Bouskoura Forest Loop

The Bouskoura Forest Loop is a woodland walk in the forest south of Casablanca, in Morocco's Casablanca-Settat region, near the town of Bouskoura along the Route de Bouskoura. The forest is one of the largest green spaces near the city, planted largely with eucalyptus, pine and other trees, and it is popular with residents for walking, jogging, cycling and picnics. The trailhead is reached by taxi from central Casablanca, which costs about MAD 80-120 and takes around 30 minutes; visitors should arrange the return trip before leaving, since taxis are scarce inside the forest. Informal parking is available near the main entrances for those with a car, and no permit is required. The loop is typically 5 to 8 km on forest tracks and takes two to three hours, with only about 50 m of gentle elevation gain, so the difficulty is low. The surface is mostly packed dirt and sandy track, which can turn muddy after winter rain. Many paths are not formally signposted and the network of tracks can be confusing, so an offline map or GPS track is useful, and walkers should keep to the wider main tracks. Shade is plentiful under the tall trees, making the forest cooler than the city on hot days, although it can be buggy in warm months. Landmarks are modest: open clearings, picnic areas, eucalyptus stands and occasional riding stables or cafes near the edges. Water is not available along the paths, so visitors should carry about 2 litres. There are no refuge huts, though the forest edge near Bouskoura offers shops and cafes. A sensible turn-around is at any junction when the light starts to fade; walkers should finish before dusk. Weekends bring many families and horse riders, while weekdays are quiet.