Located in the Chefchaouen region of northern Morocco, the Akchour waterfall is a veritable jewel of nature. This natural wonder is nestled in a verdant valley bordered by majestic mountains, offering a breathtaking spectacle that attracts many visitors every year. Less than an hour’s drive from Chefchaouen, the waterfall is easily accessible by car or cab.
The Akchour waterfall is the result of the convergence of two rivers: Oued Farda and Oued Laou. The large cascade offers a waterfall some 30 metres high, creating a natural pool of turquoise water ideal for bathing. Surrounded by a dense forest of holm oaks, junipers and poplars, the waterfall offers a true haven of peace in the heart of nature.
As well as the natural beauty of the waterfall, the surrounding area is also rich in history and culture. The local people are renowned for their hospitality and their love of the simple, traditional way of life. You can also discover the local culture by visiting the traditional Berber villages nearby.
In this article, we’ll guide you through all the practical information you need to make the most of your visit to the Akchour waterfall. We’ll show you the best ways to get there, the activities you can enjoy, and some practical tips to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
How to get to the Akchour waterfalls?
By car:
If, like us, you’ve rented a car, it’s easy to get to the site’s entrance.
From Chefchaouen, the waterfalls can be reached by an asphalt road that winds through the mountains, offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The journey takes less than an hour.
Once you’ve reached the waterfall, you can park in the nearby parking lot for a small fee (there are wardens at every parking lot and even along the road).
By cab :
It’s also possible to get to the Akchour waterfall by cab.
We recommend taking a shared cab. It’s much more affordable than a traditional cab. Grand cabs run between Chefchaouen and the waterfalls throughout the day. Collective cabs can be taken directly from the Chefchaouen bus station or from certain streets around the medina. Prices vary according to the number of people and the season, but are generally affordable. Allow around 30 MAD (€3) per person for a one-way trip. Always negotiate the price before you leave to avoid arguments or unpleasant surprises.
You may have to wait a little before departure, until the cab is full (6 people). But this usually takes no more than 15 minutes.
What to do at Cascade d’Akchour?
Hiking:
Hiking is the most popular activity at Akchour Waterfall. There are several hiking trails through the valley that lead to the waterfall, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and dense forest. The trails are well-marked, and you can choose between shorter and longer hikes, depending on your fitness level. The most popular hikes are the round trip to the Petite Cascade, which takes around two hours.
The hike to the Grande cascade will take around 4 hours round trip.
If you want to go as far as the Pont de Dieu, count on a 5-hour hike.
Swimming :
The Akchour waterfall also offers a great opportunity for a swim in its crystal-clear waters. The waterfall’s natural basin is deep and fed by the cool waters of the surrounding rivers, making it a perfect place to cool off after a summer hike. Be aware that the water can be cold, especially outside the summer months. This makes swimming difficult for chilly people like us. Are you more courageous?
Picnics:
The Akchour waterfall is also an ideal spot for an outdoor picnic. Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy the shade of the surrounding trees while taking in the view of the waterfall. There are also several small local restaurants and food stalls offering traditional Moroccan specialties, such as tajine and couscous, at very affordable prices.
Is there an entrance fee for the Akchour waterfalls?
There is no official entrance fee to visit the Akchour waterfalls. However, you will need to factor in the cost of transport to get there, whether by hire car or shared cab. You can also hire a local guide if you wish, or book an excursion. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy hiking and swimming for free, but there will be stalls and small restaurants along the way where you can buy food and drink. Bring enough cash with you for these expenses.
Do I need a guide to visit the Akchour waterfalls?
You don’t need a guide to visit the Akchour Waterfalls, as the route is clearly signposted and easy to follow. However, if you’d like to learn more about the area or the local plants and animals, you can always hire a local guide. There are locals who offer their guiding services for a reasonable price.
On the other hand, if you prefer to explore the waterfalls at your own pace, you can venture out on your own or with a group of friends. Just make sure you wear comfortable hiking boots, bring plenty of water and snacks, and respect the natural environment by leaving no trace of your passage.
Is hiking to the Akchour waterfalls difficult?
The hike to the Akchour waterfalls is considered easy and accessible to all levels of hiker, even beginners. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with picturesque viewpoints along the way. There are two main waterfalls to visit, the small waterfall which can be reached in an hour’s walk, and the large waterfall which takes around two hours to reach.
However, it’s important to note that the hike involves ascents and descents, so it’s advisable to wear hiking boots to avoid any risk of slipping or injury.
In addition, the warmer months can make hiking more difficult due to the heat and lack of shade on the trail, so it’s advisable to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest temperatures of the day.
During the winter months, you may have to cross a few small water crossings, but nothing too frightening.
How long does the hike to the Akchour waterfalls last?
The length of the hike depends on the area you wish to visit.
If you want to get to the small cascade, it will take about an hour’s easy walk. For those wishing to go as far as the Grande Cascade, it will take around two hours’ walk, but it’s well worth it, as the view is spectacular. Finally, if you have enough time and wish to visit the Pont de Dieu, it will take about 45 minutes longer than the hike to the Grande Cascade.
Whatever your route, make sure you bring good hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, water and snacks to ensure a pleasant and comfortable hike.
Is it possible to eat on site?
It’s perfectly possible to find places to eat while hiking the Akchour waterfalls. At the entrance to the nature park, you can find food stalls where you can sample local specialities, including tajine, couscous and mint tea. Along the way, you can also find small restaurants or food stalls offering snacks, drinks and the chance to eat in the water. However, it’s advisable to bring enough water and snacks to last the whole hike, especially if you plan to hike to the Pont de Dieu, which is longer and more difficult.
As you’ve read, the Akchour waterfalls hike is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and hikers alike. With spectacular waterfalls, beautiful scenery and well-marked trails, the hike offers a variety of options for all levels of hiker.
If you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the town of Chefchaouen.
It’s one of Morocco’s hidden gems, with its charming blue medina and lively streets. For those looking to explore this region, hiking the Akchour waterfalls and a visit to Chefchaouen should be at the top of their list. Don’t hesitate to consult our article dedicated to Chefchaouen for more information and tips for your trip to this beautiful Moroccan city.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit northern Morocco.
We look forward to seeing you soon.