Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
Kenitra
River port and industrial hub of the Gharb plain.
Kenitra at a glance
- Region
- Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
- Province or prefecture
- Kenitra (province)
- Status
- Province capital
- Population
- 431,282 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 10 m
- Coordinates
- 34.261, -6.580
- Postal code
- 14000
- Phone area code
- +212 537
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Kénitra (French) · القنيطرة (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Kenitra
Kenitra sits on the Sebou river near the Atlantic. It is a practical gateway to Mehdia beach, the Moulay Bousselham lagoon and the Maamora cork-oak forest.
History
Founded by the French in 1912 as Port-Lyautey, the town was renamed Kenitra after independence.
Things to see in Kenitra
- Mehdia beach and kasbah
- Moulay Bousselham lagoon
- Lake Sidi Bourhaba
- Maamora cork-oak forest
Climate and best time to visit
Atlantic temperate. Mild, humid Atlantic climate with warm summers tempered by sea breezes and rain concentrated between October and April.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Kenitra
- By air
- Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA), about 40 km away.
- By train
- Kenitra station, an Al Boraq stop on the Tangier-Casablanca line.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
An automotive and industrial cluster, river and Atlantic port activity and farming on the fertile Gharb plain.
Food and drink
Atlantic fish and fresh produce from the Gharb plain.
Festivals and events
Local cultural and agricultural events; check current listings.
Where to stay
Options are mostly mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses. In peak season and holidays it is wise to reserve in advance.