Lalla Takerkoust — A Gravel Cycling Guide
Lalla Takerkoust is the reservoir and dam country 35 km south of Marrakech — a blue lake against the Atlas wall, with rolling pistes along the shore and up onto the surrounding hills. It is an easy-to-moderate day ride and the natural stepping stone from Agafay up to the Kik Plateau.
The place
Lalla Takerkoust is a dammed lake on the N’fis river, built in the 1930s, sitting at the point where the Haouz plain meets the Atlas foothills. The lake is long and narrow, backed by the Atlas wall, and the pistes run along the shoreline and up over the low hills around it. It is one of the closest proper-foothill rides to Marrakech.
The riding
The signature ride is the Lalla Takerkoust Gravel dossier — lakeshore piste and rolling hill tracks, easy to moderate. The lake gives the day a focal point and a swim or café stop. From Takerkoust you can climb on toward the Kik Plateau for a harder, higher day.
Difficulty and fitness
Easy to moderate. The lakeshore is flat; the surrounding hills add short climbs. You want to be comfortable with 40–50 km and a few hundred metres of gain. It is a good second ride after Agafay, or a steady standalone day.
Quick facts
Season and water
Rideable year-round. The lake moderates the temperature and gives a cooling stop in spring and autumn. Summer is hot but the early lakeshore is pleasant; winter mornings are cold but the riding is fine. Carry 2 L — there are cafés at the lake but nothing on the hill tracks.
Linking it together
Takerkoust is the hinge of the Marrakech foothills. Below it sits Agafay; above it the Kik Plateau. A two-day trip can ride Agafay one day, climb to the Kik Plateau the next, with Takerkoust as the overnight. See the Marrakech to Takerkoust & Amezmiz overnight.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lalla Takerkoust from Marrakech?
About 35 km south — a 40-minute transfer. Close enough for a half-day ride out and back to the city.
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, the lake is used for swimming and there are cafés and guesthouses on the shore. It is a welcome stop on a warm riding day.
Is it harder than Agafay?
A little — the lakeshore is flat like Agafay, but the surrounding hills add short climbs. It sits between Agafay (easy) and the Kik Plateau (moderate).
Can I ride from Takerkoust to the Kik Plateau?
Yes — that is the natural progression. The Kik Plateau Adventure climbs from the lake up onto the high tableland with Toubkal views. It is a moderate, rewarding day.