Eastern Morocco: Desert Vistas, Heritage, and Quiet Oases

Eastern Morocco extends from the eastern Mediterranean coast to the edge of the Sahara. This region shows varied settings, from active cities to lush oases, highlands, and wide plains shaped by many cultures over time. Below are the six key areas of Oujda, Berkane & Beni Snassen, Taourirt, Figuig, Taza & Guercif, and Jerada and their histories, main attractions, and reasons to visit.

1. Oujda: Center of the Eastern Region

Short History of Oujda
Founded in 994 by Ziri ibn Atiyya, a leader of the Zenata (Amazigh) group, Oujda rose due to key trade routes. Arab dynasties, Ottoman-linked tribes, and French colonials each left marks on its layout. Today, Oujda serves as a culture and transport gateway, linking inland Morocco with the coast.

Places to Visit in Oujda

• Medina of Oujda
  Wander narrow alleys with spice vendors, century-old mosques, and handicraft stalls.
• Bab Sidi Abdel Wahab
  Former main gate to the medina, it is adorned with detailed Moorish motifs.
• Oujda Music Scene
  Known for rai and malhoun music, with festivals that celebrate Moroccan sounds.

Why Visit Oujda?
Oujda balances historical charm and modern growth. Visitors can explore local dishes in the medina, enjoy live music, and use Oujda as a launch point to other eastern sites.

2. Berkane & Beni Snassen: Oranges and Mountain Trails

Short History
Berkane and the nearby Beni Snassen Mountains have hosted Amazigh farmers for many years. French influence expanded irrigation, making Berkane a center for orange production, a status it still holds.

Places to Visit in Berkane & Beni Snassen

• Orange Orchards
  Sample sweet citrus in the orchards around Berkane, famed for quality fruit.
• Beni Snassen Mountains
  Venture into forests, hidden waterfalls, and higher lookouts, favored by hikers.
• Tafoughalt Village
  A mountain hamlet with mineral springs, cool air, and scenic panoramas.

Why Visit Berkane & Beni Snassen?
Green valleys, abundant crops, and quiet mountain paths offer a change from busy city life. Whether picking fresh oranges or hiking to overlooks, this corner of Eastern Morocco reveals calm rural beauty.

3. Taourirt: Meeting Point of Desert and Plains

Short History
Taourirt sits between northern plains and southeastern desert routes. Amazigh communities lived here before it evolved into a caravan hub, trading salt, dates, and spices. French colonial projects then merged tradition with new infrastructure.

Places to Visit in Taorirt

• Kasbah and Old Medina
  Explore fortress-like structures and a souk selling local crafts and textiles.
• Local Festivals
  Festive events highlight Amazigh and Arab music, dance, and customs.
• Desert Excursions
  Taourirt’s location near semi-arid zones suits travelers aiming for remote desert landscapes.

Why Visit Taourirt?
Calm and steeped in caravan history, Taourirt offers insight into rural life and desert roots. Its story of trade ties draws visitors who want a slower pace.

4. Figuig: An Oasis at the Sahara’s Edge

Short History
Figuig dates to at least the 10th century, prospering around springs that sustained its oasis. Over time, it became a vital trans-Saharan link between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean. Its fortified ksars still show the strong desert culture that adapted here.

Places to Visit in Figuig

• Palm Groves (Palmeraies)
  Walk through dense date palms, a main resource for locals.
• Ksar El Hammam
  One of the oldest fortified quarters, marked by mud-brick homes and narrow lanes.
• Mountain Vistas
  The Jebel Maiz range frames notable sunrises and sunsets.

Why Visit Figuig?
Figuig offers a remote oasis experience with slow rhythms, old dwellings, and local traditions. It appeals to travelers seeking an authentic Saharan setting off the major tourist routes.

5. Taza & Guercif: Between the Rif and Middle Atlas

Short History
Taza stands between the Rif Mountains and the Middle Atlas, historically serving as a walled stronghold under rulers from the Almoravids onward. Meanwhile Guercif grew through farming, helped by the plains in this corridor.

Places to Visit in Taza & Guercif

• Tazekka National Park (near Taza)
  Home to rocky canyons, the Friouato Caves, and varied wildlife, drawing cavers and nature lovers.
• Historic Ramparts in Taza
  Remnants of old walls show the city’s past defense systems.
• Seasonal Festivals
  Taza and Guercif host events around harvest time, with local folklore and traditional songs.

Why Visit Taza & Guercif?
Taza’s natural sites and Guercif’s farmland give travelers a balanced view of culture and open-air activities. They are quieter stops for those traveling between large cities.

6. Jerada: Coal Mines and Desert Plains

Short History
Jerada surged in the early 1900s when coal was discovered, transforming a small place into a mining hub. Changes in energy and local policy later shaped Jerada’s shift from a busy site to an area reflecting past industry amid open land.

Places to Visit in Jerada

• Mining Sites
  Some are closed, but local guides can detail coal mining’s influence on the region’s culture.
• Desert Plains
  Wide, dry stretches lie near Jerada, ideal for those seeking quieter corners of Eastern Morocco.
• Local Encounters
  Residents share both Amazigh heritage and the 20th-century mining story.

Why Visit Jerada?
Jerada presents a distinct industrial legacy against stark plains, capturing how Morocco adapts. It interests visitors wanting to learn about modern transitions in a desert environment.

Eastern Morocco’s Diverse Attractions

From Oujda’s busy medina and Berkane’s orange groves to Figuig’s oasis, Eastern Morocco provides a mix of:

• Cultural Heritage: Amazigh, Arab, and Saharan elements in architecture, crafts, and music.
• Varied Terrain: Mountain hideaways, desert expanses, and green fields suitable for explorers of nature.
• Authentic Visits: Less touristy than some regions, allowing genuine connections with local hosts.
• Off the Beaten Path: the opportunity to view a side of Morocco largely overlooked

Taking time to see these lesser-visited areas shows a Morocco separate from crowded routes, where caravan paths, oasis villages, and hidden valleys share stories of the nation’s layered past and present. Explore more cultural and natural attractions in Morocco to experience this rich and diverse landscape.