Nestled among the rugged mountains of Jerada province, around 20 kilometers from the city, Gafaït stands out as a pocket of greenery. Its cool waters and abundant vegetation offer a striking contrast to the arid landscapes that surround it.
Revived by recent rainfall, the area has regained its vibrancy. Springs and streams once again nourish its green spaces, while the Charif River winds its way through rocks and orchards of pomegranate, fig and olive trees, giving the site a distinctive landscape.
Its natural wealth extends beyond its scenery. “The area has diverse natural resources. It is notably located above the Aïn Beni Mathar groundwater basin. It also has medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as local products,” said Rachid Hamzaoui, a civil society activist in Jerada province.
These assets have made Gafaït a popular destination during the summer. Its freshwater, shaded areas and swimming spots attract residents from across the province as well as visitors from different parts of Morocco.
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Natural pools carved into the rock by the river are among the site’s main attractions. They are complemented by a developed rural swimming pool and several restaurants and cafés along the riverbanks.
“The freshwater and natural pools attract visitors from different parts of Morocco and from abroad. Some even come here to have lunch with their feet in the water, which is one of Gafaït’s distinctive features,” said Tayeb Oudghiri, who runs a restaurant in the area.
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The area’s tourism offering also draws on local products and the atmosphere along the river. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes in a setting shaped by the simplicity of the rural landscape, the sound of flowing water and the shade of the trees.
Visitor numbers can reach nearly 1,000 a day during peak periods, according to Hamzaoui, reflecting the appeal of this natural site and its tourism potential.
Despite its many assets, however, Gafaït still faces several challenges that limit its tourism development. Access to the site and its capacity to accommodate visitors are among the main concerns raised by local stakeholders.
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“The region faces major challenges, particularly the widening of the provincial road linking Jerada to Gafaït, as well as a lack of visitor infrastructure,” Hamzaoui said.
Promoting the destination is also a key challenge, he added. “We call on the Regional Tourism Council to develop a strategy to promote the area and raise its profile.”
Improving infrastructure and facilities would help accommodate visitor numbers and strengthen the site’s appeal. “A better road, quality facilities and more accommodation options would make the site easier to access and could encourage visitors to extend their stay,” the civil society activist added.
For local stakeholders, Gafaït has significant potential to strengthen its place on Morocco’s tourism map. Realizing that potential, however, will depend on improved infrastructure and services, as well as stronger promotion of its natural assets.
