The Amhirich Market gives Guelmim a distinctive cultural profile: it brings together a centuries-old trading history, livestock trading, and an area for food and other products. Guedra, a dance tradition associated with Guelmim and its region, is another part of this profile. The wider Guelmim destination spans themes ranging from historic sites to coastal and rocky landscapes.
Market and Dance Tradition
The Amhirich Market in Guelmim has been in existence for more than three centuries and covers more than three hectares. It is one of Morocco’s best-known camel markets, where dozens of camels and livestock of various categories are traded. The market also has a modern area for selling fruit, vegetables, grain and other products. Its trading profile is therefore not limited to camels and other livestock: food and other goods are also part of it. The market’s long history and large area provide additional context.
Guedra is a traditional dance characteristic of Guelmim and its region. Its name derives from an earthenware vessel covered with goatskin, which serves as a drum for the musicians. Guedra is now very difficult to see, so a performance should not be taken for granted as part of a stay. The origin of its name also points to the instrument that serves as a drum for the musicians.
Regional Perspectives in the Wider Guelmim Destination
In the wider Guelmim destination, Tighmert was the main settlement of Nul-Lamta. Nul-Lamta is described as the medieval capital of the northwestern Sahara until the 16th century. Tighmert consists of palm groves and ksour that follow the Warg-n-Nun River downstream. Here, the history of settlement sits alongside a cultural landscape shaped by the course of the river.
Other historic landmarks in the wider Guelmim destination reflect different eras and architectural styles. Tigmi Ougalid, the Sultan’s House, is an Almohad kasbah overlooking the Taghjijt oasis. Dar Es Soultane is an old citadel on the heights of Taghjijt. The Amtoudi Valley lies about 120 kilometres east of Guelmim, in the direction of Tata, and includes a kasbah and agadirs. Adrar Zerzem is a protohistoric site in the commune of Taghjijt, about 80 kilometres northeast of Guelmim in the direction of Tata; it is dated to approximately 2,500 BC. The region’s historical perspective thus ranges from Almohad architecture and a citadel to a site from prehistoric times.
The crafts of Guelmim Province are also part of the region’s cultural identity. Jewellery-making is associated with old traditions and techniques that use precious metals. Traditional leatherwork produces and decorates items from supple goatskins. Jewellery and leather represent different materials and craft techniques, not a single experience or a shared workshop.
Coast and Rocky Landscapes
The wider Guelmim destination also includes striking coastal areas. Foum Assaka is a 19,000-hectare coastal SIBE, with cliffs, short beaches and diverse wildlife. Plage Blanche lies about 65 kilometres west of Guelmim in the direction of Sidi Ifni and stretches for approximately 45 kilometres. Near Ait Boufouln, dark, narrow rock formations make up the Grottes aux Pigeons, about 50 kilometres from Guelmim in the direction of Agadir. The coastal area, long beach and rock formations therefore offer different landscapes within the wider destination.
When looking for hotels in Guelmim, it helps to first decide on the geographical focus of your trip: should Guelmim itself be the main focus, or the wider destination with its historic and scenic attractions?
Discover more destinations: Tighmert, Tissint, Tata, Icht, Tan-Tan, Tagmout
Back to the wider travel overview: Guelmim-Es Semara.
