Cascades, Souss-Massa, Morocco

4Bas P 5:00 PM Mar 17, 2015

Nice falls, but...
We were there in march when it was quite dry, so the falls were not that spectacular. Still woth a visit though, especially because of the road leading to the falls from the coast, through the paradise vally which was spectacular. Local guides were annoying as was all the trash that had accumulated on the terrain.

4Marcus F 5:00 PM Jun 29, 2011

Beautiful clean water, lovely valley. Lots of persistent salesmen.
We were staying in Agadir, and had read about this excursion and wanted to do it so when we were pestered by some excursion salesmen on the promenade near Le Nil Bleu, we asked about it. We were offered a half-day trip for 200Dh each. There was some confusion, because one of the salesmen said it was an all-day trip and included a meal with a Berber family, but the other salesman (the one we paid the deposit to) explained that they no longer offer that option because there isn't enough to do in Imouzzer to occupy people for a full day. So, having paid our deposit the day came for our trip and we were collected at 8 a.m. at our hotel in a minibus. As well as the driver there was a guide, who spoke very good English and alternated between explaining things in English and in French. He really could have done with a microphone though; he had to turn his head to speak to the passengers in the back and every time he turned to face forwards we couldn't hear him. The commentary started in Agadir itself, and carried on intermittently all the way through the journey, but less so on the way back. We were told it was only an hour's drive to the waterfalls, but what we didn't know was that the journey would be interrupted multiple times for us to get out of the bus (compulsory) and walk short distances along the road in Paradise Valley where there were shopkeepers selling all manner of touristy stuff, particularly Argan Oil or products made of it. This included stopping off for about half an hour in one particular "cooperative" where the ladies make handicrafts. Here the ladies served us mint tea before we toured their shop. We eventually got to Imouzzer, and were offered the opportunity to use the toilets in a cafe (in exchange for buying refreshments) and then our tour guide introduced us to a "local guide" who led us up to the waterfalls. On this short walk to the falls, the path was lined with yet more salesmen who had their wares laid out on trestle tables. Each salesman seemed to sell the same things. One table after another, we had to tell the salesman that no, we weren't interested in buying. At the waterfall itself, we were told by the "local guide" that we would have half an hour. It seemed less. If we'd known it would be so little, we would have found another tour operator. After all, it was what we'd come for. It is a beautiful spot, a spectacular waterfall, with a deep plunge pool. There is a man there who is mute, and he makes his money by climbing up the rocks and jumping some 40 feet into the pool below, then takes a collection at the bottom. He seems a genuninely nice guy, so have some loose change for him. I had put my swimming trunks on under my shorts, so was able to strip off and get into the water, which is "refreshing" but comfortable after a couple of minutes. It was exhilerating diving in to the deep blue water and being swept down into the next pool below. I would have loved to have spent longer. My wife hadn't put her swimwear on underneath (she was planning to change in the minibus, but there was no opportunity to do so) and she felt too self-conscious to change in front of everyone else in a small area standing on some rocks - so she didn't go in and was disappointed. Our bus journey back returned us to our hotel at about 2.30, so it was a fairly long trip for the money. We stopped several times on the way back to look at some beauty spots. I would recommend this excursion, but get the salesman to clarify exactly how long it will take and how much time you'll spend at the falls (we were there 30 minutes out of a 6 hour round trip!). Alternatively, consider taking a "grand taxi". There are numerous hotels nearby, and you could consider an overnight stay - the area is outstandingly beautiful and I think it would be a really restful break. Make sure you put your swimwear on underneath your clothes, and bring a towel and a camera. Watch out, the rocks are very slippery!!