Lake Dayet Aoua

Dayet Aoua is a seasonal lake on a limestone plateau in the Middle Atlas, in Ifrane Province in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, roughly 20 minutes by car from the town of Ifrane. It is one of several natural lakes in the area, fed by rain and snowmelt, and its water level changes sharply with the seasons. In winter and spring the lake is full and attracts migratory and resident waterbirds, including ducks, coots and herons, while the surrounding reeds and fields turn green and are dotted with wildflowers. In late summer the shoreline may recede or the lake can dry out completely, leaving a flat bed, so visitors seeking water should plan their trip for the cooler months. The setting is open and quiet, with cedar and oak hills visible in the distance and little development on the shore. Locals come for picnics at weekends, and visitors can walk along the water's edge, watch for birds or simply sit in the sun. Sunrise is a good time for birdwatching and soft light, while midday is usually quiet. A typical visit takes one to two hours. There is no admission fee and no ticketing; the lake is open all day. Facilities are minimal, so visitors should bring water, food and sun protection, and warm clothing in winter because temperatures at this altitude drop sharply. Without a car, a grand taxi from Ifrane costs around 150 MAD return, and the driver can wait. The lake is often combined with a visit to Ifrane town and the Azrou cedar forest in a day trip. Binoculars add considerably to a birdwatching visit.