Mountains and nature

Beni Mellal

At the foot of the Atlas, with springs, kasbahs and lakes: the ideal base for Ouzoud and Bin el Ouidane

Beni Mellal lies at the foot of the Middle Atlas, on the edge of the great Tadla farming plain, known for its oranges and olives. The city sees few tourists but has lovely green spaces around the Aïn Asserdoun spring and the Ras el Aïn kasbah, which overlooks the plain. It sits almost halfway between Marrakech and Fes, and above all it is an excellent base for the region: the Ouzoud waterfalls, under two hours away, the Bin el Ouidane reservoir and the High Atlas valleys.

Ideal stay: 1 to 3 days
Best season: Mar – Jun, Sep – Nov
Budget per day: from 280 MAD
Region: Beni Mellal & the central Atlas
Travel style: Nature, Family, Budget, Road trip
Best for: Families and nature lovers, a stop between Marrakech and Fes, a getaway from Casablanca

Why go

The gardens and spring of Aïn Asserdoun
The Ouzoud waterfalls and Bin el Ouidane lake nearby
An authentic, affordable stop between Marrakech and Fes

Water and nature around the city

Ouzoud waterfalls
Among Morocco's highest waterfalls, surrounded by olive trees; paths to the foot of the falls and macaques nearby.
Bin el Ouidane lake
A large turquoise reservoir surrounded by mountains, for relaxing, walking or water sports depending on the season.

Things to see

Aïn Asserdoun
A spring and terraced gardens, the locals' favourite place for a stroll.
Ras el Aïn kasbah
A restored kasbah above the spring, with a wide view over the Tadla plain.
Bel Kush kasbah
A kasbah founded in the late 17th century under Moulay Ismail, still inhabited.

On the map

Things to do

The souk and Tadla produce
Oranges, olives, figs and textiles in a market used mainly by locals.
Hike in the Atlas
The mountains above the city and, further away, the Aït Bouguemez valley, for multi-day walks with a guide.

Experiences

Nature · Full day

Ouzoud waterfalls

from 250 MAD

Food

Citrus fruit and olives from Tadla, olive oil, tagines and grills in local restaurants.

Where to stay

Central Beni Mellal
Practical, affordable city hotels.
Bin el Ouidane and Ouzoud
Guesthouses and small hotels in quiet spots, to sleep close to nature.

Book a place to stay in Beni Mellal

Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.

See places to stay

Prices and availability change: check them before you book. Booking.com links are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Day trips

Ouzoud waterfalls
Day trip
The must-do outing, under two hours' drive away.
Bin el Ouidane lake
Day trip
A turquoise mountain lake, easy to combine with Ouzoud.
Khenifra and the Oum Er-Rbia springs
1 to 2 days
Springs, Lake Aguelmam Azigza and Middle Atlas cedar forests, about two hours away on the N8.
Imilchil and its lakes
2 days
The Tislit and Isli lakes, about three and a half hours away via El Ksiba.
Aït Bouguemez valley
2 to 3 days
The 'Happy Valley' of the central High Atlas, via Azilal.

Getting around

Motorway from Casablanca via Khouribga. CTM and Supratours coaches to Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes. A car is strongly recommended for Ouzoud and Bin el Ouidane.

Book your transport

Official operator websites and coach station timetables: check your journey and book.