There was something lacking in the Riad. Having travelled a bit in Morocco I felt it lacked customer service and a welcome to remember. I know there is a language barrier but I was disappointed. The weather was bad but we still saw the falls and the place is beautiful. I would return to Ouzoud but I would not stay here.

Staff is nice but we asked for a taxi for the next morning to Beni-Mellal and when we were getting in the guy from the Riad increased the price by 50 DH.

This riad is located literally 20m from the top of the falls. You can actually hear the sound of the falls from the roof terrace.

Getting here was the big issue and we debated whether to get a bus to Azilal or Beni-Mellal then a taxi onto Ouzoud. In the end we got a taxi straight to Ouzoud from Marrakech train station which was 600 dirhams each way. A bit pricey but comfortable and we knew exactly where we were heading.

The riad was extremely quiet when we stayed but the staff were, for the most part, helpful and attentive even though we were ruining a probable day off. Dinner was excellent and piping hot.

The room was simple and tidy with a small but clean bathroom attached. We actually got upgraded for no extra charge to a rooftop room given how quiet the riad was.

Breakfast was decent and we had time to enjoy the falls once more before leaving. The staff were also good enough to book a taxi for us to return to Marrakech.


Overall a very pleasant stay. However I would recommend that Ouzoud be done in a day if possible. Staying overnight is not really worth it. However if you are thinking of sleeping by the waterfalls Riad Cascades d'Ouzoud is a great place to stay.

I can´t get enough of Ouzoud or this fabulous small hotel. Their website lets you see and chose each room before you book but the photos don´t do the village or riad justice. We go every year and stay at least two nights as there is more to see and do than first appears.

The riad is at the top of the waterfalls in the small village that has just a couple of shops and cafes but if you walk across the bridge there is a shanty town, set alongside the red river amidst a forest with lots of stalls and eateries where only the locals venture. Or you can walk down the several hundred newly laid steps (we were told they were paid for by European money), alongside the falls, where there are touristy stalls, strolling minstrels, monkeys, rainbows and lots of restaurants. At the bottom you can take a small flower-bedecked raft to be paddled around one of the pools and close up to the falls or you can swim. Best of all though is to follow the river walking away from the large descent. As you proceed there are more and more, smaller, water falls for miles and no-one else around. Its simply heaven.

At the riad itself there are lots of different places to eat or sit. The food is usually excellent – order their lamb tagine in advance – and everyone is very helpful and friendly.

The only thing to beware of, if you have small children or show-off teenagers, is that the top of the falls is completely natural and not guarded by fence or watchman – it would be easy to fall off the edge if venturing too close!