Car hire Oujda

Introduction

Oujda is a large Moroccan city on the Algerian border. The city itself doesn't have much to offer, but there's a beautiful beach about 60 kilometers from Oujda, Saïdia Plage.

Population

The city has approximately 1 million inhabitants.

Location

Oujda is located in the far northeast of Morocco, on the Algerian border and over 60 kilometers south of the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish enclave of Melilla lies over 100 kilometers northwest of Oujda.

Economy

Because of its strategic location on the border, Oujda plays an important role in trading between Morocco and Algeria. There's some industry (including a cement factory) but far less than in other large Moroccan cities. Unemployment is high and many inhabitants have emigrated to European countries for work. In recent years, economic impulses have been given to Oujda, for example by improving the infrastructure. Tourism barely contributes to the economy.

Airports

The city's airport, Aéroport International Oujda-Angads, is situated 10 kilometers north of the city center, along the road to seaside resort Saïdia. It's easily reachable by rental car via the N2. Saïdia's beach is also reachable from the airport via the A2, which turns into the P6000 near the village of Ahfir.

Public Transport

Like in many other Moroccan cities, the 'petit taxi' is a popular means of public transport. These cars are red; white taxis are so-called 'grand taxis' which run to places in the vicinity. There are also city buses and buses run to other Moroccan cities, including Nador, Taza and Fès. The latter two cities can also be reached by train.

Traffic and Parking

The narrow streets in Oujda's old medina are inaccessible for cars. Outside this area you'll have no trouble finding your way around and there are sufficient parking facilities on the verge of the medina. Have your rental car guarded by one of the many boys and men who like to take on this job for a few dirhams. Toll road Autoroute de l'Oriental connects Oujda with Fès. The road runs parallel to the N6, where no toll is charged.

Hotels

Although tourism in Oujda doesn't amount to much compared with other Moroccan destinations, there's a good choice of accommodations. There's even a five-star spa hotel. There are also good midrange hotels and some cheaper guesthouses in the old medina.

External Sources

For more information about Oujda, we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Oujda
• Official website Oujda
• Tourist Information Oujda