Guelmim is a city in the Anti Atlas region of Morocco. Known as the "Gateway to the Desert," Guelmim is a convenient starting point for experiencing the desert. Guelmim is also known for its market, and its camel market.
Understand
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The population of the city was 200,000 in 2018, making it the largest city in the region.
It was once a caravan center on the road to Timbuktu. Today, it is an important place of trade and exchange between the sedentary population and the nomads of the desert. In particular, it houses a weekly camel market, known as "Amhayrich", which is the largest camel market in Morocco.
The languages spoken in the region are Darija (dialect of modern Arabic), Berber, Hassanya (Arabic dialect). There are different Arab and Berber tribes around Guelmim, including Reguibat, Oulad Dleïme, Oulad Bousbaa, Tekna, Azwafit, Sbouya, Aït Oussa, Aït Brahim, Aït Yassin, Aït Lahcen, Ait Bouhou and Ait Baâmrane.
Climate
[edit]The climate of the region is sub-desert, but much cooler and much less dry than the typically Saharan regions, except during the periods of chergui (the desert wind) during which it can be hotter than in the Sahara. The average temperature ranges between 12 °C in winter and 30 °C in summer but can easily fall below 5 °C or exceed 40 °C.
Get in
[edit]The N1 and N12 highways cross at Guelmim and link it to the nearby region of Souss-Massa.
It lies 200 km south of Agadir, 110 km from Tiznit, 30 km from the Atlantic Ocean, 400 km from Laayoune, and 54 km from Sidi Ifni.
Guelmim has an airport with direct flights from Tan-Tan, Casablanca and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria .
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]About 10 km southeast of the city is the 1 Asrir Oasis, which is a popular destination.
25 km away is Zriouila, a village with mud houses, in an oasis around a spring.
Do
[edit]2 Abaynou village is about 13 km northeast of the city. It has an oasis and warm water sources.
The “white beach” is about 30 km from the city.
Buy
[edit]Guelmim has a pretty souk where you can find everything and which stays open quite late. At Guelmim's weekly livestock market, you can buy a camel or sheep.