Morocco off the beaten path: the best wild swimming spots, from waterfalls to turquoise lakes

Morocco is rich in natural water spots that beckon wild swimmers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts. Below the grand Cascades d’Ouzoud (north east of Marrakech), smaller waterfalls and secluded pools provide refreshing escapes from the busier areas, perfect for a tranquil dip. For those willing to climb, the rocky pools of the Amtoudi River in the centre of the country flow in gentle steps through a striking gorge, punctuated by pink oleanders that bloom along the water’s edge. Closer to the desert, the clear, green waters of Cascades Attiq offer a refreshing retreat from the surrounding heat and dry landscape, while the serene River of Aït Mansour winds through a landscape of dense palm groves, providing shaded peace. In the Atlas Mountains, remote natural lakes such as Ifni and the fabled Isli and Tislit are hidden treasures, rewarding visitors with raw beauty and solitude far from well-trodden paths. Here are our favourites:

A must-see, must-swim destination (see lead image, above). The deep pools were 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 was a hidden place where, for centuries, the Amazigh people had escaped the harsh desert environment to cool down. We joined them in this ancient tradition. From Tissint head North on P30/N12 for 600m; at the roundabout, take the first exit; after 75m park where you can; walk left to the metal handrail to the cascades and the river .

Nestled among the green slopes and the untamed rivers of the Rif Mountains lies the village of Chefchaouen. The blue aesthetic has made it a popular tourist stop but it is nonetheless an unmissable visit and a great place to base yourself while you go in search of wilder adventures. The surrounding mountains are teeming with hikes and hidden trails and the nearby river of Oued Laou provides several wild swimming spots, including the isolated green waters of Baofa and the calmer pools of Oued Laou Familial.

OUED IFERTEN: An offshoot of the Oued Laou river, winding its way toward the sea. As the river narrows, it becomes a peaceful stream, perfect for paddling rather than swimming. The water flows steadily and the bankside greenery and pink oleanders add that touch of colour. Overhead, a tall mosque minaret stands as a silent guardian, its presence adding reverence to the scene. The river was partially dammed with stones, creating small cascades where the water rushed over the rocks. Take the P1405 from Al Oued for 15km until you reach the bridge over the Oued Laou near Beni Ifertan; turn off on to the shingle path before the bridge and park next to the river (35.3529, -5.1855); on your right is Oued Iferten and straight ahead of you is Oued Laou Familial.

OUED LAOU FAMILIAL While some sections of the Oued Laou river can be difficult to access, with steep descents into mountain valleys, Oued Laou Familial is next to the road. Ideal for those travelling with young children, the river becomes a wide lake and the entry into the water is gentle with little current. Wide shingle beach with huts to sit at. Popular wild swim spot with locals and perfect for a mid-trip dip. Directions as for Oued Iferten .

Whether you like walks, cafes, wild river fish foot spas, hikes, wild swimming or cliff jumping, Paradise Valley has something for you. Enjoy the dramatic mountain landscape surrounded by palm trees and the gentle hiss of the Tamraght River as it laps around your ankles. The pool has a deeper and a shallower section, great for families with young children to swim and enjoy the day. From Tamraght, follow the P1001 for 27km to parking spot (30.5887,-9.5311); exit by the path at back and follow round 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 for cafes and fish foot spas where you can get fed and pampered next to the river; follow the river round to your left for 15 mins until you reach a natural pool.

So off-the-beaten-track that you’ll need to find a willing local to show you… but it’s worth it (and they will love showing you). 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.

Huge and impressive waterfalls well worth chasing. However, the main falls were very touristy, with a vast array of cafės and restaurants to provide refreshment while visitors marvel at their magnificence. We prefer things a bit wilder and more adventurous, so we walked down the steep path past the trinket shops to find the smaller falls.

Among the oleander bushes and flora are small riverside campsites and cafés. We swam at the first falls in a big natural pool (easy entry through Camping Africa). The intense power of the falls made for a joyous and energising swim, as well as a proper workout, as we tried to swim beneath the torrent of water. The further we walked along the river, the wilder the place got. Keep an eye out for monkeys. Paid parking near the main falls for a small fee; we drove to at the end of the cul-de-sac and parked on the road where there were green and white markings (32.0143, -6.7188 free parking);from the bridge over Oued Tissakht, face downstream and turn right then first left; at the end of the cul-de-sac, follow the concrete path down to stalls, then go right towards the main falls or downwards towards the river for the small falls and beyond .

Extracted from Wild Morocco by Lola Culsán, John Weller & Danny Weller, Quadrille. Readers can receive 20% off and free P&P with discount code TheStandard at wildthingspublishing.com (usually £18.99)