L'Oriental

RegionMorocco, Africa

L'Oriental is a STATE in Morocco, Africa.

L'Oriental, the eastern region of Morocco, is a treasure trove of cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and historical richness. This region is a gateway to the Sahara Desert and is known for its vibrant Berber and Arab influences. The city of Oujda, the regional capital, is a hub of traditional Moroccan culture, with its lively souks, historic medina, and the annual Oujda International Festival of Raï Music. Nature lovers will be captivated by the rugged beauty of the Zegzel Gorges and the serene waters of the Marchica Lagoon. L'Oriental is also home to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, offering a glimpse into Morocco's rich past. The region's cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, with dishes like 'bissara' (fava bean soup) and 'm'hanncha' (snake-shaped pastry) being local favorites.

Best time to visit L'Oriental

The best time to visit L'Oriental is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert areas, while winters can be quite cold, particularly in the mountainous regions.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 17-27°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Autumn colors; good for hiking.

Know before you go

Getting there

OUD

Oujda Angads Airport

International

12 km away

NDR

Nador International Airport

International

130 km away

FEZ

Fès–Saïs Airport

International

330 km away

CMN

Mohammed V International Airport

International

550 km away

Getting around

"Public transportation in L'Oriental includes buses and shared taxis (grand taxis), which are the most common ways to get around. Renting a car is also a good option for exploring the more remote areas at your own pace. In cities like Oujda, walking is a great way to explore the medina and nearby attractions."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Border areas are less safe; stick to main tourist zones.

Night safety

7/10

Border areas are less safe; stick to main tourist zones.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"L'Oriental is generally safe for travelers, but it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night in remote areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in busy markets."

Entry and health

Health information

"Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before traveling. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. In rural areas, be cautious of food hygiene. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses."

Culture

Local customs

"In L'Oriental, hospitality is a cornerstone of the culture. It's common to be invited into homes for tea or a meal, and it's polite to accept such invitations. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people. During Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting by not eating or drinking in public during daylight hours."
ArabicBerberFrench

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5

Hotels

$40-80

Local transport

$1

Cost notes

L'Oriental is affordable; budget travelers can manage $30-40/day.

Timezone

Africa/Casablanca +01:00 (WEST) or Africa/Casablanca +01:00 (WET)

More facts

Population

2,314,346

Area

82,820 km²

ISO code

MA-02

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Direction Régionale de l'Equipement de l'Oriental, OUD, Oudja, Oudjda, Ouja, Oujda, Oujda-Angad, Ucda, Udzda, Udzhda, Udžda, Ugda, Ujda, Uzhda, Uĝda, Wadzda, Wadżda, Wejda, ujada, ujida, wgdh, wjdh, wjdt, wjdt-anjad, wjdt-ankad, wu ji da, Уджда, Уджда қаласы, Ужда, Уџда, וגדה, وجدة, وجدة-أنجاد, وجدة-أنكاد, وجده, وجدہ, उजडा, উজদা, ਉਜਡਾ, ውjada, ውጃዳ, ⵜⵉⵓⵊⴷ, ⵡⴰⵊⴷⴰ, ウジダ, 乌季达, 우지다

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCultural