Benslimane Forest Walk

The Benslimane Forest Walk explores the woodland around the town of Benslimane, about 55 km north-east of Casablanca in Morocco's Casablanca-Settat region. The town is known locally for its forest, which is made up of cork oak, eucalyptus and other trees, and it is a favourite weekend escape for Casablanca residents. The trailhead is reached by grand taxi from the Ouled Ziane bus station in Casablanca, which costs about MAD 30-40 per seat and takes roughly one hour; those with a car can park near the forest edge, and no permit is generally needed. The walk covers 6 to 10 km on forest paths, takes two to four hours, and involves rolling terrain with about 100 m of total gain, which keeps it within easy difficulty for most walkers. The surface is a mix of dirt tracks, forest roads and softer sandy sections, and it can be slippery or muddy after rain. Shade is generous under the canopy, so exposure is low, but the paths are not consistently signposted and branch frequently, making an offline map important. Landmarks include open glades, picnic areas, stands of cork oak and the views back toward the town edge. There are no refuge huts on the route, and drinking water is not available in the forest, so walkers should bring water and snacks, then resupply at cafes in Benslimane town afterward. A practical turn-around point is wherever the track loops back toward the town side, and walkers can shorten the route by returning along the same path. Those intending to travel back to Casablanca should note that grand taxis leave when full, and late afternoon departures become harder to find, so starting in the morning is wise. Weekends bring more visitors, and weekdays are calmer.