Ibn-Sina urban forest in Rabat

Hello, everyone!

Today, I want to show you a little piece of nature that I recently discovered during a short 3-day trip to western Morocco: The urban forest of Rabat. If you like tall trees, peaceful walks and places where the air is a little cleaner than usual, then you're sure to enjoy this little getaway.

The forest is just a short walk from a well-known neighbourhood of the city called Souissi. It's amazing how you can go from car horns and buildings to an almost soothing silence in just a few minutes, right among the foliage. It is sometimes called the ‘green belt’ of Rabat, as it surrounds a large part of the capital, and is a real refuge for those who need a break from the concrete.

It's not a huge forest like the ones you find in the mountains, but it has its charm. Well-marked trails, benches to stop at, families, joggers, children on bikes... and that feeling of slowness that we often miss in our fast-paced days. You can sense that the forest has been there for a long time, that it's part of the city's silent history.

As soon as I set foot in the forest, I felt a pleasant calm. The ground was dry, with fallen leaves and small pine needles scattered everywhere. The sun shone through the branches, creating patches of light and shade on the path. The temperature was pleasant, neither too hot nor too cool, just perfect for a walk.

I followed a path marked only by ropes. There were no large signs or concrete, just dirt ground and the soft sound of leaves in the trees. The trees were tall. Some had light, smooth trunks, others dark and rough, as if they had been there for a very long time. You could tell they had been through a lot.

From time to time, I stopped to look around. An old trunk lying on the ground caught my attention. It had unusual bark, and small plants were growing all around it. There were also wooden benches, set up so that people could sit down and take a break. I sat for a while to listen to the sounds around me, watch the light passing through the branches, and simply enjoy the moment.

As I walked, I came to a pond surrounded by stones, with a fountain in the centre. The flowing water brought a little coolness to the calm of the forest.

Around the pond, there were colourful flowers, grasses swaying in the wind, and trees reflected in the water. The place was quiet and relaxing, ideal for taking a break.

Benches were set up all around, well spaced. I walked along the small paths around the pond, sometimes in the shade, sometimes in the sun. The place was well maintained while retaining a natural look. Everything seemed designed so that people could enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

At times, I stopped to enjoy the peace and quiet. The water rose and fell gently, and the sun shone through the raindrops. It was peaceful to watch. This place did me good. It reminded me that nature, water and silence can really calm us down.

As I moved away from the pond, I saw another side of the forest, one that was more lively. There were places to sit, such as a wooden table, ideal for a meal or a break with friends.

A little further on, I saw a table with a chessboard. I imagined two people playing, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. There was even a ping-pong table, which surprised me in such a natural setting. This place was not only made for walking, but also for having a good time and enjoying oneself.

The paths, marked out by stakes and ropes, guided the walk calmly. Little by little, the ochre earth gave way to a large green lawn, changing the atmosphere a little. There, the space was more open and bright. Various trees embellished the landscape, and a few birds walked on the grass without paying any attention to me. It was a calm and pleasant end to the visit.

My walk is coming to an end, but the tranquillity of this place stays with me. A simple walk under the trees is enough to make you feel better. I hope you enjoyed the photos I took during my visit to the urban forest of Rabat! Thank you for reading to the end. See you soon, and take care!

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!

All the photos in this post are mine, and I edited them myself on Canva !