West of Tetouan, south of National Road 2 linking Tetouan and Tangier, the landscape changes: mountains of similar height around a thousand metres, forest cover and villages close to the city. This is the land of the Beni Idder tribe and of Jbel Lahbib.
Jbel Zaouia and its neighbours
Jbel Zaouia, at about 1065 metres, is the highest peak of the Beni Idder, in Bghagha commune. Together with Jbel Bghagha, at about 1020 metres, and Jbel Ain Koura, at about 1014 metres, it forms a group of mountains of similar height.
Jbel Ain Koura lies on the boundary between the Beni Idder and Beni Arous tribes, and is one of the most beautiful, richest and most varied mountains of northern Morocco.
Jbel Lahbib
In the far west of the province stands Jbel Lahbib, one of the main mountain and forest areas there. It is named after the warrior Habib Essaqli, who is buried there according to local tradition; the commune and the tribe bear the same name.
Sahtariyine commune
Sahtariyine commune extends south of National Road 2 over about 109 square kilometres, in the historical lands of the Beni Idder, with mid-altitude mountains; its name is linked to the Cherif Al Idrissi dam.
Near National Road 2
- Ain Lahcen: about 13 kilometres from Tetouan, at about 350 metres, among pine and oak forests.
- Lesnad: on the slope of Jbel El Hayya, about two kilometres from Ain Lahcen.
- Zinat: about 15 kilometres from Tetouan, among mountain, forest, valleys and bodies of water.
The peaks in a table
| Place | Altitude | Tribe or commune | Province |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jbel Zaouia | 1065 m | Beni Idder | Tetouan province |
| Jbel Ain Koura | 1014 m | Beni Idder and Beni Arous | Tetouan province |
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak of the Beni Idder tribe?
Jbel Zaouia, at about 1065 metres, in Bghagha commune.
Where does the name Jbel Lahbib come from?
From the warrior Habib Essaqli, who is buried there according to local tradition.