Bin el Ouidane Lake

Why go

• A large turquoise lake surrounded by mountains
• Kayaking, paddleboarding and boat trips when the level allows
• Easy to combine with the Ouzoud falls

On and around the lake

• Kayak and paddleboard

  Rentals from lakeside hotels and operators; fewer activities when the level is low.

• Boat trips

  Trips to secluded coves; fix the price and check the life jackets before setting off.

• Shore walks

  Trails above the lake and to nearby villages; a local guide is recommended.

Things to see

• Views over the lake

  The Azilal road runs along the lake with fine viewpoints; the dam itself is an industrial structure.

On the map

Things to do

• Fishing

  The lake is known to anglers, especially for carp; check which permits you need.

Food

Tagines and grills in the lakeside hotels and restaurants.

Where to stay

• By the lake

  Hotels, lodges and campsites overlooking the water; book ahead for summer weekends.

• In Azilal or Beni Mellal

  Town accommodation, half an hour or an hour away.

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 falls

  Day trip

  The great falls, via Azilal.

• Cathédrale des Rochers and Zaouiat Ahansal

  Long day or 2 days

  Spectacular rock formations and villages of the central High Atlas, on partly unpaved roads; a local guide is recommended.

Getting around

About an hour from Beni Mellal, via Afourer and the Azilal road, and half an hour from Azilal. Grand taxis run between Beni Mellal and Azilal; a car is better for getting around the lake.

Budget

Budget

300 MAD≈ 30 €

Mid-range

800 MAD≈ 70 €

Premium

1,900 MAD≈ 180 €

Per person per day, excluding flights. Includes accommodation, food, local transport and visits.

When to go

April to October: summer for water sports, spring and autumn for hiking. Check the lake level before planning anything on the water.

Combine with

Ouzoud Falls

Falls about 110 metres high among olive groves, two hours from Beni Mellal

Beni Mellal

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

AI-generated illustration

Aït Bouguemez Valley

The 'Happy Valley' of the central High Atlas: earthen villages, fields and hikes

Plans that stop here

4Budget · Relaxed

Beni Mellal, Bin el Ouidane and Ouzoud in 4 days

A short loop from Beni Mellal: the Aïn Asserdoun spring, the turquoise Bin el Ouidane lake and the great Ouzoud falls.

1. Beni Mellal
2. Bin el Ouidane Lake
3. Ouzoud Falls

from 1,100 MAD
per person

View plan

5Budget · Moderate

The Happy Valley in 5 days: Beni Mellal and Aït Bouguemez

From Beni Mellal to the Aït Bouguemez valley via Lake Bin el Ouidane: rammed-earth villages, the Sidi Moussa granary and nights in a gîte.

1. Beni Mellal
2. Bin el Ouidane Lake
3. Aït Bouguemez Valley

from 1,300 MAD
per person

View plan

4Budget · Relaxed

Bin el Ouidane Lake, Ouzoud Falls and Beni Mellal in 4 days

From Bin el Ouidane Lake: 4 days to discover Ouzoud Falls and Beni Mellal, with short drives.

1. Bin el Ouidane Lake
2. Ouzoud Falls
3. Beni Mellal

from 1,000 MAD
per person

View plan

4Budget · Relaxed

Ouzoud Falls, Bin el Ouidane Lake and Beni Mellal in 4 days

From Ouzoud Falls: 4 days to discover Bin el Ouidane Lake and Beni Mellal, with short drives.

1. Ouzoud Falls
2. Bin el Ouidane Lake
3. Beni Mellal

from 1,000 MAD
per person

View plan

Tips

• The lake level varies a lot from year to year: check before booking a water activity.
• Wear a life jacket in a kayak or boat.
• The lake is deep: never swim alone and stay close to the shore.