The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel: A Green Oasis Near Rabat

Need a breather after the hustle and bustle of the medinas and imperial cities? Head to the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, an enchanting escape just a few kilometres from Rabat. Picture this: 4 hectares of lush greenery where you'll travel the botanical world without ever leaving Morocco.

It's the perfect getaway for families seeking a moment of calm and a change of scenery. Kids love running between giant bamboos and watching the tortoises, while parents relax in the shade of palm trees. A genuine breath of fresh air, literally.

In this article, we'll take you through this timeless garden, its fascinating history, its botanical treasures, and everything you need to know to plan your visit. Get ready to swap car horns for birdsong.

A Dream Turned into a Garden

The Bouknadel Gardens aren't just a happy accident. They're the passionate creation of Marcel François, a French horticulturist who fell in love with Morocco in the 1950s. This gentleman had a rather mad idea: to create a garden bringing together plants from all corners of the world, all united under Morocco's gentle climate.

And he did it. For decades, he collected, planted, and organized this little botanical paradise with painstaking care. The result? An extraordinary garden blending Japanese, Chinese, Mediterranean, African, and of course Moroccan influences, all in surprising harmony.

After his death, the garden went through some difficult years, somewhat abandoned like a sleeping beauty. Then the Moroccan state took things in hand, and today the gardens have regained their former glory. They've become genuine national botanical heritage, even if they remain too unknown among tourists.

The concept is simple yet brilliant: strolling through different landscape settings without ever leaving the same space. A truly stationary journey, perfect when you've got children tired of covering miles in the car.

A Botanical World Tour in Just a Few Hours

The Japanese Garden: Zen Attitude Required

Right from the entrance, you come upon the Japanese garden. And there it is: a small red bridge over a pond, stone lanterns, gently swaying bamboos, koi carp gliding through clear water... You'd think you were in Kyoto, except you're 15 minutes from Rabat.

Children love throwing bread to the fish (though do check it's allowed first). It's a perfect spot for a contemplative pause, even if your 6-year-olds don't quite grasp the concept of zen meditation.

The Andalusian Garden: When Morocco Meets Spain

Next up, the Andalusian garden with its colourful azulejos tiles, murmuring fountains, and fragrant orange trees. You'll instantly recognise the Moorish influence, with the same aesthetic you'll find in the palaces of Marrakech or Fes, but in botanical garden form.

This is where Instagram photos work best, with those reflections in the ponds and flowering archways. The mums will love it, trust us.

The African Garden: Back to Roots

Wilder and more rugged, the African garden plunges you into a tropical atmosphere with its giant succulents, impressive cacti, and lush vegetation reminiscent of sub-Saharan landscapes. For children used to neatly manicured European parks, it's rather like discovering the jungle (in a safe, family-friendly version, don't worry).

The Chinese Garden and Other Surprises

There's also a Chinese garden, more discreet but equally charming, with its peonies and delicate floral arrangements. And then plenty of other zones that flow naturally together, creating a varied walk where you'll never get bored.

The Flora: A Festival of Colours and Scents

In total, over 1,500 plant species coexist here. Plants from South America, Asia, Africa, Europe... A genuine botanical atlas under open sky. You'll see banana trees, papyrus, eucalyptus, giant oleanders, vibrant bougainvillea, and even rare species found nowhere else in Morocco.

In spring, it's an explosion of colour. Jacarandas unfold their purple flowers, climbing roses scale the pergolas, and irises decorate the path edges. In summer, water lilies bloom in the ponds, offering a soothing aquatic display.

The Water Features: The Garden's Common Thread

Water is everywhere. Ponds, streams, fountains, waterfalls... It winds through the gardens like a vital artery, creating that special atmosphere of freshness and serenity. Children can enjoy (carefully) following the water's journey from one pond to another.

The Wildlife: Unexpected Encounters

As you wander, you'll come across tortoises sunbathing, ducks paddling peacefully, and a multitude of birds that have made this green sanctuary their home. Peacocks, parakeets, doves... A constant natural concert accompanying your stroll.

On some days, you might even catch a peacock displaying his tail to impress the ladies (or the tourists, who knows). The kids absolutely love it, naturally.

Activities for the Whole Family

A Walk at Your Own Pace

The great advantage of the Bouknadel Gardens is that you can visit them entirely at your own pace. No imposed circuit, no guide pushing you along. You meander, retrace your steps, sit on a bench when the little ones start dragging their feet.

Allow between 1.5 and 3 hours for your visit depending on your pace and contemplation level. With very young children, aim for 1.5-2 hours to avoid meltdowns.

