Seven of the best wild swimming spots in Morocco
Lola Culsán, John Weller and Danny Weller spent several months campervanning, walking, swimming and exploring Morocco’s secret corners to bring you their new guide book Wild Guide Morocco. These are a few of their all-time favourite places for wild swimming. They are also the authors of Wild Swimming Spain.
Oued El Kannar, Rif Mountains
Clear water and a deluge of deep blue pools in which to dip, swim and dive makes this stretch of river (also known as Wadi El Qanar) a popular place in the summer, and shacks set up stall selling cold drinks, tagines and cookies; even tents for the night if you fancy staying over. We walked up the river for half an hour until we were ensconced in the wild belly of the river gorge, with towering cliffs on either side, having waded through water up to our necks and held our bags above our heads to reach the higher pools. This scenic river is a local rite of passage – young children splash in the lower pool while teenage daredevils practise their jumps and dives from high on the hillside further upstream. From Steha, head south-west on the N16 for 5.2km. Turn right onto the P4111 for 13.5km and, after 1.5km, take the right-hand fork. Follow this road for 6.5km to the parking spot (35.2155, -5.0145).
Cara Blanca, Tetouan
The hollowed-out yellow sandstone here forms a breathtaking natural coastal promenade. Large boulders sit intermittently along the sandstone shelf, like huge art installations sculpted by Mother Nature. The water here is dazzlingly clear, with submerged rock
formations making it a snorkeller’s paradise. There are plenty of jump spots and it’s fun watching boys and girls vying with each other to carry out the greatest feats of daring. If you’re tempted to join them, remember that safety should always be your top priority. From Nador, head north on N15 and P6209 for 27km. Turn right off the P6209 in Taourirt, at the road before the school (35.3538, -2.9951), then drive down a rough, narrow, winding track for 350m to Parking Cara Blanca (35.3464, -2.9641). Follow the steep, zigzag path for 1km down a cliff to access the beach.
Cascades Attiq, Tissint
A must-see, must-swim destination, the deep pools of Cascades Attiq are crystal-clear and ideal for swimming. We were mesmerised by the local boys diving and performing acrobatics into the water. Surrounded by tall cliffs and the vast, open sky, the river has the feel of a hidden place where, for centuries, the Amazigh people have escaped the harsh desert environment to cool down. We joined them in this ancient tradition. From Tissint head north on the P30/N12 for 600m. At the roundabout, take the first exit and, after 75m, park where you can. Walk left to a metal handrail to find the cascades and the river.
Lac Tanda, Boulemane
A magical secret grotto with an idyllic blue pool and cascade, pint-sized Lac Tanda is hidden downstream from the Cascade d’Imouzzer Marmoucha. There are several means of access to it but all involve scrambling down some steep rocks and there is no set path. Start at Cascade d’Imouzzer Marmoucha and follow the river downstream. Note that the water isn’t visible, or navigable, using GPS, so ask one of the local kids to show you the way.
Paradise Valley Jumps, Taghazout
This aptly-named spot sits in a dramatic mountain landscape, surrounded by palm trees and the gentle hiss of the Tamraght River. With walks, cafés, hikes and wild swimming on offer, it’s a popular spot; the family pool here is great for an all-ages dip, thanks to deeper and shallower sections. Thrill-seekers, however, should make for the natural pool further up the river where 8m and 10m jump spots promise a slightly bigger adrenalin hit. From Tamraght, follow the P1001 for 27km to the marked parking spot (30.5887,
-9.5311); exit by the path at back and follow the side of the mountain until you reach a junction, one path taking you down to the river and one up the mountain; follow the path down to the river, past cafés, and continue along to the left for 15 mins until you reach Paradise Valley Family Pool. From there either follow the riverbed until you reach the pool, or take the less-scrambly path over the cliffs on the right-hand side of the family pool, starting at 30.5882,-9.5274.
Lake Ifni, Western High Atlas
A giant blue opal, cradled in a remote basin, Lake Ifni shimmers beneath the barren rocks of the surrounding High Atlas Mountains. The scramble down to its edge can be a bit daunting, with loose stones sliding undefoot but it’s worth the effort. The water isn’t as cold as you might expect, despite the lake being fed by glacial melt. At 800m long and about 50m deep, the lake’s size is impressive. Float on your back, gazing up at the vast expanse of sky and you feel completely in tune with nature as bees buzz faintly in the background, a swift occasionally sings and distant goats bleat. To reach it, drive to the top of Imhilene village, Where the road ends, park outside Hussain’s house for a small fee (he will also offer you mint tea). From here (31.0189,-7.8655), follow a winding path up to the lake, with a 540m elevation gain.
Pool of Aït Mansour, Anti-Atlas Mountains
Fringed by palm trees and peaks, the silence of this man-made pool in the River Mansour is only broken by the gurgle of the water as it trickles downstream. This pool is a patch of watery paradise in the otherwise unbroken rocky beauty of the Anti-Atlas, a perfect place to decamp for an afternoon swim on your way through the mountain passes. From Souk N Tasrirt, head south for 11km to a parking area (29.5478, -8.8771). Walk 100m south, down the road, and the pool will be on your right.
Buy the book at https://wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-morocco/
