Beni Mellal

Introduction

Beni Mellal sits in north-central Morocco, at the foot of Jbel Tassemit and beside the plains of Beni Amir. It serves as the capital of the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Region.

The modern town traces its origins to 1688, when Moulay Isma'il founded a kasbah here. That fort is the starting point for understanding how the city grew.

When to go

Beni Mellal has a hot semi-arid, highly continental climate, so the seasons here feel more extreme than on the coast. Summer is very hot, and because the city sits inland, away from the sea, there is no coastal breeze to soften the heat — expect the hottest conditions of the year if you visit then.

Winters are cool and can bring snow. The continental position and the shelter of the Middle Atlas make this the coldest stretch of the year, so pack accordingly if you come in winter.

Three days in Beni Mellal

Day one: Start in Beni Mellal, a city in Morocco at the foot of the Middle Atlas. Use your first day to get your bearings in the city itself, then head out toward Jbel Tassemit, the mountain that rises above it. The climb is the main draw, and the views back over the plain are the reward. Winters here are bitterly cold, so pack accordingly if you visit then.

Day two: Turn your attention to the surrounding countryside and the Beni Amir plain, the agricultural land that spreads out from the city. This is where you get a sense of the region's farming life and the contrast between the mountain and the flatland. Summer is hot and dry, so plan your walking for the cooler parts of the day.

Day three: Look further afield toward the Khénifra Region and the wider Middle Atlas. The area around Beni Mellal connects to this larger mountain zone, and a day spent exploring in that direction rounds out your time here. Moulay Isma is another name tied to this part of Morocco, and it is worth working into your route if it fits your plans.