Lalla Takerkoust Lake is a reservoir about 35 kilometres south-west of Marrakech, on the southern side of the Agafay rocky plateau. The drive from central Marrakech takes about 40 to 50 minutes in a private vehicle. The market town of Amizmiz lies about 20 kilometres further south, at the foot of the High Atlas, about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes from Marrakech. Together, the lake and Amizmiz make an easy half-day outing from the city.
Where is Lalla Takerkoust Lake?
Lalla Takerkoust Lake is in Al Haouz Province, south-west of Marrakech. It takes its name from the village of Lalla Takerkoust, which sits beside the dam. The lake lies on the edge of the Agafay plateau, where the stony hills give way to farmland watered by the reservoir. To the south, the peaks of the High Atlas rise behind the water.
The road from Marrakech passes through Tameslouht before it reaches Lalla Takerkoust Lake, and Amizmiz lies about 20 kilometres further south on the same road. This means the lake comes first on the way out of the city, and Amizmiz comes after it. Many travellers also reach the lake as part of Agafay desert trips from Marrakech, because the lake sits just beyond the plateau.
How far is the lake from Marrakech, and how long is the drive?
The lake is about 35 to 40 kilometres from central Marrakech by road. The drive takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic leaving the city. The road is paved all the way.
Amizmiz is about 55 to 60 kilometres from Marrakech by road. The drive takes about one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes. The stretch between the lake and Amizmiz is about 20 kilometres and takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
For comparison, the Agafay plateau itself is about 45 minutes from Marrakech. Our guide to the Agafay desert explains the plateau, its landscape and what to do there.
Which river feeds Lalla Takerkoust Lake?
Lalla Takerkoust Lake is fed by the N’Fis river. The N’Fis rises in the High Atlas and flows north towards the Tensift river. The lake is the reservoir held back by the Lalla Takerkoust dam on the N’Fis.
A second, newer dam stands upstream on the same river. The Yacoub El Mansour dam is near Ouirgane, about 20 kilometres upstream of Lalla Takerkoust, and it was inaugurated in 2008. It is a separate dam with its own reservoir, and it helps regulate the flow of the N’Fis before the water reaches Lalla Takerkoust.
When was the Lalla Takerkoust dam built, and what is it for?
The Lalla Takerkoust dam was built between 1929 and 1935. It was built during the French Protectorate. The dam was raised by about 9 metres around 1980 to increase the storage capacity of the lake.
The dam was built to produce hydroelectric power and to supply water for irrigation. Today it also supplies drinking water. The dam was inspected after the September 2023 earthquake in Al Haouz, and the authorities reported that it continued to operate normally.
Why does the water level change?
The water level of Lalla Takerkoust Lake depends on rain and snow in the High Atlas. After several years of drought, the reservoir held only about a quarter of its normal volume in January 2024. In January 2026, the reservoir was reported at about one third of its capacity, an improvement on the previous dry years.
In practice, this means the shoreline can look very different from one visit to the next. In a wet year the water reaches high up the banks. In a dry year wide strips of bare shore appear, and some lakeside spots stand far from the water. We check recent conditions before planning a lakeside stop.
What can you do at Lalla Takerkoust Lake?
Most visitors come for the view. On clear days the High Atlas stands behind the lake, and in winter and early spring the higher peaks often carry snow. The contrast between the dry Agafay hills, the water and the mountains is the main reason to stop.
- Lakeside walks: paths and tracks follow parts of the shore and the farmland below the dam.
- Photography: early morning and late afternoon light works best on the water and the mountains.
- A meal by the water: several lakeside restaurants and terraces serve lunch and drinks.
- Quad bikes and camel rides: some Agafay routes for quad bikes and camel rides reach the area around the lake.
- Village life: the village of Lalla Takerkoust and the farms around it show everyday rural life in the Haouz plain.
Can you swim in Lalla Takerkoust Lake?
Swimming in Lalla Takerkoust Lake is not permitted. The lake is a working reservoir, not a beach. Dam reservoirs in Morocco can have muddy beds, sudden changes in depth and banks that are hard to climb out on. There are no lifeguards. We advise guests to enjoy the lake from the shore and not to enter the water, even on hot days.
