Lalla Takerkoust Lake: Day Trip, Activities and Tips Near Marrakech

Lalla Takerkoust is a large reservoir about 40 km southwest of Marrakech, roughly 45 minutes by car, on the edge of the Agafay desert. With the High Atlas rising behind the water, it is one of the most photogenic spots near the city. You can fly over it with a tandem paraglider, paddle a kayak, have lunch at a lakeside restaurant, and combine it in the same day with a camel ride or dinner in the Agafay desert.

Quick facts

A little background

The dam was built in the first half of the 20th century to store water from the N'Fis river for irrigation and for Marrakech, and it was later enlarged. The lake takes its name from the nearby village of Lalla Takerkoust. Its water level changes a lot with the seasons and with rainfall: after wet winters the lake is wide and blue, while in drought years the shoreline can drop far from the restaurants. For more ideas around the region, see the official tourism site Visit Morocco.

Things to do at Lalla Takerkoust

Tandem paragliding over the lake

The most spectacular way to see the lake. With a certified pilot, you take off from the hills above the water and glide for about 30 minutes, with an option to extend to an hour, looking down on the lake, the Agafay hills and the Atlas range. No experience is needed. Our paragliding adventure over Lalla Takerkoust starts from €100 per person, with equipment, safety briefing and hotel pickup in Marrakech. Flights depend on the wind.

Kayaking and pedal boats

When the water level is good, lakeside clubs rent kayaks and pedal boats. It is a calm activity, nice for families on a warm afternoon. Life jackets should always be provided; ask for one.

Lunch by the water

Several restaurants and guesthouses line the shore, serving tagines, grilled meat and fish with views of the lake and the mountains. It is a popular weekend spot for Marrakech families, so weekdays are quieter.

Quad and horse rides

Quad and horse rides run on the tracks around the lake and into the nearby Agafay hills. If quads are your priority, our Agafay quad biking trips offer longer routes in the desert.

Can you swim in Lalla Takerkoust?

Some people do in summer, but the lake is a reservoir with no lifeguards, the bottom can be muddy, and the depth changes suddenly. We do not recommend swimming. For a safe swim with a desert view, choose our Agafay day pass with pool and lunch.

Combining the lake with the Agafay desert

Lalla Takerkoust and Agafay are neighbours, so it is easy to put them in the same day:

• Active day: paragliding in the morning, lunch by the lake, then a quad ride, a sunset camel ride and dinner in Agafay with our quad, camel and dinner package.
• Relaxed day: morning at the lake, then an afternoon at a desert pool with our day pass.
• Sunset day: photos at the lake in the afternoon, then a sunset camel ride in Agafay.

See all desert options on the Agafay desert page, and more ideas in things to do in the Agafay desert.

How to get there

There is no convenient public transport, so most visitors come with a private driver or as part of an activity that includes hotel pickup. If you drive yourself, follow the road towards Amizmiz southwest of Marrakech. Our private driver service can take you for a half or full day.

Practical tips

• Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat: there is little shade by the water.
• Bring a light jacket for paragliding, even in summer; the air is cooler in flight.
• Check the water level and paragliding conditions with us before you go.
• Take your rubbish with you; the shore is fragile and used by local families.