Lake Tislit

About this place

Lake Tislit is a mountain lake in Morocco's High Atlas at about 2,266 m, some 4 km north of the small town of Imilchil in Midelt Province. Bare plateaus and mountains that are snow-covered in winter surround it, and about 9 km away lies the larger Lake Isli at a similar height. The two lakes are tied to a famous local legend: a young woman and a young man from two feuding branches of the Aït Hadiddou tribe fell in love but were forbidden to marry, and they wept until their tears formed Lake Isli, «the groom», and Lake Tislit, «the bride», in Amazigh. Their families, the story says, repented and decided that once a year young people would choose their partners freely. From this tale comes the Imilchil engagement festival, held every September, which brings together families from the region's tribes along with a large livestock market and Amazigh music and dance. The lake itself is a summer pasture where the Aït Hadiddou bring their flocks. The lakes' origin is still debated by scientists: some see them as meteorite craters, others as basins formed by earth movements and the dissolving of limestone. Winter in Imilchil is long and harsh, with nights below freezing between November and March, so May to October is the best time to visit. The mountain roads to the area are long, so allow at least a full day.