LakesCity Tours Morocco
A reservoir lake in the Atlas foothills
Photograph: Kasmii, CC BY-SA 4.0
A reservoir lake in the hills of Azilal province, for fishing, kayaking, boat trips and quiet walks, about an hour from Beni Mellal.
The short answer
Bin el Ouidane (also written Bine el Ouidane) is the reservoir behind the Bin el Ouidane Dam on the El Abid River, in the Atlas foothills of Azilal province in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. The arch dam opened in 1953; at 133 metres it was the highest arch dam in Africa when it was built.
When full, the lake covers about 3,750 hectares, with a long shoreline of inlets and coves between olive- and almond-covered hills. In recent drought years the water has dropped far below capacity, leaving wide red-earth banks.
Moroccan visitors, many from Beni Mellal and Casablanca, come for weekend fishing and picnics. A few small guesthouses along the shore arrange boats and kayaks.
At the lake
On the water
The lake is known for carp, black bass and pike.
Carp draw the most anglers. You can fish from the shore, but a boat helps; local fishermen can be hired with their boats. A fishing permit is required, and night fishing needs special authorisation, so ask your guesthouse to arrange the paperwork.
On the water
Sheltered water and a long, broken shoreline suit a paddle or a slow boat.
Several lakeside guesthouses rent kayaks and arrange guided paddles into inlets and coves that the road does not reach. Motorboat trips cover the main basin and the dam. The water stays cool, so swim only if you are confident.
On foot
Mule tracks link the villages on the slopes above the lake.
The hills around the lake are planted with olive and almond trees and dotted with Amazigh villages. Guesthouses can suggest half-day and full-day walks; ridge paths above the shore give the widest views of the water. In spring the slopes turn green and the almond trees blossom.
Getting there
A car is easiest. Public transport runs via Beni Mellal and Azilal.
When to go
Before you go
Drought has left the reservoir far below capacity in recent years, so the shoreline, boat access and scenery vary a lot. Ask your guesthouse about current conditions before you go.
Serious anglers should bring their own tackle: local rental gear is limited.
Swimwear is fine at the lake, but cover up in the surrounding villages, which are conservative.
Take enough cash for your stay before you leave Beni Mellal or Azilal.
Reserve accommodation in advance for Moroccan holidays (Eid, summer weekends). At other times walk-in rooms are usually available.
The dam area may have restrictions on photography. Ask if you are unsure.
There is little shade along the shoreline, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
If you walk the hills alone, let your guesthouse know where you are going.
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