About 20 kilometers from Guelmim, on the road to Assa, the village of Fask presents an unexpected facet of Morocco’s south. In an arid region prone to intense temperatures, a tree-lined promenade offers a peaceful escape from the heat.
At midday, with the sun high and temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius, the area is surprisingly vibrant. Families, tourists, and residents from nearby towns gather to enjoy the cooler, quieter environment. The lush vegetation stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert, giving the promenade a striking ambiance.
This “unusual greenery on the edge of the desert” has become particularly popular during periods of extreme heat among residents of Fask and Guelmim, as well as passing visitors.
Fask is a rural commune in Guelmim province, situated within the territory of the Aït Ahmed. According to 2024 census data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the commune is home to 3,511 residents across 862 households.
The village is more than just a stop on the road to Assa; its geographical position has long made it a crossroads. Historically, Fask was located along caravan trade routes. Today, its proximity to Guelmim continues to solidify its role as a link between different areas, especially as Morocco’s deep south undergoes significant changes.
Fask also boasts a more recent advantage: its modern water infrastructure.
A short distance from a major new dam
The promenade is less than two kilometers from the recently developed Fask Dam. Described as the largest dam in the Moroccan Sahara, it is now a prominent feature of the regional landscape.
Just minutes from Guelmim, the presence of water and vegetation creates a striking contrast with the traditional image of a south dominated by arid landscapes. The dam and the promenade, built in the heart of Fask, are enhancing the area’s appeal while providing new recreational spaces for local residents.
Hassan, a retired man living in Lille, France, originally from Guelmim, is well acquainted with the promenade and returns regularly.
“I’m from Guelmim, and I come to this promenade almost every two months. It’s a very clean place; I really like nature, and I bring the children here so they can run around. There’s also a park for children. It’s very hot, but we can handle it because we’re used to these temperatures,” he shared.
For him, the promenade has become a cherished spot for families to gather and relax. Its quiet atmosphere, cleanliness, and children’s facilities have transformed it into a family recreation area.
Another visitor, Ahmed, a Moroccan from Casablanca, also sought relief from the heat.
“With temperatures reaching 37 degrees, this promenade is a real breath of fresh air for residents. We came here to find some relief from the heat. At midday, temperatures are very high, so you have to find shaded places to cool down. We knew it would be hot, but despite the temperature, it feels less intense here because the climate is dry, unlike in coastal cities,” he explained.
A project backed by a Fask native
Another distinctive feature of the promenade is its funding source. The project was supported by Mohamed El Ouafi, a native of Fask and CEO of SAOAS. Founded in 1975, SAOAS is a long-standing player in Moroccan agriculture, specializing in crop protection and the development of innovative agricultural solutions.
The initiative extends beyond the promenade’s development. It is part of a broader effort to serve local residents, encompassing a Dar Taliba—a facility designed to support young girls’ education—and a library, both located alongside the nearby mosque.
A media library is also under construction, expected to further expand the site’s cultural and educational offerings. Together, these amenities aim to elevate the promenade beyond a simple place for walking and relaxation.
