Things To Do
in Goulmima

Slow-cooked stew with preserved lemon, olives and local vegetables or meat (lamb/chicken); widely available in guesthouses and family-run restaurants.

Must-Try!

Traditional Friday or celebratory dish — steamed semolina served with a mix of vegetables and sometimes meat; ask for vegetarian versions if needed.

Tafilalt is famous for dates; you'll find fresh and dried dates sold in markets and often served with tea as a sign of hospitality.

Sweet mint tea is the social drink of Morocco, poured from height for aeration and hospitality — offered everywhere from homes to roadside cafés.

Small weekly market areas and daily stalls sell fresh produce, dates, olives, breads and snacks—try msemen (flatbread) or freshly baked khobz from a local bakery.

Street vendors offer simple snacks like grilled skewers outside larger towns you might pass en route, and seasonal sweets during festivals.

Dress conservatively out of respect: cover shoulders and knees, especially for women, when in public or visiting rural areas and religious sites.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; many are shy or prefer a small payment for posed photos.

Use greetings (salaam) and accept mint tea if offered—it’s a sign of hospitality. Handshakes are common between men; between men and women wait to see if a hand is offered first.

Avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan daylight hours if you are in observant areas, and be respectful near mosques (non-Muslims typically do not enter prayer areas).

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: small change for café staff and guides (10–20 MAD / ~ $1–2) and 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included. Give tips in cash and to individuals rather than large sums to establishments.

Cash (Moroccan dirham) is king in Goulmima; small shops, souks and many guesthouses do not accept cards. ATMs are limited—carry enough cash and bring a backup card; larger nearby towns have more reliable card acceptance.

Expect very hot daytime temperatures (often well above comfortable levels), especially in July–August; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated, avoid midday exertion and plan early starts for hikes.

Warm days and cooler nights make autumn one of the best times to visit—pleasant for walking, sightseeing and day trips to gorges and dunes.

Days can be mild but nights get cold, sometimes near freezing; bring warm layers for evenings and expect fewer tourists and quieter guesthouses.

Comfortable temperatures and occasional greenery in the palm groves—wildflowers may appear after winter rains, making it another ideal season for visits.

Well-known canyon hikes along the riverbed with options for short walks or longer scrambles near the cliffs—suitable for most fitness levels.

Rugged desert mountains offering dramatic landscapes, rock formations and more remote trekking routes; guides recommended for multi-day routes.

Gentle walking routes through the oasis and along the wadi, good for cultural observation, birding and low-impact exploration.

Short dune hikes or longer desert walks organized from local guides—best done in morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.

The closest regional airport for eastern Morocco; reachable by road from Goulmima in a couple of hours depending on route—useful for regional connections.

Smaller regional airport and transport hub serving the Erfoud area, often used by travelers heading to desert sites—drive time is shorter than larger airports but services are limited.

A larger regional airport to the west, offering more flight options and road connections; expect a longer transfer (several hours by car) but useful for combined itineraries.

Major international gateway for southern Morocco; several hours’ drive from Goulmima or an internal flight + car transfer—common arrival point for international travelers linking to domestic transport.