What is Amizmiz known for?
Amizmiz is a small market town at the foot of the High Atlas. It serves the Berber villages of the surrounding hills, and most of its life revolves around trade and farming. The town has no single famous monument. Its interest lies in its setting and its everyday market.
The Amizmiz weekly souk is held on Tuesday. Farmers and traders from nearby villages come to sell fruit, vegetables, livestock, pottery and household goods. Rural souks in Morocco are usually busiest in the morning, so an early start gives the best experience. On other days of the week, Amizmiz is quieter and works well as a short stop on the way to or from the lake.
Amizmiz was affected by the September 2023 earthquake in Al Haouz, along with many villages in the area. Rebuilding has continued since then, and the town remains open to visitors.
How do the lake and Amizmiz combine with an Agafay visit?
The lake, Amizmiz and the Agafay plateau all lie on the same side of Marrakech. This makes them easy to link in a single outing. A typical half-day starts with a morning drive to Amizmiz, continues to the lake for a walk or lunch, and returns to Marrakech through the Agafay hills.
For a longer day, the lake works well before an afternoon in Agafay. Guests can ride a camel or a quad bike in the late afternoon, watch the sunset over the plateau and stay for dinner at a desert camp. Our comparison of Agafay camps helps choose where to spend the evening.
On a Tuesday, it makes sense to visit Amizmiz first, while the souk is busy, and then drive back north to the lake. On other days, the order can follow the light: the lake in the morning, or the lake at the end of the afternoon on the way to Agafay.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. From about March to May and from September to November, days are warm but not harsh. Winter brings clear air and snow on the High Atlas, but mornings and evenings are cold. Summer is very hot in the middle of the day, and there is little shade on the open shore.
The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon. The light is softer, the mountains are clearer and the temperature is lower. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, when families from Marrakech come out to the lake.
Key facts
| Topic | Key fact |
|---|---|
| Location | About 35 km south-west of Marrakech, on the southern side of the Agafay plateau |
| Drive to the lake | About 40 to 50 minutes from central Marrakech by private vehicle |
| Drive to Amizmiz | About 55 to 60 km, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Marrakech |
| Order on the road | Tameslouht, then Lalla Takerkoust Lake, then Amizmiz about 20 km further south |
| River | The N’Fis, which flows from the High Atlas towards the Tensift |
| Dam | Built 1929 to 1935, raised around 1980 |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric power, irrigation and drinking water |
| Water level | Varies with rain and snow; about one third full in January 2026 |
| Swimming | Not permitted; no lifeguards |
| Amizmiz souk | Every Tuesday, busiest in the morning |
| Best season | Spring and autumn |
| Best time of day | Early morning or late afternoon |
Planning your half-day
Lalla Takerkoust Lake and Amizmiz show a quieter side of the Marrakech region: water, farmland, a working market town and the High Atlas in the background. They fit easily into a morning or an afternoon, and they pair naturally with the Agafay plateau. For more ideas, browse our day trips from Marrakech, and if you would like a different order or a longer day, ask us anything.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lalla Takerkoust Lake from Marrakech?
Lalla Takerkoust Lake is about 35 kilometres south-west of Marrakech. The drive takes about 40 to 50 minutes in a private vehicle.
Do you pass Amizmiz on the way to the lake?
No. The road from Marrakech passes through Tameslouht before it reaches Lalla Takerkoust Lake, and Amizmiz lies about 20 kilometres further south on the same road.
What day is the Amizmiz souk?
The Amizmiz weekly souk is held on Tuesday. It is busiest in the morning.
Can you swim in Lalla Takerkoust Lake?
No. Swimming in the reservoir is not permitted, and there are no lifeguards. Enjoy the lake from the shore.
Can you combine the lake with the Agafay desert?
Yes. The lake lies on the southern side of the Agafay plateau, so it combines easily with a camel ride, a quad bike session or an evening at an Agafay camp.
