Things To Do
in Benslimane
Benslimane is a small provincial town in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco, known for its surrounding cork oak and pine forests and agricultural plain. It serves as a quieter weekend escape for residents of Casablanca and Rabat, offering green spaces, rural markets and a laid-back pace. The town's economy is centered on farming, forestry and small local commerce, with a mix of modern amenities and traditional Moroccan life.
Its location between the Atlantic cities and inland countryside makes it a convenient base for short day trips to beaches, larger cities and outdoor areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Benslimane, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Moroccan architecture. Stop by the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and pick up some fresh produce or handmade crafts. Don’t forget to grab a cup of traditional mint tea at a nearby café to fuel your morning explorations.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your exploration by visiting the fascinating Museum of Benslimane, where you can learn about the region's rich history and culture. Spend some time interacting with local artisans who are often found showcasing their crafts, providing you with an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, take a leisurely stroll through the historic alleys, enjoying the beautiful sunset over the old town.
For dinner, indulge in traditional Moroccan cuisine at a highly recommended restaurant, sampling dishes like tagine and couscous. After your meal, experience the local nightlife by visiting a nearby café or bar where you can enjoy live music or local performances. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk under the stars, soaking in the charm of the historic center.
Embark on a morning hike in the surrounding natural areas, where you can witness the diverse flora and fauna of the Moroccan countryside. Bring your binoculars to spot various bird species and enjoy the tranquility of the landscape as you walk along scenic trails. Don’t forget to pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst the nature.
After your nature-filled morning, head to a nearby natural reserve where you can explore the unique ecosystems and possibly spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Engage in a guided tour to learn more about the conservation efforts in the area and the importance of protecting the environment. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the landscape while capturing stunning photographs.
Return to Benslimane in the evening and enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery, sampling some freshly grilled meats and seasonal vegetables. After dinner, consider visiting a local park for a leisurely stroll, where you can enjoy the fresh evening air and perhaps engage in conversation with local residents. End your day with a cozy nightcap at a café while reflecting on your day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-9 |
| ☕Coffee or mint tea | $0.80-2 |
| 🚕Local taxi short ride | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $35-80 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic weekly) | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, green town with easy access to nearby beaches and larger cities
- Authentic local life and affordable prices
- Good for short nature escapes and mild outdoor activities
- Convenient base between Casablanca and Rabat for day trips
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few luxury accommodations
- Fewer English speakers compared with bigger cities—French and Arabic/French are more common
- Public transport options are limited; car recommended for flexibility
- Nightlife and cultural attractions are modest compared with Casablanca or Rabat
- "As-salamu alaykum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Shukran (شكراً)" - Thank you
- "La shukran" - No thank you
- "Min fadlak / Min fadlik" - Please (male/female)
- "Bshhal hada?" - How much is this?
- "Smah li" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Fin kayn…?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Benslimane
Visit one of these nice places.
Pine and cork oak stands offering atmospheric light, textured bark and seasonal wildflowers — great for landscape and nature shots at golden hour.
Colorful market stalls, baskets of spices and stacked produce provide lively street photography opportunities with candid local life.
Sandy beaches and fishing activity a short drive away offer sunrise/sunset seascapes and local fishing scenes.
Fields of citrus and olive groves with farm workers and rural scenes, especially photogenic during harvest seasons.
Food in Benslimane
Benslimane Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked stew with meat (chicken, lamb) or vegetables, seasoned with preserved lemon and olives; widely available at local restaurants and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
Steamed semolina typically served on Fridays with vegetables and meat — a weekly communal staple found in many homes and local restaurants.
Flatbreads and semolina pancakes served at breakfast or as snacks with honey and butter; try them at bakeries and street vendors in the morning.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical weekly market where farmers sell fresh produce, olives, spices and household goods — ideal for seasonal fruit, local honey and fresh bread.
Small vendors sell msemen, sandwiches and grills near the central square; try freshly baked khobz (bread) and simple snack stalls for authentic flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important: a friendly 'Salam' or 'As-salamu alaykum' and a handshake (men) are common. Use formal greetings with elders and show respect.
Conservative dress is recommended—covering shoulders and knees is respectful in town and essential in religious sites. Beachwear is fine at the coast but not in town centers.
If invited to a home, remove shoes, accept offered tea and small amounts of food, and show appreciation—bringing a small gift is polite.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders, and be mindful of local sensitivities around religious or private gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Benslimane
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: small tips (10–20 MAD) for cafe or bakery service, 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and a few dirhams to local helpers or guides. Taxi drivers usually expect no tip for short rides but rounding up is common.
Cash in Moroccan dirhams is widely used, especially in markets and small shops. Major hotels, restaurants and larger stores accept cards; ATMs are available in town, but carry cash when visiting rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming fields and comfortable conditions for hiking and outdoor activities; spring is one of the best times to visit for greenery and birdlife.
Hot, dry weather especially in July–August; afternoons can be hot inland—early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor plans. Nearby Atlantic beaches are popular to escape the heat.
Cooling temperatures, harvest time in agricultural areas and pleasant weather for walks and cultural visits; occasional rain begins late in the season.
Mild to cool winters with most rainfall occurring between November and February; nights can be chilly and some rural roads muddy after heavy rains.
Benslimane at Night
Hiking in Benslimane
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local informal trails through pine and cork oak stands offer easy hikes, birdwatching and shaded picnic areas—suitable for most fitness levels.
Walk the sandy coastline and dunes near Bouznika or Mohammedia for seaside hiking and tidal scenery—best at low tide and during cooler parts of the day.
Network of dirt tracks between orchards and fields for exploratory walks and cycling, especially pleasant during harvest seasons and spring blooms.
Airports
How to reach Benslimane by plane.
The largest international airport in the region (about 60–90 km from Benslimane depending on route); well connected with taxis, rental cars and intercity buses to Casablanca and onward local transport to Benslimane.
Rabat's airport is an option for some routes and is roughly 60–80 km from Benslimane; useful if combining visits to the capital and the region, with car or bus transfers available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Arab and Amazigh (Berber) families engaged in agriculture, commerce and local services; Arabic (Moroccan Darija) and Amazigh dialects are commonly spoken.
A portion of the population commutes to Casablanca, Mohammedia or Rabat for work, creating a mix of rural and peri-urban lifestyles.
Traditional family structures are common, with multi-generational households and strong community ties visible in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and locally—matches and neighborhood games are common and community support for clubs is strong.
Horseback riding and related activities are popular in rural areas and at local stables, reflecting Morocco's equestrian traditions.
Locals use rural roads and forest tracks for jogging and cycling, especially during cooler mornings and evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Benslimane.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include vegetable tagines, salads and bread; however many dishes use meat broth so ask for explicitly meat-free preparations and request vegetable-only couscous or tagines.
Vegan choices are possible (legume dishes, steamed vegetables, salads) but cross-contamination with butter or eggs can occur in bakeries—communicate clearly and prefer vegetable-based street options.
Traditional Moroccan cuisine relies heavily on wheat (bread, pancakes, couscous). Vegetables, grilled meats and salads are safer choices, but explain restrictions to cooks and avoid breads and semolina unless confident about ingredients.