Foum Zguid is a small town in the Souss-Massa region, in the Tata province, with a population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants. It is located in the southern part of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, specifically in the Jbel Bani mountains, about 172 km south of Ouarzazate (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by car). The town is situated between Zagora (about 125 km/1 hour and 35 minutes away) and Tata (about 133 km/1 hour and 45 minutes away) and is around 85 km/1 hour and 20 minutes from Tazenakht.
Foum Zguid serves as one of the gateways to the vast Moroccan desert. From here, you can access the trail that traverses the Iriqui National Park, located at the heart of the Djebel Bani Geopark, leading to the desert of Iriqui with its magnificent dunes of Erg Chegaga, the dried-up Iriqui lake, the small oasis of Zaouïat Sidi Abdenabi, and M’hamid el Ghizlane. These destinations offer travelers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty and vastness of the desert landscape.
What to see and do in Foum Zguid?
The ancient kasbah of Foum Zguid
The kasbah of Foum Zguid, founded in the early 13th century, is called by the nomads "Kasbah de Foum El Hench" (the serpent's mouth). It is said to derive its name from the Oued Zguid, which winds its way through the foothills of the mountain and, upon reaching the oasis of Foum Zguid, creates a passage through the Jbel Bani, leading to the vast desert expanses, resembling the mouth of a serpent, before joining the Oued Drâa.
Another legend, as told by an elder from the kasbah, explains that a long time ago, the marabout Mohamed ben Ennaser of the tribe gathered the inhabitants and the snakes of the kasbah oasis to sign a peace pact between them. The inhabitants and the snakes pledged not to harm each other and to live together in harmony. From that event, the name "oum el hench," meaning the mother of snakes, is believed to have originated for the kasbah
The Kasbah of Allougoum
Located 25 km from Foum Zguid, the Kasbah of Allougoum is currently undergoing restoration as part of a heritage rehabilitation project.
The rock engravings of Amzrou
The rock engravings of Amzrou, located 5 km from Foum Zguid, are unique prehistoric relics specific to this region of southern Morocco. Our guide will take you on a journey through time, where you can discover numerous engravings and paintings, offering touching and unique testimonies of our prehistoric ancestors..
The souk of Foum Zguid
The small shops under arcades and the lively Thursday souk in the center of the city.
Every Thursday morning, Foum Zguid comes alive with bustling activity as people from the surrounding areas gather to buy what they need, sell their produce, and enjoy a cup of mint tea together.
At the souk, you can find various items, including spices, fabrics, traditional dresses, woven baskets, a few ethnic Berber jewelry pieces, local fruits, and seasonal vegetables for preparing delicious tajines. It's a vibrant and vibrant place where locals and visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan market.
Agriculture in the oases
In addition to the cultivation of date palms, wheat, barley, alfalfa, carrots, onions, watermelons, and a few figs are grown there..
Smira's henna
The henna of Smira, renowned for its high quality, is undergoing a revival. Due to the decrease in purchasing price, many farmers had stopped henna cultivation. Currently, a cooperative has been formed, bringing together several farmers who have decided to revalue the henna of Foum Zguid
The craftsmanship of Foum Zguid
The Zguidi wool rug, dyed with natural colors and adorned with traditional Berber and more modern geometric patterns, is typical of Foum Zguid, and you can visit the cooperative to witness its production.
In addition, items made from dwarf palm fiber (doum), such as baskets, bowls, hats, and various kitchen utensils, are also crafted within a cooperative of women skilled in weaving, textiles, and rugs
Since November 2022, the House of Artisans in Foum Zguid has opened its doors. Housed in a magnificent building that showcases various architectural styles, it brings together the local craftsmanship, providing each artisan with an on-site workshop. Take the opportunity to meet the artisans in person, engage in conversations about their skills, and purchase their products directly, ensuring transparency regarding the origin, quality, and working conditions of the artisans.
Going on a desert excursion from Foum Zguid
From the dried-up lake of Iriqui to Erg Chegaga
From Foum Zguid, the gateway to the Sahara Desert opens up before you. Numerous tracks will lead you towards the sand dunes. Initially, you will traverse a rocky desert adorned with acacia trees, resembling the "Colorado" of the Moroccan desert. Along this track, flat plateaus emerge from the reg, and you can stop at a site abundant with fossils. Further ahead, a sandy track leads to the dried-up lake of Iriqui, and in the distance, you will see the dunes of Erg Chegaga and Erg El M'hazil. Our team at DESERT FOUM ZGUID offers a wide range of opportunities for bivouacs, treks, camel rides, as well as hikes to discover rock paintings and engravings, starting from Foum Zguid, Tata, Zagora, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Agadir..
Where to eat in Foum Zguid?
Restaurants in Foum Zguid offer local Moroccan cuisine. In the center, you can find the restaurant "Chegaga," ideally located to observe the city's liveliness while enjoying a cup of tea or savoring Moroccan salad, tajine, or skewers prepared on-site in clean kitchens.
A little further along the road, you will also come across the café-restaurant "Le Bon Coin." Additionally, hotels and inns in the area can also provide dining options for visitors.
Where to stay in Foum Zguid?
The accommodation options in Foum Zguid are diverse and mainly located in the center. You can find riads or guesthouses offering typical Moroccan-style accommodations with vibrant colors. Additionally, there is a hotel situated away from the center that provides superior services. If you need recommendations, feel free to ask here, and we can provide further assistance.
You can also choose to stay at our guesthouse, "La petite maison du lac Iriki," located 60 km from Foum Zguid, nestled in the heart of nature. It's a haven of peace, perfect for travelers seeking rejuvenation and authenticity. It serves as a starting point for treks and bivouacs in the desert.
Access to the guesthouse is possible by a 4x4 track, and we can also arrange to pick you up from Foum Zguid and take you there. A sense of adventure is guaranteed!
How to get to Foum Zguid?
From Marrakech to Foum Zguid:
Take the route through the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi'n Tichka pass, and head towards Tazenakht. In the village of Imerzgan, take the direction towards Foum Zguid, or alternatively, pass through Ouarzazate. The distance is approximately 310 km, and the journey takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
From Agadir to Foum Zguid:
Take the direction towards Taroudant-Taliouine-Tazenakht, which covers a distance of 356 km, and the journey takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes.
From Tata, Ouarzazate, or Zagora to Foum Zguid:
From Agadir to Foum Zguid via Tata: The distance is 392 km, and it takes around 6 hours.
From Foum Zguid to Ouarzazate: The distance is 173 km, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
From Foum Zguid to Zagora: The distance is 125 km, and it takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes.