Kik Plateau Hiking: Alpine Meadows & Panoramic Atlas Views

What is the Kik Plateau?

The Kik Plateau is a high, open expanse of alpine pasture and rocky moorland sitting at around 2,000–2,600 m above the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir, roughly 60 km south of Marrakech. It is one of the great panoramic viewpoints of the High Atlas — a place where you walk across wide-open meadows with the entire Toubkal massif laid out before you, often with almost no one else around. After the busy valleys of Imlil and Ourika, the Kik Plateau feels wonderfully empty and exposed.

Its combination of big views, gentle high-altitude walking and few crowds makes it one of the best day hikes from Marrakech for regular walkers who want a proper mountain day without a summit push.

Kik Plateau at a glance

The hiking routes

The plateau offers open walking with several route options depending on how long you want to be out.

• Plateau traverse — a 4–5 hour walk across the high pastures with constant panoramic views to Toubkal and the surrounding peaks.
• Plateau and reservoir loop — a longer day descending towards the drowned village of Lalla Takerkoust and the blue waters of the reservoir below.
• Kik to Tizi n’Tichka approach — a fuller day for experienced walkers, linking the plateau towards the high country above.

Kik Plateau hike Kik Plateau hiking tour

Difficulty and fitness

The Kik Plateau is moderate. The walking is not technical and the gradients are mostly gentle, but the altitude (2,000–2,600 m) means the air is thinner than the valleys, and the open exposure means you are walking in full sun or wind with no shelter. It suits regular walkers comfortable with 4–6 hours on uneven ground. There is no altitude illness concern at these elevations for a day hike, but go steadily and hydrate well.

The drowned village of Lalla Takerkoust

Below the plateau lies the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir, created by a dam in the 1930s that submerged the old village of Takerkoust. The blue waters against the red-earth hills, with the Atlas behind, are a striking sight, and many Kik routes finish with a descent to the reservoir shore. There are cafes and small lodges by the water — a good spot for a late lunch before the drive back to Marrakech.

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are ideal. Spring brings the wildflower bloom and green pastures; autumn offers the clearest air and the best mountain views. Summer is hot and exposed on the plateau, so early starts are essential. Winter brings cold winds and possible snow, making the higher plateau routes less appealing, though the lower reservoir walks remain possible.

Kik Plateau weather guide

What to bring

• Sturdy hiking boots — the ground is rocky and uneven, and there is no shade.
• Sun protection — hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (the plateau is fully exposed).
• 2–3 litres of water and snacks.
• A warm layer and a windproof shell — the open plateau can be windy and cold even in summer.
• A camera with a wide lens — the panoramic views are the highlight.
• Trekking poles for the descent towards the reservoir.

Frequently asked questions about Kik Plateau hiking

How far is the Kik Plateau from Marrakech?

About 60 km, a 60–75 minute drive. It is reached via the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir road.

Is the Kik Plateau hike difficult?

Moderate — the walking is not technical and gradients are gentle, but the altitude (2,000–2,600 m) and full exposure mean it suits regular walkers comfortable with 4–6 hours on uneven ground.

What are the views like from the Kik Plateau?

Spectacular — wide-open panoramic views across the entire Toubkal massif and the surrounding High Atlas, often with no one else around.

When is the best time to hike the Kik Plateau?

April to June for wildflowers and green pastures; September to October for the clearest views. Summer needs an early start; winter is cold and exposed.

Is there shade on the Kik Plateau?

Almost none — the plateau is open pasture and moorland. Sun protection and a warm, windproof layer are essential.

What is Lalla Takerkoust?

A reservoir created by a dam in the 1930s that submerged the old village of Takerkoust. Many Kik routes finish with a descent to its blue waters.

Are there altitude concerns on the Kik Plateau?

Minimal for a day hike — the plateau is 2,000–2,600 m, below the level at which altitude illness is a significant concern. Go steadily and hydrate.

Is the Kik Plateau good for photography?

Excellent — the panoramic mountain views, wildflower meadows in spring and the reservoir below are all highly photogenic. Bring a wide lens.

Do I need a guide for the Kik Plateau?

Recommended — the plateau is open with no fixed trails, so a guide handles navigation and pacing and adds local knowledge.

Can I combine the Kik Plateau with other hikes?

Yes — it pairs well with the Three Valleys route and the Ouirgane area for a fuller day or a two-day Atlas itinerary.