The Blue-Flag certified lake near Khenifra is becoming one of Morocco’s top eco-tourism destinations, drawing visitors with its emerald waters, cedar forests, and Amazigh culture.
Fez- Nestled within the cedar-covered highlands of the Middle Atlas, around 30 kilometers from Khenifra, sits Aguelmam Azegza, which is a peaceful, glassy lake surrounded by forested cliffs.
Its name means “Green Lake” in Tamazight, a perfect match for the deep emerald tones of its water. At 1,500 meters above sea level, and stretching over 40 hectares, it’s a place that feels both wide open and quietly personal, especially when you climb above and look at the lake from above.
As someone from Khenifra, this lake is a familiar corner of home. I’ve spent sunny weekends here with family, wandered its edges on school field trips, and returned on quiet days when I just needed fresh mountain air.
Locals like us know its seasons like moods: cool and silent in winter, fragrant in spring, buzzing with laughter and grilled meat in the summer.
Aguelmam Azegza is part of Khenifra National Park, a region rich in green oaks and towering cedars. When the sky is clear, the lake becomes a mirror for the trees and hills around it.
In winter, it sometimes freezes over—so still and white you’d think time had paused. That’s when brave souls compete in ice-swimming events, part of Morocco’s new wave of outdoor sports.
Fishing is popular here too, with tench, carp, and perch in its depths—though some of the fish were brought in during the French era and aren’t originally from the area.
A place of pride and care
Back in 1949, the lake was named a national heritage site. That pride continues today. In recent years, efforts led by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment helped clean and upgrade the site.
They improved roads, built eco-friendly toilets, and created space for safe, sustainable camping.
In 2024, the lake received Morocco’s first-ever Blue Flag for a natural site—a major global recognition for clean and safe nature destinations.
Life around the lake
For many visitors, it’s the walking trails, cool breezes, and quiet views that make the trip. But if you’re lucky, you might spot a Barbary macaque—our local monkeys—darting through the trees, stealing food from visitors, or relaxing in the branches. They’ve been part of the forest here for generations, and watching them reminds us how wild and alive this place still is.
Families come with picnic baskets, Amazigh vendors set up colorful tents with hot tea and fresh tagine, and the scent of woodsmoke carries softly over the lake. I always tell friends: the best time to visit is early morning or just before sunset, when everything glows.
And if you know where to look (or ask a local), you can find secret overlooks, shady paths, or the flattest spot for a tent.
Supporting the community
Tourism at Aguelmam Azegza helps local people. It brings income through small shops, food stalls, parking, and guided hikes. These simple things matter in places like Khenifra, where work is sometimes hard to come by.
While most visitors come in summer to swim or winter to see the icy lake, more guides are now promoting autumn treks and spring wildflower walks. They’re helping the lake offer something special in every season.
Caring for what we love
Like all beautiful places, Aguelmam Azegza faces challenges. Drought, litter, and careless overuse can hurt its fragile ecosystem. Local volunteers and environmental groups now organize clean-up days and patrol the area during busy weekends.
There are also quiet efforts behind the scenes: scientists checking the water, counting fish, and recording signs of change. This helps make sure we don’t just enjoy the lake, but protect it too.
To come here isn’t just to see a lake. It’s to feel something older and simpler, which attracts many Moroccan backpackers.
You’ll meet shepherds, hear birds you don’t recognize, maybe even find silence you didn’t know you needed. Aguelmam Azegza isn’t flashy. But for those who love it, it stays with you.
Aguelmam Azegza shows what Morocco can offer when we care for our nature and our people. It’s not just a place to visit. It’s a place to learn, to breathe, and to remember that some of the country’s most beautiful spots are hidden gems that just need to be seen with kind eyes and a little patience.
