Sidi Boughaba Lake Reserve

About this place

A long freshwater lake set in coastal forest near Mehdia beach, about thirteen kilometres from central Kenitra. It is a nature reserve listed under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands, and one of the last freshwater lakes on Morocco's north-west Atlantic coast. The water stretches five to six kilometres parallel to the coast, between one hundred and three hundred and fifty metres wide and no more than two and a half metres deep. A sand dune up to twenty-five metres high separates it from the ocean, springs rising from the sandstone bluff on its eastern side feed it, and at one end stands the shrine of Sidi Boughaba, the saint who gave the place its name. The reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than two hundred species recorded, including rarities such as the red-knobbed coot, the marbled duck, the purple swamphen and the African marsh owl. Juniper, wild olive and lentisk woodland surrounds the lake, and an environmental education centre on site welcomes visitors. Walking the lake shore and trails is usually free. Winter and early mornings are best for birdwatching, and weekdays are quieter than holidays. Bring binoculars if you can, stay on the paths and do not disturb the birds.