Event: Morocco

Cascades D'Ouzoud

When:	Daily
Where:	Cascades D'Ouzoud

When it comes to waterfalls, the Cascades D'Ouzoud are the most beautiful in Morocco. Take your time to trek around them and discover some of the natural wonders of the country.

The waterfalls (ouzoud is Berber for olives, which is the main produce of the area) are an increasingly popular destination for hikers, walkers, romantics and others to camp for a few days and get intimate with nature. Falling about 100 metres into the river below, the crashing waters make a hypnotic sight and an enchanting sound.

Most take advantage of the awesome surroundings, hiking off for hours through the wooded lush areas surrounding the river to the gorges of Oued el-Abid. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of a Barbary ape under the oak and pomegranate trees - they tend to get thirsty when the sun is low in the sky, so head for the river banks to spot them.

One popular journey is to the nearby "Mexican Village", less than a day's hike away. Head for the path to the lower pools, beyond which it goes up to the left to the top of the plain (past a farmhouse). Follow this path west for about 1km until you see this remarkable village - connected by semi-underground passages.

Don't be put off by the hassle of enthusiastic "guides" eager to earn a few Dirhams on the windy path to the bottom of the pools - this is the only spot where your peace and quiet will be disturbed.