For travelers seeking calmness and some good time to connect with nature, Imilchil remains one of the best recommendations, It is a village located between the mountains of the High Atlas in Morocco, at 2200m of altitude. Two lakes are locally well-known in this area, Isli is 13,6 km from the village and Tislit is just 6,9 km from Imlchil, the distance between the two lakes is approximately 9,4 km. You can go for a good hike starting from Imlchil, then passing by Lake Tislit and eventually arriving at Lake Isli, if you are interested in camping, both lakes are good and safe spots for that.
What does the legend say?
Now let’s discover what is the story behind the two lakes, the Moroccan legend says that a long time ago, there was a couple, Isli a tall handsome man from the tribe Ait Ibrahim, and Tislit a Charming lady with long raven hair, and a beautiful deep eyes, she was from the tribe Ait Haddidou. Their love was profound and pure, but unfortunately, they could not get married and live under one roof, the traditions were very important, strict sometimes, and had to be respected, to get married and have a family Isli and Tislt needed both tribes approval, but since there were lands disputes and conflicts between the two tribes, they would not have allowed that, sadly the relationship was considered forbidden.
Isli and Tislit were sorrowful, depressed, and hopeless, this pain made them cry endlessly to the extent that they were drowned in their inexhaustible tears, and eventually died, their love, hope, and dreams died with them.
Isli Lake is made of Isli’s tears and Tislit Lake is made of Tislit’s tears, the legend says.
Although it is a legend, every year, at the beginning of autumn, a festival called marriage festival takes place at Imlchil, so people who want to get married can find a partner, it is like a festival that facilitates marriage and it is said that this is a way to make amends for the sad love story of Isli and Tislit.
If you plan to travel to Morocco, put Imlchil and the two lakes on your list, the whole area is beautiful and the people are friendly.
Happy and safe trip.