' lower pools. This fascinating medieval hamlet, set on the steep slopes of the wooded hills, is connected by a series of semi-underground passages. Back at the falls, there are numerous lookout points and terraced cafe-restaurants (the local Barbary ape population is quite cheeky around here, so watch your food), and the best photographs can be taken in the mid- to late afternoon when the sun works its way over the falls and the rainbows are at their widest.
Traveling between Demnate, Ouzoud, and Azilal is pretty straightforward, with buses and grands taxis plying the route throughout the day. Once in Ouzoud, follow the trail of hotel signs and souvenir stalls to find the waterfalls. If you'd like to stop over, there are a few hotels within spray range, the best by far being the Riad Cascades d'Ouzoud (tel. 0662/143804; www.ouzoud.com), an ocher-colored former residence restored in an eco-friendly manner and exuding a welcoming warmth, both from the Algerian-born owner and the often-roaring salon fireplace. There are nine en suite rooms, each with an individual character and some with their own fireplace. The interior courtyard is centered around an orange tree, and there are numerous spots to lounge; you can also head to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the view. The riad offers a wide range of day trips including guided hikes into the surrounding hills, donkey treks to a local village market, or a day on the lake of the nearby Bin el Ouidane dam. Rooms are 710dh to 1,050dh for a double, half price for kids between 5 and 10. Meals are also available.
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