SiteCoordinates: 32.11° N, 6.46° W
Bin El Ouidane
بين الويدانⴱⵉⵏ ⵍⵡⵉⴷⴰⵏ
Turquoise reservoir and red canyon rock
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At a glance
- Recommended stay
- 2 to 3 days
- Best season
- April to October (ideal for kayaking, swimming, and lakeside outdoor life)
- Elevation
- 820 m
- Best for
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding across calm turquoise mountain waters · World-class freshwater sport fishing for record-sized common and mirror carp · Scenic mountain-pass road tripping through the red cliffs of the High Atlas · Peaceful lakeside eco-resorts with panoramic mountain sunset terraces
- Key landmarks
- Bin El Ouidane curved arch dam (historic 1953 engineering marvel)Oued El Abid canyon fjord inletAfourer mountain pass panorama (Col d'Afourer)Lakeside water sports and kayak rental stationsRed limestone ridges of Jbel Tazerkount
Deep turquoise mountain lake framed by red limestone cliffs, pine forests, and water sports.
Getting there
Route R306 connecting Azilal (40 minutes) and Béni Mellal (1 hour via Afourer mountain pass)
The Turquoise Fjord of the High Atlas
Formed by a dramatic 133-meter curved arch dam built in 1953 across the rushing Oued El Abid, Lake Bin El Ouidane is a startling expanse of shimmering turquoise water set against the burnt-orange and ochre cliffs of the Atlas Mountains. The reservoir resembles a Mediterranean mountain fjord, with winding arms of water cutting deeply between steep pine-covered slopes and dramatic limestone gorges. Its mirror-like surface and clear mountain air make it one of Morocco’s most serene and visually striking alpine retreats.
Kayaking, Carp Angling, and Scenic Passes
Bin El Ouidane attracts outdoor adventure travelers with its world-renowned freshwater sport fishing, where anglers from around the globe test their skills against record-sized wild mirror carp. Independent paddlers can rent sea kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore secluded coves and red rock canyons completely inaccessible by road. Perched along the lakeshore, eco-lodges and guesthouses offer panoramic infinity pools and sunset terraces where the red mountain ridges reflect across the still water.
Weather and climate
Weather now
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- Feels like
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- Wind
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- UV index
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- Today's UV peak
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Next 12 hours
Climate by month
Average low and highRainy days
| Month | Average low and high | Rainy days | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3°C – 16°C38°F – 61°F | 3 | — |
| Feb | 5°C – 17°C41°F – 63°F | 10 | — |
| Mar | 10°C – 25°C49°F – 77°F | 4 | — |
| Apr | 13°C – 29°C55°F – 83°F | 4 | — |
| May | 14°C – 26°C56°F – 79°F | 8 | — |
| Jun | 19°C – 32°C65°F – 90°F | 7 | — |
| Jul | 22°C – 38°C72°F – 100°F | 0 | — |
| Aug | 23°C – 39°C74°F – 103°F | 1 | — |
| Sep | 18°C – 30°C64°F – 87°F | 1 | — |
| Oct | 15°C – 28°C59°F – 83°F | 5 | — |
| Nov | 9°C – 23°C48°F – 74°F | 1 | — |
| Dec | 6°C – 21°C42°F – 69°F | 1 | — |
Source: Open-Meteo Reanalysis at 32.107N 6.464W. Updated November 7, 2026. open-meteo.com
Suggested itinerary
Checked by Morocco Insider Tips on November 9, 2026
Day 1 Day 1 — Turquoise Lake Kayak, Dam Panorama & Lakeside Sunset
- Morning
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the tranquil southern shore. Glide across mirror-flat turquoise waters between towering red cliffs and pine-fringed bays reminiscent of a Mediterranean fjord.
- Afternoon
- Drive along the corniche up to the massive 133-meter-high curved concrete dam wall of Bin El Ouidane, taking in sweeping views of the deep Oued El Abid gorge cut into the mountain plateau.
- Evening
- Unwind on the panoramic terrace of a lakeside auberge with freshly grilled trout or tagine as the setting sun turns the red mountain ridges brilliant magenta over the water.
Tips
- Combine your visit with Ouzoud Falls (just 50 km away) for an ideal 2-day nature road trip loop.
- Morning hours offer the calmest waters for paddling before afternoon breezes stir up light lake chop.
Getting around
- Grand taxis running between Azilal and Béni Mellal pass directly over the Bin El Ouidane bridge and road (~30 MAD).
- The lake is easily accessed by car along the well-paved R306 mountain highway.
Etiquette
- Bin El Ouidane is a major freshwater reservoir; avoid using non-biodegradable soaps near the water.
- Practice catch-and-release sport fishing when angling for the famous wild carp.
Sources, updated November 9, 2026
Nearby
Cascades d'Ouzoudشلالات أوزودⵉⵎⵛⵛⴰⵚⵏ ⵏ ⵓⵥⵓⴹMorocco's highest multi-tiered waterfalls tumbling 110 meters through red cliffs and olive groves.Site · 1 to 2 days · 1,060 m
Béni Mellalبني ملالⴱⵏⵉ ⵎⵍⵍⴰⵍMiddle Atlas mountain foothill city famous for Ain Asserdoun spring, Kasbah Ras El Ain, and lush orchards.City · 1 to 2 days · 620 m
Aït Bouguemezأيت بوكمازⴰⵢⵜ ⴱⵓⴳⵎⵎⴰⵣThe Happy Valley of the High Atlas: hut-to-hut backpacker trekking, dinosaur tracks, and conical hill granaries.Village · 3 to 5 days · 1,800 m