Lake Ifni, 2,300 m, facing Toubkal, Taroudant Province : a new access trail for all

It is an emerald of the High Atlas, nestled at an altitude of 2,300 m, facing Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, in the territory of the Province of Taroudant. Popular with hiking and nature lovers, Lake Ifni now has a new stone access path, making the excursion accessible to all.

Replacing a very stony and difficult track, this welcome trail starts from the Andouss café, in Imhilene, and climbs up to Lake Ifni over 5 km (our photo). This route is punctuated by various stops, to admire the landscape. Mules are also available, if you feel the need. The gradient is 330 m up to the small summit which dominates the lake at 2,470 m, before a descent of 130 m.

The stone path is particularly well made. It recalls the one that was created to lead to the Agadir of Inoumar, in the Anti-Atlas.

The initiative for this work comes from the Souss Massa Tourism Development Company, which aims to "improve the visitor experience while preserving the environment."

Upon arrival, the hiker will find a reception area that is truly in harmony with the surrounding nature.

This stone and wood development includes a bivouac area, a sentry box, toilets, pergolas for picnicking (our photo), benches and solar panels.

Tourist signage is being installed. It will join the one that indicates to visitors that they are in the Toubkal National Park (our photo).

From Lake Ifni, it is possible to reach the 4,136 m peak of the roof of the Maghreb, with the mandatory use of a guide. The classic ascent, however, is from the north and the charming and very touristy village of Imlil .

Lake Ifni was created by nature and a landslide that closed off its southern side. Its shores are steep except in the west where the lake, which has a maximum depth of 50 m, is bordered by a vast stony plain.

You can risk swimming there, except in the northeastern part, which is dangerous.

Having crossed the southern slope of the lake, the water flows into the valley.

This is why, dotted with small villages (our photo), it is green and superb. Terraced crops allow the Berbers who populate these valleys to find their food there and perhaps the youngest to avoid the attraction of large towns.

A few rare cafes and lodgings welcome tourists who love the great outdoors.

It takes four to five hours of (beautiful) driving from the Agadir region, so spending a night in the valley is recommended.

The closest guesthouse to Lake Ifni is called Chez Rkia, and it has garnered enthusiastic reviews. However, it is not possible to book a room in advance. Further down, in Amsouzart, the choice is wider. The Ryad Dar Amsouzart is offered by Booking.com. The same is true of the Riad Toubkal in Atlas Tifnout.