The Beni-Snassen Mountains are one of the most peaceful and scenic regions in Morocco. While not crowded with tourists, they offer some of the best hiking experiences for travellers who want nature and culture together. If you plan to explore this area, it is best to rent a car in Morocco. Public transport is limited, and many beautiful places in the mountains are not easy to reach without a car. Our guide will help you plan your visit, choose the right trails, and discover the cultural and natural wonders of the Beni-Snassen Mountains.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains are located in the northeastern part of Morocco, near the Algerian border. This region belongs to the Oriental Rif range. The mountains lie between the cities of Oujda and Berkane. They are also close to the Triffa and Angad plains, making this region a unique mix of mountain, forest, and farmland. The region has milder temperatures than the plains. Numerous villages have grown up around the slopes because of the abundant water sources. If you rent a car, it is simple to drive between Oujda, Berkane, and the neighboring hiking areas because the roads are smooth and clearly marked.
One of the nearest airports to the Beni-Snassen Mountains is Fes Sais International Airport. The drive from Fes Airport to Beni-Snassen Natural Park takes around 3 hours. The route mainly follows the Rabat–Oujda Motorway (A2). After exiting the A2, you will continue along R607 and La Route de Zegzel (P6012) until you reach the park entrance near Tafoughalt. The whole drive covers about 305 kilometres. Ensure to carry some cash or a card for toll booths and fuel stations.
The Beni-Snassen mountains stand apart from Morocco’s more famous ranges, such as the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti-Atlas. While those mountains attract many tourists and host large resorts or trekking circuits, the Beni-Snassen region is quiet, undiscovered, and deeply local.
Unlike the High Atlas Mountains, which feature tall peaks like Mount Toubkal and attract crowds of hikers yearly, the Beni-Snassen range offers a more peaceful hiking experience. The trails here are not crowded, and villagers still use many for farming or walking between hamlets. This makes your journey feel more connected to daily life and nature. While the High Atlas is rugged and dramatic, the Beni-Snassen landscape is gentle, green, and rich in plant life, especially in spring and autumn.
Compared to the Middle Atlas, known for its cedar forests and large towns like Ifrane, the Beni-Snassen Mountains are more rural and untouched. No large towns are inside the range—just small villages like Tafoughalt, where locals farm almonds, wheat, and citrus fruits.The Anti-Atlas and Rif Mountains also have unique landscapes, but they are either more arid or more isolated. Beni-Snassen is at the edge of the Oriental region, with a mild climate and good road connections to Berkane, Oujda, and Saïdia. The mountain range is also near rich plains like Triffa, making the area a mix of mountains, farmland, and coastal access.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains are rich in natural beauty and offer some of the most scenic hikes in Morocco. This limestone mountain range stands out with its peaceful valleys, diverse vegetation, and rare geological features. The highest point is Ras Fourhal, reaching 1,532 metres, making it a popular reference point for hikers exploring the area. The slopes are covered with oak trees, evergreen forests, and wild herbs like thyme and juniper. Almond trees and vineyards are also present. These hills are beautiful and support farming communities that live in harmony with the land.
A key highlight is the Zegzel Valley, a long, green passage filled with medlar trees, freshwater springs, and quiet trails that pass through small Amazigh villages. Another must-see is the Grotte du Chameau, a cave resembling a sitting camel. Nearby, the Grotte des Pigeons holds archaeological significance as the site where one of the oldest human skeletons in North Africa was found.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains are a top choice for hiking in Morocco if you want quiet paths, mountain views, and cultural encounters. Tafoughalt is the best place to start because it is on the slopes and has many marked and unmarked trails that lead to it. From this area, you can access forest paths, narrow ridges, and open viewpoints all over the Oriental region.
Hiking routes here range from 12 to 18 kilometres, with elevation gains between 500 and 900 metres. You should expect to spend 5 to 7 hours on each trail, depending on your pace. Some trails are smooth and suitable for moderate walkers, but others are more rugged and steep, needing proper hiking shoes with ankle support and good traction.
Wear layers of clothing and bring enough water with you. Natural springs can be hard to find in the mountains, and the weather changes quickly. Hiking in the morning is better because it's cooler and the animals are more active. There aren't clear signs on many of the trails, so it can be very helpful to hire a local guide in Tafoughalt. A guide can show you rare plants, explain cultural features, and direct you to safe paths.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains are home to the Yat Iznasen, a large Amazigh (Berber) tribe with deep roots in the region. These communities have lived on the mountain slopes for generations. They speak Tamazight, a melodic language very different from both Arabic and French. When you visit their villages, you will see Amazigh symbols painted on walls and doors. Most people here live a rural life. They farm wheat, tend to almond trees, and grow citrus fruits. Animal herding is also part of daily work.
The Beni-Snassen Mountains are perfect for a short road trip. These itineraries give you a clear plan for enjoying the region’s nature, culture, and landscape without stress.
Start your trip in Berkane, which is known for its citrus groves. It is also close to the start of many mountain roads. In the morning, drive to Tafoughalt, a small village set in the green slopes of the Beni-Snassen Mountains. If your visit falls on a market day, explore the local stalls. You’ll find fresh produce, herbs, and handmade goods. The market is lively and gives you a good sense of local life.
In the afternoon, walk one of the forested trails near Tafoughalt. These trails are shaded by pine trees and scented with wild herbs. Then head toward the Grotte du Chameau, a short but scenic hike. The rock formation at the cave entrance looks like a sitting camel. As evening approaches, settle into a guesthouse or family-run inn.
On Day 2, begin your morning by hiking to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the valley. Early hours bring cooler temperatures and better light for photos. After your hike, enjoy a slow lunch at a roadside café or back in Tafoughalt. You can return to Berkane, or if you want to relax further, continue your trip to Saïdia. This seaside town is about an hour’s drive and offers a beautiful beach with soft sand and calm waves. It’s a perfect way to end a short mountain escape.
Begin your journey in Oujda, the largest city in the Oriental region. It’s well-connected by air and road, making it a good starting point. After picking up your rental car, head southwest toward Tafoughalt, stopping midway at the Zegzel Valley. This green valley is filled with fig trees, small springs, and corners ideal for a picnic or short walk.
Spend your first night in Tafoughalt, a quiet base for hiking. On Day 2, go for a longer hike deeper into the Beni-Snassen range. Choose a trail based on your fitness level—some are more rugged, with rocky ascents, while others pass through shaded woodlands and almond groves. If you are curious about local life, consider visiting a nearby Amazigh village. Locals often welcome visitors with mint tea, and you’ll get a closer look at daily farming life and traditional customs.
On Day 3, make your return trip to Oujda. Drive slowly and stop at quiet viewpoints or roadside fruit stalls. Many of the roads in this region have open mountain views, and even a short detour can lead you to a hidden picnic spot or a small hilltop lookout. Once back in Oujda, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or spend time in a café before ending your trip.
If you want to enjoy peaceful nature, quiet mountain trails, and authentic village life, the Beni-Snassen Mountains are the perfect place. You won’t find big crowds or loud resorts here, but fresh air, friendly locals, and some of the best hikes in Morocco. Every part of this journey feels personal, from the forests of Tafoughalt to the green valleys of Zegzel. Rent a car in Morocco with Final Rentals to make your trip easy and flexible. You can book online, pick up your vehicle at Fes Sais International Airport, and explore the region at your own pace.
