Plizio Visual Lab

Bin El Ouidane

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Bin el Ouidane is one of Morocco's largest and most impressive reservoirs, situated in the Azilal Province within the High Atlas Mountains. It was formed by the construction of the massive Bin el Ouidane Dam between 1948 and 1953, which stood as Africa's highest arch dam at the time of its completion. The lake is primarily fed by the Oued El Abid and covers a surface area of approximately 40 square kilometers. The project's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation and the irrigation of over 70,000 hectares of farmland in the fertile Tadla Plain. Located at an elevation of about 800 meters, the lake is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, where its deep blue waters contrast sharply with the reddish rock formations of the surrounding terrain. The lake's ecosystem supports a thriving population of freshwater fish, including pike and largemouth bass. Over the years, Bin el Ouidane has evolved into a key hub for sustainable tourism and water sports in the central Atlas region.

Location: Morocco
Nearby: Bin el Ouidane (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	9	12	16	21	25	25	20	15	9	6
Rain mm	44	45	66	44	29	10	7	17	31	44	74	49

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The lake is easily accessed by well-maintained paved roads connecting it to the cities of Beni Mellal and Azilal. Local operators offer numerous boat rental points right along the central waterfront.

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Best season

Spring and autumn are the handy times to visit, boasting warm sunshine and comfortable breezes. Winters can be chilly at this elevation, and the mid-summer sun can be quite intensely hot during midday.

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Terrain & paths

The striking blue waters are completely surrounded by dramatic, steep hillsides and reddish rocky cliffs. The shorelines can be rough and slightly uneven, but finding a scenic spot to sit is very straightforward.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are useful for navigating the shoreline paths around the lake. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and perhaps a light jacket for breezy evenings on the water are highly recommended.

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Parking

Secure parking is abundantly available at the various lakeside hotels, restaurants, and boat departure areas. You can typically park your vehicle very close to where the boat tours actually begin.

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Safety

The lake is extremely deep, so swimming should only be done in designated calm areas with proper care. Taking a guided boat tour is very safe, but always ensure that life jackets are provided on smaller vessels.

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Time needed

Taking a scenic boat trip and enjoying a fresh fish lunch will easily fill a leisurely afternoon of three to four hours. Many visitors choose to stay for an entire weekend to fully unwind in the peaceful setting.

Geography

Coordinates

32.10000, -6.40000

Facts

Dam height: 133 meters.
Construction period: 1948 to 1953.
Storage capacity: 1.5 billion cubic meters.
Surface area: approximately 40 square km.
Key hydroelectric facility in the Azilal province.
Irrigates the Tadla Plain via a 10 km long tunnel.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bin el Ouidane6 km · WExplore →

Tadla Region24 km · NWExplore →

Beni Mellal27 km · NExplore →

Ouzoud31 km · WExplore →

Imilchil72 km · EExplore →

Demnate73 km · SWExplore →

Dades Gorge74 km · SEExplore →

Katavi Forest Habitat77 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bin El Ouidane (1)

Mgoun Tours📍 landmark

A tour agency organizing excursions around the scenic Bin el Ouidane lake region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Bin El Ouidane Lake known for?

It is famous for carp fishing and its turquoise water set amidst the mountains.

Can you practice water sports there?

Yes, kayaking, boat trips, and stand-up paddling are very popular on the calm reservoir.

Is the lake easily accessible?

It is located in Azilal province and accessible by car via well-maintained mountain roads.

Are there hotels by the lake?

Yes, there are several luxury hotels and small guesthouses directly on the shore with panoramic views.

Is swimming allowed in the lake?

Yes, swimming is possible in many places, and the water is pleasantly warm in summer.

Bin El Ouidane: where is it located?

Bin El Ouidane is located in Morocco.

Bin El Ouidane: when is the best time to visit?