Akchour
The Akchour waterfall is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of Chefchaouen. The hike along the river with many small waterfalls through the vigorous green forest is like a fairy tale. This is one of the most contracted hikes around Chefchaouen.
Surrounded by the majestic Rif Mountains, you will pass rocks and tree stumps wrapped in green moss, turning into a thick, unbridled jungle, with birdsong and water flowing in small cascades along the valley floor.
Hiking around the Akchour waterfall
The hike to the Akchour waterfall is not directly demanding, although the trek does have some steep parts. The trail is 5.5km each way and takes about 3-4 hours depending on how many stops you make along the way.
There are many small places with chairs where you can rest and buy a cold drink cooled in the cool river water. If you are hungry, there are small open-air restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a small local tagine.
If you are staying in a hotel near Akchour, access to the waterfalls is not very complicated. The managers of your hotel can show you the way. However, if you come from Chefchaouen, you must first reach the starting point towards Akchour. When you arrive at the car park at the trailhead, you pass a few restaurants and souvenir stands along the river. At the starting point, you can either walk straight ahead on the same side of the river or cross a bridge to the other side of the river. The latter takes you to the Akchour waterfall.
The path is well maintained and clearly marked so you don’t get lost. It crosses the river several times and in some places there are large cement blocks to walk on. In some places there are wooden bridges that you can cross.
Once you get to the Grand Cascade, make sure you follow the small path around the right side of the pool to get behind the waterfall.
The Grand Cascade is well worth spending time at, just to enjoy the long, thin strips of water that quickly flow into the pool below.
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What to bring for your hike
While the hike is easy and optional for you, and there are places to buy food and drink along the way and at the end of the Great Cascade, there are some things you should consider bringing.
So here are the essentials you should bring on your hike to Akchour Waterfall:
- Hiking shoes or sports shoes
- Waterproof jacket in winter
- Swimming costume and towel in summer (if you want to go to the river to cool off on a hot day)
- Snacks: fruit, nuts, etc. (if you don’t want to buy anything on the way, it is important to take energy snacks)
- Water (at least 2 litres per person)
- Camera (remember to recharge your batteries before you leave)
- Cash
Note that the coldest period is during the winter months, from December to February. Temperatures are normally between 6 and 17 degrees.
Some pictures of Akchour
Recommendations of activities around Akchour
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How to get to Akchour
Akchour is a 45 minute drive from Chefchaouen. By car, there is a small car park on site, which costs Dh10. However, if you don’t have a car, taxis can take you.
The cheapest option is to take a collective taxi, known as the “Grand Taxi”. It has 4-6 seats and starts once the taxi is full. There is no fixed timetable for the “Grand Taxi” trips.
The taxi rank is located outside the medina of Chefchaouen. You can easily ask for directions. Once at the station, say you want to go to the Akchour waterfall and you will be guided to the Grand Taxi dedicated to the journey.
