Bou Craa Tourist Places to Visit in Bou Craa, Saguia el-Hamra, West Africa, Africa

Bou Craa Tourist Places to Visit in Bou Craa, Saguia el-Hamra, West Africa, Africa

Bou Craa is a Western Saharan town located in the region of Saguia el-Hamra between 26°19′22″ N latitude and 12°50′59″ W longitude, around 110 km southeast of the Western Sahara’s capital, El-Aaiún. Bou Craa is noted as a phosphate mining town, with Bou Craa phosphate industry, which is controlled by Morocco. The town is also largely inhabited by mining employees. Bou Craa is home to the world’s longest conveyor belt that is used to transport phosphates from the town to the coast of the territory. Bou Craa is also spelled Bo Craa, Bu Craa and Boukra.

History of Bou Craa:

Bou Craa was one of the sites to witness the clash happened between the Polisario Front and the Moroccan Royal Army in 1976 and after the construction of Moroccan Wall in the early 1980s, Bou Craa thoroughly came under the control of Morocco.

How to reach Bou Craa?

As Bou Craa is located not too far from the capital, El-Aaiún, so reaching Bou Craa would not be a difficult task for visitors. Hassan I Airport in El-Aaiun is situated around 110 km from the centre of Bou Craa and operates flights from Agadir, Casablanca and Las Palmas, served by Agadir, Casablanca, and Las Palmas.

Bou Craa can be reached by bus from El-Aaiún but it is not recommended since buses are not regular. Alternatively, visitors can use rental car for comfort and convenient travel.

Food and Shopping in Bou Craa:

Being a commercial town, Bou Craa houses many modernized shops as well as restaurants with both local specialties and branded items. Visitors should be known, most shops in Bou Craa don’t accept credit or debit cards, so advised to keep some local currency. For more upgraded shopping and restaurant options, the capital city El-Aaiun, is a right choice.

Things to do in Bou Craa:

Driving
Walking
Traditional shopping

Places to see in Bou Craa:

Phosphate mines:

Phosphate mines are the focal point of both of Bou Craa’s economy and tourism. The tour of phosphate mines can be arranged at tour operators in the city of El-Aaiún. It would be a special experience for visitors knowing Western Saharan geographical features ad mineral resources.

El-Aaiun:

Located around 110 km from Bou Craa, El-Aaiun is the capital city of Western Sahara, home to a many renowned tourist attractions such as an old Spanish Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Stade Sheikh Mohamed Laghdaf (stadium) and desert beaches. El-Aaiun is also a perfect place to purchase genuine Western Saharan art and craft works.

Smara:

Smara is a historical town, located around 170 km northeast of Bou Craa. The town is highlighted by a large ruined historic fort, Zawiy Maalainin and a magnificent mosque. There is also an airport in the town. It can be reached by rental car from Bou Craa.

List of other places of interest near Bou Craa include:

Bir Lehlou
Centre Artisanal
Laayoune Off Road
Dchira
Laayoune-Plage
Windfish Pro-Center
Massage du Monde
Moroccan Berm
Dakhla
Guelta Zemmour
Tarfaya

Best time to visit Bou Craa:

Throughout the year is best, especially the months between June and September are ideal to visit Bou Craa.

Hotels in Bou Craa:

There are few tourist favor hotels in Bou Craa, so tourists can drive towards the city of El-Aaiun to find hotels as per their requirement and budget. Buses generally ply between Bou Craa and El-Aaiun but not frequent. The below list includes hotels in El-Aaiun (around 110 km from Bou Craa):