Guelmim, Morocco
Region: Guelmim-Oued Noun
Geographic Coordinates: 28.983300, -10.066700
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 35.0°C (64°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with little rainfall. The temperature can reach up to 40°C in summer and drops to around 10°C in winter.
Population: 118318
Language: Arabic
Guelmim is a city in southern Morocco, Situated about 200 kilometers from Agadir. As the capital of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, It has a population of roughly 120, 000 people. The city occupies a strategic location at the crossroads between the Sahara desert and the Atlantic coast, Making it an essential stop for travelers exploring both regions. The history of Guelmim dates back to pre-Islamic times when it was known as Akka or Agadir Akka. It played a significant role in trans-Saharan trade routes and was also known for traditional crafts such as weaving and pottery.
Today, Visitors can still witness local artisans producing these crafts. One of Guelmim’s primary attractions is its weekly camel market that takes place every Saturday. Traders from all over southern Morocco come to buy and sell camels, Goats, Sheep, And other livestock. The market is a colorful spectacle with locals dressed in traditional clothing haggling over prices while camels bray in the background. Another notable attraction is its old kasbah dating back to the 17th century that once served as home to local rulers but now serves as a museum showcasing traditional Berber life and culture.
Visitors can explore its maze-like corridors filled with displays of ancient weapons, Jewelry, Clothing, And household items. For outdoor enthusiasts visiting Guelmim, Tafraoute National Park offers hiking trails through stunning desert landscapes dotted with palm groves and oasis towns with opportunities for camel trekking or quad biking through sand dunes. Food lovers will appreciate Guelmim’s culinary scene featuring dishes influenced by both Berber and Arab cultures like tagine (a slow-cooked stew) couscous (a semolina-based dish), Harira (a hearty soup made from lentils).
Finally, Guelmim hosts an annual camel festival every January attracting visitors from all over Morocco who come to watch camel races, Attend traditional music performances, And sample local cuisine. It’s a lively celebration of Berber culture that shouldn’t be missed. Overall, Guelmim is an exciting city offering visitors a unique glimpse into southern Moroccan life and culture. Its mix of history, Outdoor activities, Culinary delights, And colorful festivals make it an excellent destination for anyone looking to explore this beautiful region of the country.
- Tafraoute Oasis
- Bab Sahara (Gateway to the Sahara)
- Guelmim Municipal Museum
- Ksar Tissergate
- Oued Assaka Park
- Ait Baamrane Kasbah
- Taghjijt Village
- Asrir n’Igoudar Waterfall
- El Massira Dam and Reservoir
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Handicrafts
- Mining
- Construction
- Trading
- Transportation
Guelmim is renowned for its production of dates, olives and other crops. The city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has led to a significant fishing industry. Tourists interested in desert tours and camel rides come to Guelmim as it serves as a gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Traditional handicrafts such as carpets, pottery and leather goods are also popular in Guelmim. The city has several mines that produce phosphates used in fertilizers.
With the growth of tourism in the region, there has been an increase in construction projects such as hotels and resorts. Trading between Morocco’s southern regions and neighboring countries like Mauritania and Mali is facilitated through Guelmim which serves as a hub for this activity.
Guelmim also boasts a busy transportation sector with several bus companies operating from its bus station connecting it to other cities across Morocco.
- The Museum of Guelmim showcases the history and cultural heritage of the region, with exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and clothing.
- The Kasbah of Guelmim is a historical fortress built in the 17th century and is a great example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
- The Oasis de Tighmert, located just outside Guelmim, is a lush oasis home to palm trees, gardens, and traditional Berber villages.
- At the Artisanal Center visitors can watch local artisans at work creating pottery, weaving rugs or producing jewelry using traditional techniques.
- Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Mausoleum is one of the most important religious sites in Guelmim attracting many pilgrims every year.
- Agadir Beaches are just an hour’s drive from Guelmin and offer beautiful beaches such as Taghazout beach which offers great surfing opportunities for water sports enthusiasts.
- Souk El Had Market is one of Morocco’s largest markets where visitors can buy everything from spices to textiles to handicrafts like leather goods or ceramics.
- Laayoune Plage is a scenic beach located near the city center that offers stunning views over the Atlantic ocean.
- Bab Sahara Monument is dedicated to all those who fought for independence in Western Sahara which is located near Boujdour City Hall.
- Hassan II Mosque located in Laayoune city center has a large prayer hall capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers at once making it one among the largest mosques in Africa.
- Tan-Tan Moussem: A traditional festival held in January to celebrate the end of the date harvest season.
- Guelmim Festival: This annual festival takes place in July and features music, dance, and cultural performances.
- The Camel Fair: Held in October, this event showcases the importance of camels in Moroccan culture through competitions and exhibitions.
- Sidi Ifni Festival: Celebrated every August, this festival highlights the unique culture of the coastal town of Sidi Ifni through music, dance, and food.
- Fantasia Festival: This traditional horse-riding event takes place throughout Morocco during the summer months and is a popular attraction for tourists visiting Guelmim.
- International Nomad Festival: Held annually in M’hamid El Ghizlane (near Guelmim), this festival celebrates nomadic cultures from around the world through music, art, poetry, and storytelling.
- Tafraoute Almond Blossom Festival: Taking place every February/March near Guelmim’s neighboring town of Tafraoute, this festival celebrates almond trees blooming with colorful parades and live performances showcasing local traditions like Berber dancing & singing.
- Tagine: A traditional Moroccan dish made with meat or vegetables cooked in a clay pot with spices and served with bread or couscous.
- Couscous: A staple dish made from small steamed balls of semolina, typically served with vegetables and meat.
- Harira: A hearty soup made from tomato, lentils, chickpeas, and spices.
- Chebakia: A sweet pastry made from fried dough coated in honey syrup and sesame seeds.
- Restaurant Al Moutmir: Known for its traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine and couscous.
- Restaurant La Palmeraie: Offers a variety of Moroccan specialties including harira soup and grilled meats.
- Cafe Restaurant Zaytouna: Serves traditional Moroccan breakfast dishes such as msemen (flaky pancakes) and khobz (bread).
- Cafe Tafarnout: Offers a range of local snacks such as chebakia along with coffee and tea drinks.
- Restaurant El Kasbah de Guelmim: Specializes in seafood dishes such as grilled fish accompanied by various salads.
- Restaurant AL Bahja : Offers delicious Moroccan dishes like tagines , couscous , harira soup etc .
- Jardin Public de Guelmim is a public park located in the center of Guelmim that features trees, benches, and a playground for visitors to enjoy.
- Oasis de Tighmert is a natural oasis situated about 10 km from Guelmim that offers hiking opportunities, birdwatching, and exploration of the palm groves.
- Parc National d’Iriqui is a national park located approximately 70 km south of Guelmim that provides visitors with hiking trails, wildlife watching opportunities, and camping facilities.
- Plage Blanche is an exquisite white sand beach located roughly 100 km southwest of Guelmim that attracts many swimmers and surfers.
- Souss-Massa National Park is another national park situated about 150 km north of Guelmim where tourists can spot various wildlife such as gazelles, flamingos, and bald ibises.
- Camel trekking enables visitors to take guided camel treks through the desert surrounding Guelmim to experience traditional Berber culture while enjoying breathtaking landscapes.
- Quad biking offers adventurous tourists the chance to rent quad bikes and explore the desert terrain around Guelmim at their own pace.
- Horseback riding tours are available in the area around Guelmim for those who want to experience Morocco’s countryside on horseback.
