Lalla Takerkoust is a reservoir lake about 40 km southwest of Marrakech, 45 minutes to an hour by road. People come here to have lunch overlooking the water and the mountains, paddle a kayak or simply spend a quiet day away from the medina. It is not a developed beach and swimming is not supervised. Combined with an afternoon at a nearby Agafay camp, it makes a very good rest day in the middle of a busy trip.
Here are the questions our clients ask us before they go, with straight answers.
What exactly is this lake?
A reservoir created in the 1930s by a dam on the N’Fis river, at the foot of the Atlas. It is used for irrigation and to supply the region with water. The village that gives it its name sits right next to it. Along the shore there are a few restaurants, guesthouses and small water sports clubs; nothing built up, which is part of the appeal.
Does the water level change?
Yes, a lot. The lake depends on rain and on the snow that falls on the Atlas. After several years of drought it shrank noticeably, leaving wide strips of cracked earth between the terraces and the water. In wet years it rises again and looks like the photos you see online.
If a spectacular picture made you want to go, it may have been taken in a good year. Ask us about the lake when you book: our drivers pass by regularly and will tell you honestly what to expect.
Can you swim?
Some people do in summer. We do not recommend it: there are no lifeguards, a reservoir stays cold at depth, the bottom is muddy in places, and people drown in Moroccan reservoirs every year. If you want a swim, an Agafay camp pool in the afternoon is a much better idea.
What do you do there?
- Lunch on a terrace facing the lake: tagines, grilled fish, Moroccan salads. This is the heart of the visit.
- Kayaks or pedal boats, offered by some places on the shore depending on the season and the water level.
- Jet skis, from a few operators; noisy and not to everyone’s taste.
- A walk along the shore and up to the dam.
- Quad biking or horse riding in the surrounding hills, booked separately.
Nothing spectacular, and that is exactly the point: you come here to slow down.
When is the best time to go?
| Period | What you will find |
|---|---|
| March to May | Green hills, snow still on the Atlas, ideal temperatures for lunch outside |
| June to September | Strong heat, often above 35°C; families from Marrakech come at weekends |
| October and November | Soft light, very few people on weekdays |
| December to February | Cool, sometimes windy; superb on clear days, with snow on the peaks |
In summer, avoid Sundays if you want peace and quiet.
How does the day work with Agafay?
Our Lalla Takerkoust lake and Agafay desert trip follows this rhythm:
- 10 am: pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
- 11 am: arrival at the lake, a walk, then lunch on a terrace.
- 2.30 pm: drive to an Agafay camp, about twenty minutes away; pool, sun loungers and tea facing the hills.
- 6 pm: back to Marrakech after sunset (earlier in winter).
Transport, the driver, fuel and water on board are included, for €55 per person. Lunch, drinks and access to the camp pool (depending on the camp) are extra: include them in your budget, ideally in dirhams.
Is it worth it if you only have three days in Marrakech?
Probably not. With three days, the medina, a trip into the Atlas such as the Ourika Valley and an evening in Agafay already make a full programme. The lake really makes sense from five or six days, or when you are travelling with children or parents who need a day without walking or a long drive.
It is also popular with travellers on their second or third visit to Marrakech who have already done the big day trips.
Can you get there on your own?
Yes. With a hire car, the road is simple and tarmacked all the way to the village. By taxi, you need to negotiate a grand taxi for the return trip, waiting time included, as you will not find one there to bring you back. Another option is to book a private driver for the day and build your own programme, for example the lake in the morning and Agafay in the afternoon, or the lake followed by the market town of Amizmiz at the foot of the Atlas, about twenty kilometres further on.
A few tips from the ground
- Choose your restaurant when you arrive: look at the terrace, the shade and the view before sitting down. Most places display their prices.
- Keep some change for parking, a tea or a tip; cards are not accepted everywhere.
- Mosquitoes can be around near the water late in the day in summer.
- For photos, late morning gives clear light on the mountains; in the afternoon the sun is in line with the lake.
In short
- A reservoir lake 45 minutes from Marrakech, for lunch and a breather.
- The water level depends on rainfall: check before you go.
- Swimming is not recommended; use an Agafay camp pool in the afternoon.
- Ideal for stays of five days or more, or for a calm family day.