Picnicking: Allowed and Recommended

Good news: you can bring your own food and picnic in the garden. Areas are set up with tables and benches in the shade. Pack a small basket with sandwiches, fruit, plenty of water, and enjoy an alfresco lunch without breaking the bank.

The Playground: For Burning Off Energy

There's a children's playground where the youngest can let off steam between botanical contemplation sessions. Swings, slides, climbing structures... Enough to help them burn off excess energy while you catch your breath.

The Mini-Zoo: Animals to Observe

A small menagerie completes the experience with a few animals: monkeys, parrots, ostriches... Nothing extraordinary compared to Rabat Zoo, but it adds a playful touch that children absolutely love. Unlike the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, which is purely botanical, Bouknadel has this animal dimension that makes it more attractive for families.

Workshops and Activities: Seasonal

Check at the entrance—sometimes gardening workshops or nature activities are organized for children during school holidays. It's hit-or-miss, but when available, kids love taking home their little potted plant.

Practical Information Not to Miss

Where Exactly Are These Gardens?

The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel are located about fifteen kilometres north of Rabat, on the Kenitra road. More precisely, they're in the small town of Bouknadel, right next to Mehdia beach (handy for combining garden in the morning and beach in the afternoon).

How to Get There from Rabat or Salé?

By car: This is the simplest solution, especially with children. Take the Rabat-Tangier motorway, Bouknadel exit, and follow the signs. Allow 20-25 minutes from central Rabat. Free parking on site—a real luxury.

By taxi: You can negotiate a ride with a grand taxi from Rabat (around 100-150 dirhams one way). Ask the driver to wait or arrange a return time. Some will do the round trip with waiting time for 300-400 dirhams, which can be worthwhile if you're 4-5 people.

By train + taxi: There's a station at Bouknadel on the Rabat-Kenitra line. From there, a petit taxi will drop you at the gardens in 5 minutes. It's doable but a bit complicated with young children and equipment.

Opening Hours and Prices

The gardens are generally open daily from 9am to 6pm (hours subject to seasonal variation, check before setting off).

Approximate prices (to confirm on site):

• Adults: 20-30 dirhams

• Children: 10-15 dirhams

• Free for under 3s

In other words, it's a bargain. For a complete family outing with picnic, you'll spend less than 100 dirhams total. Hard to find a cheaper day out with this much variety.

When to Visit? The Crucial Question

Spring (March to May) is undoubtedly the best period. Everything's in bloom, temperatures are ideal (20-25°C), and the vegetation explodes with colour. It's when the garden reveals all its secrets.

Autumn (September-October) is also excellent, with magnificent light and bearable heat.

Summer can get very hot and some plants suffer a bit. If you go in July-August, favour early morning (from opening) or late afternoon. And above all, bring caps, sun cream, and industrial quantities of water.

Winter remains pleasant in Morocco, but the garden is less spectacular. That said, if it's dreary in Rabat and you're looking for an activity, it's still a perfectly valid option.

Practical Tips Not to Overlook

Footwear: Wear trainers or comfortable walking shoes. The paths are well maintained but you'll still be walking. Forget flip-flops or heels.

Water: There's a small refreshment stand at the entrance, but prices are inflated like everywhere. Bring your own water bottles, especially in summer.

Sun protection: Hat, cap, sunglasses, sun cream... The Moroccan sun doesn't mess about, even under trees.

Pushchairs: Main paths are pushchair-accessible, but some smaller paths are narrower or have steps. If your children can walk, that's better. Otherwise, bring a baby carrier as backup.

Accessibility: Honestly, this isn't the most accessible place for wheelchair users. There are slopes, stairs, narrow paths. Doable but challenging.

Catering: As mentioned above, picnicking is allowed and even recommended. Otherwise, you'll find a few cafés and restaurants in Bouknadel itself, but nothing extraordinary.

A Haven of Peace Not to Be Missed

The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel are that little gem you don't expect to find in Morocco. Far from the souk folklore and city bustle, it's a place where you breathe, where you disconnect, where children can run freely without you worrying about motorbikes.

Yes, it's not Versailles. It's not the Jardin Majorelle with its world-famous Klein blue either. But it's an authentic bubble of serenity, a unique botanical journey, and a genuine breath of fresh air within reach of Rabat.

Want to continue exploring? Discover our other articles on the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, nearby Mehdia beach, or the medinas of Rabat and Salé. Northern Morocco is brimming with treasures just waiting for you!