Things To Do
in Guelmim
Guelmim is a desert frontier town in southern Morocco, perched between palm groves and the edge of the Sahara. It serves as a cultural gateway to the Anti-Atlas and the Draa Valley, with bustling souks and a warm, alpine-influenced hospitality. The town blends Amazigh and Arab influences, reflected in its markets, crafts, and music.
Expect a laid-back pace, intriguing desert landscapes, and memorable encounters with nomadic heritage and modern Moroccan life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh bread, olives, and mint tea. After breakfast, wander through the narrow alleys of Guelmim's historic center, admiring the unique architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the iconic Guelmim Souk, where the scent of spices fills the air and local vendors showcase their handmade crafts.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour to learn about the rich history of Guelmim, visiting key landmarks such as the old kasbah and the remnants of ancient walls. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes like tagine and couscous. Continue your exploration by visiting the local museum, which houses artifacts that tell the story of the region's Berber and Saharan heritage.
As the sun sets, stroll through the bustling streets as the city comes alive with energy. Stop at a café for a refreshing drink and watch the locals engage in lively conversations while enjoying traditional music. End your evening by dining at a rooftop restaurant, where you can savor Moroccan delicacies under the stars while taking in panoramic views of the city.
Depart early in the morning for an adventure to Erg Chegaga, one of the most beautiful sand dune landscapes in Morocco, located approximately 90 kilometers from Guelmim. Enjoy a hearty breakfast packed for the road, as you drive through the stunning scenery of the Sahara desert. Upon arrival, take time to soak in the beauty of the vast dunes, feeling the fine sand beneath your feet.
After a short rest, embark on a camel trek into the dunes, guided by local Berber nomads who share their knowledge of the desert landscape. Explore the undulating sand hills, and take plenty of photos as the sun casts mesmerizing shadows. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the dunes, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the desert wind.
As night falls, gather around a traditional campfire where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, complete with tagine and sweet mint tea. Listen to captivating stories and local music performed by nomadic artists, creating an unforgettable cultural experience. Finally, stargaze in the clear desert sky, witnessing the brilliance of countless stars far away from city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-4 |
| 🚌Local transportation (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel or riad per night | $25-60 |
| 🧃 bottled water (1.5L) or soft drink | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich desert landscapes and welcoming people
- Vibrant souks, traditional crafts, and authentic Moroccan cuisine
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Desert heat can be intense in summer and transportation options may be sparse outside town
- "Salam alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran, la besoin" - No thank you, I don’t need it
- "Kam thaman hada?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ayna al-hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Min fadlik" - Please
Places to Visit in Guelmim
Visit one of these nice places.
A sea of dates and palms bathed in soft morning light—ideal for wide-angle desert-oasis photography.
Weathered walls, blue doors, and narrow lanes offering texture-rich urban photography with locals in daily life.
Horizon views where the sun sinks behind the sands beyond the town, great for silhouettes and expansive landscape shots.
Food in Guelmim
Guelmim Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked lamb with dates and spices, a signature combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Must-Try!
Steamed couscous with seasonal vegetables and flavorful broth.
Whole-roasted lamb or sheep, carved at the table in celebratory meals.
Hearty tomato-lentil soup often enjoyed to break a fast or as a comforting starter.
Filo-wrapped pastries filled with meat, nuts, and spices; a delightful snack or starter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market where you can taste fresh fruit, nuts, olives, grilled meats, and traditional sweets; a great place to observe daily life and pick up snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Assalamu alaykum' (peace be upon you); a handshake is common among men, and women may greet with a verbal greeting or a nod in more conservative settings.
Modest clothing is appreciated, especially in mosques, markets, and rural areas; shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural or religious settings.
Respect the habit of hospitality—if offered tea or sweets, accepting it is a polite gesture.
Safety
Tipping in Guelmim
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping for good service is common: around 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for cafe staff or guides are appreciated.
Cash in Moroccan Dirhams is widely used; many places in towns accept debit/credit cards, especially hotels and larger restaurants, but street vendors generally prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming palms; comfortable for outdoor exploration and markets spring to life.
Very hot; temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F). Travel early mornings and late afternoons; stay hydrated and seek shade.
Warm days with cooler evenings; pleasant for walking tours and day trips.
Mild days and cool nights; desert chill can be brisk after sunset, but daytime sightseeing remains comfortable.
Guelmim at Night
Hiking in Guelmim
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate hikes with panoramic desert and valley views; village visits are possible along the way.
Short desert walks around palm oases and dune edges, ideal for photography and easy trekking.
Guided day trips to scenic ridges and canyons beyond the town, combining scenery with cultural stops.
Airports
How to reach Guelmim by plane.
Regional airport serving Guelmim and surrounding areas; connects to major Moroccan cities via domestic flights and seasonal services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Local inhabitants with distinct languages and crafts shaping much of the regional culture.
Influences seen in cuisine, music, and daily life; diverse traditions coexist in the town.
A mix of traditional and modern lifestyles, with growing participation in education and local markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Morocco, widely played and watched in towns and schools.
Traditional desert sport and activity; popular with tourists for treks and sunset rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guelmim.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most tagines and couscous dishes can be prepared without meat; request vegetable-rich options, lentils, chickpeas, or egg-based dishes. Inform servers about no meat or dairy if needed, and consider fruit and nut-based snacks for on-the-go meals.