02 Travel Guide

Region 02 in Morocco historically referred to the Chaouia-Ouardigha administrative region, centered on the fertile plains south and southeast of Casablanca. Following Morocco's 2015 administrative reorganization, this area was absorbed into the larger Casablanca-Settat region. The territory covers a broad swath of Atlantic-influenced plains and low hills, bounded by the urban sprawl of Casablanca to the north and the agricultural heartland stretching toward Settat and Berrechid.

This is not a conventional tourist destination in the way Marrakech or Fès are. Instead, it rewards travelers interested in Morocco's working agricultural landscape, smaller Moroccan towns away from the medina-and-souk circuit, and authentic everyday life. The Chaouia plain is one of Morocco's most productive cereal-growing regions, and visiting in spring when the fields are green and wildflowers bloom is genuinely striking.

The region's major urban anchor is Settat, a mid-sized Moroccan city with a university, weekly markets, and a relaxed pace that contrasts sharply with Casablanca. Berrechid, closer to Casablanca, functions largely as a satellite town. For travelers, the region works best as a transit zone or a half-day excursion from Casablanca, though those with a specific interest in rural Morocco may find more to hold their attention.

Visas

Morocco's entry requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for up-to-date guidance and consult the official Moroccan immigration authority or your nearest Moroccan consulate before travel. Do not rely on secondhand information, as rules can change.

Health

No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers entering Morocco, but routine vaccinations should be current. Consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Tap water in rural parts of this region is best avoided; bottled or filtered water is widely available. In warmer months, sun protection is important on the open plains.

What to Pack

• Modest clothing is appropriate, particularly outside of Casablanca's urban environment; shoulders and knees covered is the general standard in smaller towns
• A light jacket even in summer, as evenings can cool quickly on the open plains
• Cash in dirhams; ATMs are available in Settat and Berrechid but may be limited in rural areas
• Basic French or a translation app is useful; English is less commonly spoken here than in major tourist centers

From Casablanca

The region is most easily reached from Casablanca, which is served by Mohammed V International Airport — Morocco's busiest international hub. From the airport or central Casablanca, the region's main cities (Berrechid and Settat) are accessible by train on the Casablanca–Marrakech rail line. Berrechid is roughly 30–40 minutes from Casa-Voyageurs station; Settat is approximately one hour. Verify current timetables and fares with ONCF (the national rail operator) at their official website before travel.

By Road

The A7 motorway links Casablanca to Settat and continues south toward Marrakech. Grand taxis (shared long-distance taxis) operate between Casablanca and regional towns; negotiate the fare before departure. CTM and regional bus services also connect Settat and Berrechid to Casablanca and other Moroccan cities. Confirm schedules locally or at bus stations.

Self-Drive

Renting a car from Casablanca gives the most flexibility for exploring the Chaouia plain and reaching smaller villages. Roads in the region are generally in reasonable condition on main routes, though rural tracks can be rough. An international driving permit alongside your national license is advisable — verify requirements with the rental agency.

Within Settat and Berrechid, petits taxis (small local taxis, typically metered) are the standard way to get around town. Grand taxis connect the main towns to surrounding villages and are a practical, if occasionally crowded, option for inter-town travel.

There is no formal public bus network linking rural villages comprehensively; a hired vehicle or grand taxi is the realistic option for reaching agricultural areas or smaller settlements. Cycling is feasible on flat plain roads but the distances and occasional truck traffic on main roads require care.

In rural areas, asking locally about road conditions before setting out is always advisable, particularly after winter rains when unpaved tracks can deteriorate.

Settat

Settat's compact medina and weekly souks offer a glimpse into a working Moroccan market town without tourist infrastructure. The Thursday market (souk) is particularly lively, drawing people from surrounding rural areas to trade livestock, produce, and goods. The town also has a small municipal park and the Université Hassan 1er campus, which gives the city a youthful character.

The Chaouia Plain

Driving or cycling through the agricultural plains in spring (March–May) is the region's most distinctive experience. Fields of wheat, barley, and wildflowers stretch to the horizon under wide Atlantic skies. This is genuinely photogenic and tranquil countryside, best appreciated slowly.

Berrechid

Berrechid is a transit town more than a destination in itself, but its Sunday souk is worth a stop if you're passing through on the right day. The town also has a straightforward, unpretentious local café culture that makes for an easy, authentic break.

Day Trips into Rural Douars

Small rural settlements (douars) dot the plain. If you have a local contact or guide, visiting one of these communities can be a meaningful window into rural Moroccan agriculture and hospitality. Approach such visits with respect and without assumptions about access.

Dining in this region is centered on local Moroccan staples rather than tourist-facing restaurants. Settat has a range of local restaurants and snack counters serving harira (the hearty tomato-lentil-chickpea soup), brochettes, kefta, and tagines. Fast-food-style sandwich shops selling Moroccan-style sandwiches with merguez or kefta are ubiquitous and inexpensive.

Friday couscous is a cultural institution across Morocco, and finding a family restaurant or local eatery serving it on Fridays is very achievable in Settat. Markets and bakeries sell fresh khobz (Moroccan flatbread) throughout the day.

Alcohol is less readily available in smaller towns in this region than in Casablanca. Some licensed restaurants and hotels may carry it; verify locally. Many travelers in rural Morocco choose not to seek it out, and this is respected.

Tea culture is central to hospitality here. If invited for mint tea in any context, accepting is a normal gesture of social engagement.

Money

ATMs are available in Settat and Berrechid at major banks. Cash is essential in rural areas and smaller souks where card payment is not accepted. The Moroccan dirham is not freely convertible outside Morocco, so exchange what you need before departure or upon arrival.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage from Morocco's major operators (Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, inwi) is generally good in urban areas and along main roads. Rural coverage can be patchy. Local SIM cards are available at operator shops in Settat with a passport.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency service numbers in Morocco are publicly established — Police: 19, Gendarmerie: 177, Fire and Ambulance: 15. Verify these are current before travel, as they can change.

Medical

Settat has public hospital facilities. For anything serious, Casablanca's larger private clinics are the realistic option. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Opening Hours

Most shops and markets follow morning and late-afternoon patterns, with a midday pause. Hours shift during Ramadan. Verify locally, especially for souks which may follow weekly rather than daily schedules.

The Chaouia-Settat region is considered a low-risk area for travelers by most assessments. Petty crime exists as in any populated area; standard precautions apply — keep valuables out of sight, be aware in crowded market areas, and secure your vehicle if renting.

Road safety deserves attention. Livestock and pedestrians on rural roads, combined with some aggressive driving on main routes, make careful and defensive driving important. Avoid driving on unfamiliar rural roads at night.

As always, travelers should register with their embassy or consulate if staying for an extended period and monitor their government's travel advisories for Morocco before and during travel.

The Chaouia region has a strong identity rooted in its Berber and Arab agricultural heritage. The tribal confederations of the Chaouia historically made this one of Morocco's most significant plains peoples, and that connection to land and community remains culturally present today.

Islam shapes the daily rhythm of life here more visibly than in Casablanca's cosmopolitan core. The call to prayer marks the day, Friday is the significant weekly gathering, and Ramadan brings meaningful changes to schedules, menus, and social life. Travelers of all backgrounds are welcomed, and respectful curiosity is generally met warmly.

Dress modestly outside of private spaces. Public displays of affection are best avoided. Photography of people — particularly women — should always be preceded by asking permission. Accepting hospitality graciously, even when you cannot stay long, matters in this culture.