Hello to all my friends in the Hive community!
I'd like to take you today to a small town I visited this last weekend, for a fresh and natural retreat: El Hajeb, a small town in central Morocco, located around 1000 metres and 30 km from Meknes. Sometimes called ‘the balcony of Morocco’, El Hajeb is known for its freshwater springs, lush green surroundings, ancient fortifications and welcoming Amazigh population. Spend a day here and you'll feel absolutely at peace.
Although more discreet than its neighbours Meknes or Ifrane, El Hajeb has a past that deserves to be told. Built under the Protectorate to dominate this strategic area of the Moroccan plateaux, the town is known for its old military kasbahs. Today, with its crimson walls and vast views over the Saïs plain, it retains its authenticity. Families, especially at weekends, make it a very popular place to stay, thanks to its pleasant weather and abundant nature.
I immediately began my walk towards the famous Ain Khadem spring. These small photos illustrate this beautiful place: a natural spring gushing out in the middle of abundant flora. It's a real invitation to relax and listen to the gentle murmur of the river, the water is really pure.
As I continued walking, I discovered the little jewel that is the Ain Dhiba park, surrounded by a lake. Charming, gently swimming ducks abound in the lake, which sparkles in the sunlight, giving this already fairly serene environment an interesting life. Benches all around the lake provide an ideal place to bask in the shade and admire the scenery.
The height of El Hajeb offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the whole valley, which makes it particularly distinctive. A little higher up, I was able to take a number of photos that speak for themselves: in front of me, an endless carpet of green fields and houses stretched to the horizon. The town's special character lies in the spectacular contrast between the man-made buildings and the natural greenery. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, it's the ideal place to contemplate the beauty of authentic Morocco.
It's impossible to visit El Hajeb without stopping in front of the red walls of the old kasbah. These astonishing remains are brimming with mystery and history. The town walls seem to chronicle centuries of local life and wind their way through it. The wild flowers and flowering plants that line the paths add a touch of poetry to this ancient scene.
After this explosion of emotion and history, I headed back down to the pretty public gardens in the town centre. Among the shady trees and brightly coloured flowers, you might find a pretty mosque, quietly nestled in the middle of this green setting, adding to the overall peace. These well-kept green spaces provide an ideal setting for a stroll, a chat or simply enjoying the moment.
El Hajeb particularly appealed to me because of its simplicity and honesty. The town is calm, nature is amazing, local history and the environment are respected. It's a place that encourages you to slow down, reconnect with nature, take time to consider the scene and appreciate the beauty of everyday objects.
That's all from this article on this charming little town. I hope I've inspired you to explore this modest region of Morocco, which is still unspoilt and charming. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading all the way to the end. See you soon for another visit!
I'm Redwan from Morocco ! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
I took all the photos with my own Redmi Note 11 smartphone, and edited them on canva !
