Every time I go to Bab Rmila forest early in the morning, I feel my lungs expanding in an indescribable way, and a huge amount of pure oxygen enters them, this is reflected in the function of my brain and heart, and I enter into an aura of unparalleled comfort and tranquility.
I feel that I have returned to the origin, to our first home we the humans where our ancestors lived, before we built a four-walled prison and threw ourselves into it.
Bab Rmila, vegetation cover:
Speaking of plants, I’ll probably count you till morning and never finish.
Bab Rmila forest is characterized by a dense vegetation cover that includes many trees: such as pine, eucalyptus, oak, wild olive, carob, wild fig, etc.
These trees provide shade and cool the atmosphere, and some of them give fruits that can be consumed. They are also home to many birds and insects, and the dry branches of them provide firewood for heating.
Under the layer of trees there is another layer of mountain plants and medicinal and aromatic herbs that smells everywhere. We mention for example : Manta, Al-Halhal, Babnoj, Phlyo, Mariouta,…etc.( These are local labels)
Insects such as bees, for example, feed on the flowers of these herbs, and the locals use them in medicine and in making herbal tea.
Bab Rmila, home to wildlife :
Our wonderful forest is home to many wild creatures: wild boar, hare, hedgehog, tortoise, reptile, etc..
In addition to many types of birds, such as partridges, storks, wild pigeons, Muqnin …, whose tweets you will hear wherever you go.
Not only that, there are also varieties of insects such as ants, bees, beetles, spiders and cockroaches.
All these organisms that we mentioned make this place an integrated and vibrant ecosystem, and contribute significantly to the environmental richness of the region.
How to get to Bab Rmila Natural Park :
Actually there are two ways, if you are using a car.
The first: If you are coming from Meknes in the direction of Moulay idriss or Volubilis, you will find a sign that says “Bab Rmila Camp.” It will guide you to the road leading to the forest, passing through the village of Sidi Ali, but I do not advise you on it, as it is rugged and breathtaking, unless you are a skilled driver, it is up to you. .
The second: If you have already reached Moulay Idriss, there is another road, from the town directly to the forest, and it is relatively better than the first road, and the views are more beautiful and wonderful.
This road is clear, just make sure you pass: the hospital, the Roman pool, Al-Dhayir neighborhood, then the cemetery.
what to do there in the forest :
You can do several activities there:
- A walk in the corridor designated for this and enjoying the stunning views.
- Do jogging in the same lane if you like to do so.
- Bird watching.
- Visiting the panoramic view that overlooks from the forest at the top of the mountain to the vast plains in the direction of Meknes.
- A closer look at the trees and medicinal herbs in the forest.
- Doing a meditation exercise.
- Cooking a meal in the camp in the designated place.
Cons :
There is a saying that says, “Nothing is perfect.” That’s what I believe in everything.
Despite the splendor and beauty of the place, there is no water in the camp, so you should bring enough water with you.
In addition, the camp in the forest is unfortunately not equipped and there are no sanitation facilities there, so you have to take this into consideration.