DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Noun

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
River
—°
Noun (Morocco)

Weather…

Oued Noun is a significant watercourse in southern Morocco, providing the name for the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. It originates in the western Anti-Atlas mountains and flows for approximately 130 kilometers towards the Atlantic Ocean, reaching its mouth north of the town of Sidi Ifni. Historically, the river served as a crucial geographical boundary and a strategic hub for trans-Saharan trade routes connecting North Africa with Timbuktu. The surrounding areas are characterized by an arid climate, yet the river valley supports fertile oases where traditional palm and crop cultivation persists. Near the city of Guelmim, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Desert," the riverbed creates ecologically valuable wetlands. The water flow is highly seasonal, often remaining dry for long periods before sudden flash floods, triggered by rare rainfall, reshape the desert landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131517182023272724221814
Rain mm20252211114379234122

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
To access Noun, you typically use regional roads or dirt paths branching from main routes. Hiring a reliable local driver is highly recommended.
📅
Best season
The best time to visit Noun is during cooler months from autumn to early spring. A smaller river in the southwest. A post-rainy season trip gives the best water levels.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The landscape of Noun features uneven, rocky ground and sandy banks needing careful walking. Paths are quite often unmarked, requiring balance.
🎒
What to bring
Essential gear for Noun includes closed-toe walking shoes for rough terrain, plus sun protection. Always bring plenty of extra drinking water.
🅿️
Parking
Parking near Noun generally involves leaving your vehicle at informal dirt spots or rural villages. Always secure belongings and check spot safety.
⚠️
Safety
At Noun, be cautious of sudden water changes and unstable banks posing slipping hazards. The area is extremely remote, so stay highly alert.
⏱️
Time needed
A typical visit to Noun takes one to three full hours, depending on your planned walking pace. Include local travel time and dedicate at least a half-day.

Geography

Coordinates
28.80000, -10.20000

Facts

  • Eponymous river of the Guelmim-Oued Noun administrative region.
  • Flows for a total length of approximately 130 kilometers.
  • Reaches its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean north of Sidi Ifni.
  • Originates in the western ridges of the Anti-Atlas mountains.
  • Historically served as a key hub for caravans heading to Timbuktu.
  • Characterized by an ephemeral flow with occasional flash floods.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Munwa Stream Rock EngravingsMunwa Stream Rock Engravings10 km · WExplore →
Luapula RiverLuapula River15 km · NEExplore →
MwenseMwense21 km · SWExplore →
GuelmimGuelmim24 km · NEExplore →
Guelmim PlainsGuelmim Plains30 km · NEExplore →
Oued Noun RegionOued Noun Region37 km · NWExplore →
Mwata Kazembe PalaceMwata Kazembe Palace39 km · EExplore →
KawambwaKawambwa50 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Oued Noun located?
It flows in the Guelmim region and forms the boundary between the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara.
Does the Oued Noun flow into the ocean?
Yes, it discharges into the Atlantic north of Sidi Ifni at a wild stretch of coast.
What is special about the estuary?
The Foum Assaka estuary is scenically very attractive and almost untouched.
Can you go hiking along the Noun River?
Hikes through the dry riverbed are possible but require good preparation.
Which city is nearby?
Guelmim, also known as the 'Gateway to the Desert', is the region's most important town.
Noun: where is it located?
Noun is located in Morocco.
Noun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Noun: why is it worth visiting?
Oued Noun is a significant watercourse in southern Morocco, providing the name for the Guelmim-Oued Noun region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Morocco →

Nearby cities

El Argoub — Noun (Morocco)
El Argoub
El Argoub is a breathtaking Moroccan coastal town situated on the bay of Dakhla.
Mwense — Noun (Morocco)
Mwense
Mwense is a town in Luapula Province, situated along the Luapula River valley.
Guelmim — Noun (Morocco)
Guelmim
The gateway to the Sahara and known for its camel market.
Kawambwa — Noun (Morocco)
Kawambwa
Kawambwa is a town on the plateau of Luapula Province, historically an important administrative center.
🗺️
Plage Blanche
An endless, wild beach in southern Morocco where the Sahara dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Sidi Ifni — Noun (Morocco)
Sidi Ifni
A former Spanish enclave on the Atlantic coast, known for its Art Deco architecture.
Legzira — Noun (Morocco)
Legzira
Famous for its monumental natural red sandstone arches carved by the ocean on the Atlantic coast.
Aguni — Noun (Morocco)
Aguni
Aguni is a tranquil coastal destination in Morocco, known for its rugged Atlantic shores.

Nature

Luapula River — Noun (Morocco)
Luapula River
The lower Luapula River system continues to define the border and support local ecosystems before entering the Congo's main basin.

More places

🗺️
Ion Perdicaris Park
A green forest park with many play opportunities.
Munwa Stream Rock Engravings — Noun (Morocco)
Munwa Stream Rock Engravings
Geometric rock engravings created by ancient inhabitants along the Munwa Stream.
🗺️
Guelmim Plains
Dry plains in the southwest.
Oued Noun Region — Noun (Morocco)
Oued Noun Region
Agricultural area in the south of Morocco.
Mwata Kazembe Palace — Noun (Morocco)
Mwata Kazembe Palace
The traditional seat of the Lunda Kingdom in Mwansabombwe.
Oued Noun — Noun (Morocco)
Oued Noun
An important wadi in the southwest.
Luapula Fish Habitat — Noun (Morocco)
Luapula Fish Habitat
Rich ecosystem in the Luapula river basin.