Imilchil and its lakes
The Tislit and Isli lakes above 2,000 metres, and the betrothal festival
AI-generated illustration
Imilchil is a village in the eastern High Atlas, at about 2,100 metres, in the land of the Aït Haddidou. It is known for its two lakes, Tislit and Isli, which legend links to two lovers from rival tribes who wept until they formed them: Tislit means 'the bride' and Isli 'the groom'. Every year, usually in September, the betrothal festival brings the region's families together around a large souk. The rest of the year people come for the high-mountain scenery, hiking and quiet. From Beni Mellal the road runs via El Ksiba: about 160 km and three and a half hours of mountain driving.
- 2 days
- May – Oct
- from 250 MAD
- Nature, Adventure, Road trip, Culture
- Lovers of wide open spaces and mountain road trips, and anyone curious about Amazigh culture
Why go
- The Tislit and Isli lakes in high-mountain scenery
- The betrothal festival, a major gathering in the Atlas
- A spectacular mountain road from Beni Mellal
The lakes
Lake Tislit
The closest to Imilchil, reachable by road, above 2,000 metres.
Lake Isli
Wilder, about ten kilometres from Imilchil, harder to reach by road.
Things to see
Imilchil village
Earthen houses, the souk and the pastoral life of the Aït Haddidou.
On the map
Things to do
Two-lakes loop
A loop of about 34 km links Imilchil to both lakes, by bike or partly on foot; set off early and carry water.
Food
Simple, warming food in the guesthouses: tagines, soups and homemade bread.
Where to stay
Guesthouses and gîtes
In and around Imilchil; heating is often limited, so bring warm clothes.
Book a place to stay in Imilchil and its lakes
Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.
Getting around
About 160 km and three and a half hours from Beni Mellal via El Ksiba, on a mountain road. A car is most practical. In winter, snow can close the road: check before setting off.
Book your transport
- Train
- ONCF VoyagesONCF
- Coach
- CTMSupratours
- Coach station
- Mosafir· coach timetables
- Flight
- Royal Air MarocONDA
- Taxi / car
- inDrive
Budget
- 250 MAD
- 600 MAD
- 1,300 MAD
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul ✓
- Aug ✓
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov
- Dec
May to October; September for the betrothal festival, whose dates change every year. Winter is very cold and snow can cut the region off.
Combine with
Beni Mellal
At the foot of the Atlas, with springs, kasbahs and lakes: the ideal base for Ouzoud and Bin el Ouidane
Khenifra
The Oum Er-Rbia springs, Lake Aguelmam Azigza and the cedars of the Middle Atlas, two hours from Beni Mellal
Aït Bouguemez Valley
The 'Happy Valley' of the central High Atlas: earthen villages, fields and hikes
Plans that stop here
Tips
- Nights are cold even in summer: bring a fleece.
- Check the festival dates before you go: they change every year.
- Avoid driving the mountain road at night.
Where next?