Lalla Takerkoust Dam Day

Lalla Takerkoust of Marrakech: A mystical place, source of legends At the location of the lake, before it was filled with water, there was the marabout and the mosque of Lalla Takerkoust, a woman recognized as a saint for her kindness and the powers attributed to her. People came to pray and make offerings on her mausoleum, known for bringing fertility to women who had difficulty conceiving. Today this name is given to the village and to a watering hole located up the mountain. Legend has it that the source is mentioned in the Koran, in Surah XVIII of the Cave which highlights the story of the 7 sleepers, young Christians from Ephesus whom God plunged into a mystical sleep after they had been walled up in a cave by Pagans. There are also 7 tombs lined up next to the source, in the village of Amizmiz, which seem to confirm this legend for the inhabitants as well as for visitors in search of mystical stories. A relaxing day at the Lalla Takerkoust dam To reach the village and its lake, you have to take the road towards Amizmiz, where breathtaking landscapes wind. From the gates of the Agafay desert to the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas, all the panoramas follow one another and offer an unequalled change of scenery. Arriving at the lake, the blue of the sky merges with the deep waters and gives a feeling of infinity where all dreams come to life. When the mountains are reflected on the expanse of water, the setting becomes magical. We then understand why this place is the source of such beautiful legends. But the Lalla Takerkoust dam is above all a refreshing bubble a few kilometers from Marrakech, an ideal place to go during the strong summer heat. For those looking for relaxation and relaxation, a few hotel-restaurants extend along the shores of the lake and offer various traditional menus around a good mint tea. For the more adventurous, advance on the tracks at the edge of the lake, choose one of the beaches that are available to you, and put down towels and picnic for a day of decompression in the heart of a breathtaking natural spectacle (be careful, swimming in the lake is prohibited) On the banks of Lake Lalla Take, activities are offered, the most traditional remains the donkey ride (to be negotiated on site), children love it! For the more athletic, Dunes et Désert guarantees you incredible walks around the lake by quad, buggy or a little further in the Agafay desert in dromedaries. For the more eco-friendly, excursions on foot and trekking to discover the region and its history can be organized. A day on the Lalla Takerkoust lake is therefore the promise of an exile far from the tumult of Marrakech and its stifling heat in summer. For a moment of rest, to have lunch and enjoy the sun or to enjoy sports activities in complete tranquility, the Lalla Takerkoust dam is the ideal place where legends and modernity come together to offer an unparalleled change of scenery less than an hour from Marrakech. Lunch tip: Think about the Flouka restaurant for a lunch by the lake (view of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas in winter). Seasonal products, homemade desserts and a relaxed atmosphere form the winning trio of this top address! For a bucolic interlude, we will have lunch at Jnane Tihihit: the table of this guest farm. Installed in the shade of the olive trees, you are served products from the vegetable garden and local livestock. The best part: the walk in the garden to meet the animals, fun to do with the kids! Getting to the Lalla Takerkoust dam: From Marrakech, take the direction of the airport, the road to Amizmiz is just after (rather well signposted) and continue straight until a small point where you will find the sign for Tahannaout (on the left) and Amizmiz (straight ahead). Then follow the signs for the village of Tamesloht (which you will leave on your right) then the signs to get to the village of Lalla Takerkoust. Enter the village and turn right at the first crossroads, you will then see the edges of the lake going around the dam. By bus: There is a bus that goes to Amizmiz, every 30 minutes at the Sidi Mimoun station (200m south of the Koutoubia). Quite a long journey time because of many stops on the way. By grand taxi or personal car, allow 40 minutes drive from the center of Marrakech.