KENITRA was established by the French as Port Lyautey - named after the Resident General - with the intention of channelling trade from Fes and Meknes. It never quite took off, however, losing out in industry and port activities to Casablanca, despite the rich farming areas of its hinterland. It has a population today of around 300,000, employed mainly in paper mills and a fish cannery. Until recently, additional income was provided by a large naval and military base, shared with the US, but the Americans left after the Gulf War, and the Moroccans have scaled down their own operations. A rather sad array of bars, pizza joints and discos struggle along in their wake.

 

Orientation is straightforward, with a long main street, Avenue Mohammed V/Avenue Mohammed Diouri - running from the main train station (at one end of town) to the bus station (at the other) by way of the central Place Administrative . It's about a fifteen-minute walk from the square to either bus or main train station, known as Gare de Ville or simply as Kenitra to differentiate it from the smaller station known as Kenitra Medina which, coming from Tangier or Fes/Meknes, is always the first stop.

The town has a dozen or so hotels and a good campsite. For food , besides the hotel restaurants we've noted, there are two other good ones; Restaurant Chez Ouidad , 52 Rue de la Mamora, is owned by someone who spent fourteen years in Belgium learning his trade and serves traditional dishes; and the more upmarket Champs Elysée , 48 Rue Moulay Abdellah, serving generous portions of paella.

If you're looking for nightlife , try the area around the triangular garden, at the junction of Avenue Mohammed V, Avenue Mohammed Diouri and the pedestrianized Rue Reine Elizabeth. Look for Mama's Club, Le Village nightclub/discotheque, and 007 . Don't expect too much.