Aguelmame Sidi Ali and its surroundings: a site of infinite interests

Aguelmame Sidi Ali is a startling wetland reserve in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco, which was recently given some protection status by the Central Board of Water and Forests (Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification), on account of its multiple ecological parameters. This wetland sanctuary is very strategic, and the nearby agglomeration from it is Midelt, which is standing 25 km off. Its crystal-clear water of azure appearance stretches over 277 hectares at the hearth of the Middle Atlas, in the medium of volcanic plateau, formed in the extinct craters. The lake’s depth reaches roughly 37 m, its altitude is around 2050 m, whilst its borders are flanked by Mount Sidi Ali, where in its pinnacle rests the cadaver of a respected local patron saint.

Once you will be on the spot, you will be allured by the virgin and verdant landscapes, contrasting starkly with the lake’s blue water rich in magnesium, bicarbonate and orthophosphate. This vegetative atmosphere displays rich ecosystem that is made up of vibrant carpet of flowers, mushrooms, without forgetting mattorals and centenary forest patches. On the strength that this area is under the influence of overflowing annual rainfall surpassing 700 mm, the vegetation prospers grandiosely, especially cedars, junipers, plus oaks, to name just a few. Logically, in the lights of the aforementioned bio-climatic ingredients, those shrubs provide shelter for healthy population of Barbary macaques, together with a host of crustaceous insects, dipteran insects, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Ipso facto, the lake’s nearby meadows are for their parts perfect habitat where troops of marsh green frogs take refuge and make their vocal contribution in dark, by peeping to one another. From an inward taxonomist angle, those amphibians and insects contain stamps of marvelousness upon them. During the aestival period, the grass lands nearby the lake attract multitude groups of transhumant Berber shepherds, pertaining to the famous Ait Mgild clan, who spend this season pasturing their flock of sheep and herds of goats.

Along the lake’s shores, birdlife is outstanding. Henceforth, individuals keen in bird-watching and natural photography, Aguelmame Sidi Ali should prove rewarding and eligible, peculiarly during spring and summer when storks, mallard ducks, ibis, quails, water-rails, coots, grebes, herons, Levaillant’s woodpecker, Tadorna cascara…etc are most evident. Birds patrolling skies (with lean motion and alacrity) are not hard to observe with binoculars. And verily, if you strike lucky, it is possible to discern good swarms of resident birds nesting. And above all, the lake is home to varieties of continental fishes, viz. carps, pikes perches, roaches, black-bass and trouts. The daily fishing schedule is between rise and sunset. As regards angling techniques, all classes and types of nets are warranted, save trawling networks that are completely banned and interdicte. Still to single out, amateur anglers need possessing a permit from the Department of Water and Forests, in conformity with governmental regulation.

Likewise, the placid and serene atmosphere close to the lake converts in winter into a paradise for many aficionados of ski mountaineering, due to the existence of distinct skiing crests, exceeding 2300 m of altitude. Here again, when one climbs more, contrasts become more and more incredible between rocks and snow. At its best, this sport modality practiced near Aguelmam Sidi Ali does not have a competitive character, but rather an aspect of diversion and spare time! As for outdoor enthusiasts looking for something frisky, then the solution is to just swim or even scuba dive, as a bunch of boy scouts do in summer. And ultimately, if you are interested to penetrate deep into the bush and come close to scores of jackals, foxes, bats, lynxes, genets, then you shall hire a mule for a jolly equestrian expedition. Strolling down those gigantic woodlands on mule back affords an opportunity to view natural wonders that are not available on the mass travelling routes.

Remarkably, what is of paramount importance for those intended to overnight, on the bank of the lake stands a tiny accredited tourism complex, composed of comfortable inn, plus camping area and caravanning park. Both latter spheres offer standard facilities like electricity, sanitaries, together with grills and tavern. What might be postulated too, this charmed hostel appears a mere replica of Helvetian guests houses or chalets, owing its elaborate architecture, painted tiled roofs in red slate, in addition to its panoramic vistas over the lake.

In summation, and if we dare to speak candidly, being in this overly romantic wet reserve and its outskirts is a wonderful chance for campers and holiday makers to escape from life's hectic pace, through an intimate encounter with some of the most mesmerised spectres in North Africa, featuring endangered mammals, endemic flora and avifauna, in addition to fascinating geology, as well as tourist establishments.

Aguelmame Sidi Ali is a lake in Middle Atlas mountains, Morocco

  

Written by: Monir Haissour, the Founder of the Moroccan Association for Alternative Tourism.

The version re-published here is slightly edited.