Aguelmame Azigza

Azigza lies in a closed limestone basin in the Middle Atlas at about 1,500 metres, surrounded by cedar, holm oak and cliffs, and it has no surface stream running in or out - the water enters and leaves through the karst underground, which is why the level rises and falls by several metres between seasons and why the lake is unusually deep for its size. The water is dark green and cold. Barbary macaques live in the forest around it and can be seen at the shore. It is a camping and fishing lake for Moroccan visitors, with pike and other introduced fish, and there are cafes and rough campsites at the accessible end; the far side is quiet and reached on foot. Cliffs on one side drop straight into the water. The road in from Khenifra is metalled most of the way and the last stretch is track.

What's there

• A closed karst basin - no surface inflow or outflow, water moving underground.
• Cedar and cliffs - forest and rock walls dropping directly into dark green water.
• Macaques at the shore - troops living in the surrounding forest.
• A fishing and camping lake - rough campsites and cafes at the accessible end.

When to go

April to October. Half a day. Weekdays are far quieter.

Before you go

Weekend camping brings crowds and litter to the near shore. The final track is rough. Water levels vary greatly and the shoreline shifts. Facilities are basic and seasonal.

Nearby

Khenifra is west; Ouiouane lake is north.