you will wind around hairpin bends through some dense woodland and then down through the
pretty gorges of the Oued Zireg . From the intersection at Sidi Abdallah de Rhiata, take the
main highway back east to Taza, pausing at Tizi n’Touahar on the way for more views.
Oujda
POP 880,000
Oujda is the largest city in eastern Morocco, and its modern facade belies its millennium-old
age. It’s a relaxed place that seems surprised to see foreign travellers, but it wasn’t always like
this. A quick survey of the map and recent history gives the reason. The terminus of the train
line, it has good links to the rest of the country, and was once near the busiest border crossing
with Algeria, making it popular with traders and tourists alike. When the border closed in 1995
Oujda’s economy took a major hit, from which it has yet to recover. It’s hoped that the plans to
develop tourism along the nearby Mediterranean coast will have a positive knock-on effect for
the city. In the meantime Oujda’s important university remains a mainstay of the economy and
the city’s intellectual life.
Despite few attractions, it’s hassle-free so you can catch your breath, after heading down
from the Rif Mountains or taking the long look to Figuig and the Sahara.
Oujda
Sights