Khenifra
The Oum Er-Rbia springs, Lake Aguelmam Azigza and the cedars of the Middle Atlas, two hours from Beni Mellal
AI-generated illustration
Khenifra, nicknamed 'the Red' for the colour of its soil, is the former capital of the Zayane, known for their resistance during the colonial period. The town lies in a Middle Atlas valley crossed by the Oum Er-Rbia, Morocco's second river by flow, spanned by an old bridge. Its surroundings are made for nature outings: the Oum Er-Rbia springs, some forty resurgences forming waterfalls and pools at the foot of limestone cliffs, and Lake Aguelmam Azigza, ringed by cedars and oaks in Khenifra National Park. About two hours from Beni Mellal on the N8, it is also a stop on the road to Fes.
- 1 to 2 days
- Apr – Oct
- from 280 MAD
- Nature, Family, Budget, Road trip
- Families and nature lovers for a getaway among springs, a lake and cedar forests
Why go
- The Oum Er-Rbia springs and their waterfalls, with riverside cafés
- Lake Aguelmam Azigza in a vast cedar forest
- A town of Amazigh history, on the road between Beni Mellal and Fes
Springs, lake and forests
Oum Er-Rbia springs
About forty kilometres from town: paths and small bridges between the waterfalls, shaded huts and riverside restaurants; a small fee may be asked.
Lake Aguelmam Azigza
About thirty kilometres away, at around 1,500 metres, in the middle of the cedar forest; the site has been fitted with parking and jetties.
Khenifra National Park
Created in 2008 east of the town, it protects cedar forests and mountain lakes.
Things to see
The old bridge over the Oum Er-Rbia
An old bridge in the town centre that has survived many floods; local tradition says eggs were mixed into its mortar.
Things to do
Walking in the cedar forest
Trails around Lake Aguelmam Azigza; stay on the paths and carry water.
Food
Tagines served by the water at the Oum Er-Rbia springs, and Middle Atlas cooking in town.
Where to stay
In town
Simple hotels and guesthouses in Khenifra, handy as a base for the springs and the lake.
Book a place to stay in Khenifra
Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.
Day trips
Further north, on the road to Fes.
Getting around
About 126 km and just over two hours from Beni Mellal on the N8, via Kasba Tadla; the same road continues to Fes. Coaches and grand taxis link the town with Beni Mellal and Fes. A car is more practical for the springs and the lake; shared taxis go to the springs from Khenifra and M'rirt.
Book your transport
- Train
- ONCF VoyagesONCF
- Coach
- CTMSupratours
- Coach station
- Mosafir· coach timetables
- Flight
- Royal Air MarocONDA
- Taxi / car
- inDrive
Budget
- 280 MAD
- 650 MAD
- 1,400 MAD
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul ✓
- Aug ✓
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov
- Dec
Spring to autumn. Spring brings the strongest flow at the springs; in summer the springs and the lake, at altitude, offer cooler air. Winter is cold, with frequent frosts.
Combine with
Beni Mellal
At the foot of the Atlas, with springs, kasbahs and lakes: the ideal base for Ouzoud and Bin el Ouidane
Ifrane
The "little Switzerland" of the Middle Atlas, with cedars, lakes and winter snow
Imilchil and its lakes
The Tislit and Isli lakes above 2,000 metres, and the betrothal festival
Plans that stop here
Tips
- At the springs, paths can be slippery and steep: closed shoes are best.
- A small fee may be asked to reach some of the waterfalls.
- In summer, reach the springs early: the site gets very busy.
Where next?