The Best Known Waterfalls in Morocco

Enveloped in a rich tapestry of towering peaks and sprawling river networks, Morocco stands as an awe-inspiring testament to nature’s grandeur. The majestic Atlas and Rif mountains, dominating the country’s topography, carve an intriguing pathway across the nation, their lofty slopes forming the birthplace of a labyrinth of rivers. These rivers, in their relentless quest for the sea, tumble down rugged escarpments, morphing into some of the most spectacular waterfalls to be found on the African continent.

Nestled within the folds of these mighty mountains, the waterfalls of Morocco rise as spellbinding symphonies of water and rock, luring travellers from around the globe to their mesmerising spectacles. In this article, we embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Morocco’s best waterfalls, uncovering the most famous and wondrous examples.

As the El-Abid River travels through the Middle Atlas province of Azilal, surrounded by olive trees and in the habitat of macaque monkeys, it encounters a red sandstone gorge. There it plummets 350 feet over three tiers, forming Ouzoud Waterfalls or “Cascades d’Ouzoud”. Widely considered Morocco’s best waterfalls, the multiple streams of Ouzoud thunder dramatically for an estimated 300 feet into the waters below.

The unspoilt, densely forested Rif Mountains offer a bucolic setting for the duo of Moroccan waterfalls known as Akchour Falls or Cascades d’Akchour. Now part of Talassemtane National Park, there are small cascades dotted everywhere. However, the name refers to two particular instances, usually called the lower and upper falls. Some estimate that these measure around 60 and 300 feet tall respectively, but this is based on untested observation.

It’s said that some forty streams feed into the Oum Rbia, one of the largest rivers in Morocco. One finds the source of this great waterway in the Middle Atlas mountains. Also here, amongst the red rock canyons of Aguelma Azigza National Park are some of Morocco’s best waterfalls, known as Oum Rabia Falls or Cascade of Oum Rbia.

Of all the waterfalls of Morocco, the ones at Paradise Valley are arguably the most picturesque. The chalky sandstone cliffs and vivid turquoise pools provide a bucolic background for these delicate sprays, known as Cascades d’Imouzzer. However, these are also one of the most elusive instances of waterfalls in Morocco, heavily dependent on rainfall to appear. Not far from Paradise Valley are the Bridal Veil Falls of Imouzzer des Ida Outanane, although, again, this is intermittent.

There are several names for the Moroccan waterfalls of the Ourika Valley in Al Haouz Province, including Setti Fatma Falls, the Seven Cascades, Cascades de Setti Fatma or Cascades Ourika. Located in the High Atlas Mountains above the village of Setti Fatma, this rocky landscape is dotted with several tiers of waterfalls, some in the region of 100 feet tall.

In the grand mosaic of Morocco’s awe-inspiring landscape, waterfalls hold a distinctive place. Nestled within its dramatic mountainous regions, they create a striking picture of unbridled nature. From the thunderous spectacle of Ouzoud to the elusive beauty of the Cascades d’Imouzzer, these natural wonders are testament to Morocco’s geological wealth. Their mystical allure, ceaseless rhythm, and striking presence undeniably make them an essential chapter in the fascinating narrative of Morocco’s natural beauty.