Bouknadel Exotic Gardens are a botanical garden in Salé, on National Road No. 1, about 12 km from Rabat. Across three themed areas, you can find landscapes inspired by places around the world, alongside ponds, suspended bridges and collections of plants and animals.
- Location: KM 13, Salé, on National Road No. 1 toward Kenitra.
- Size: 4.5 hectares.
- Layout: Nature Gardens, Cultural Gardens and Didactic Gardens.
- Hours: Seasonal hours apply, with a later opening on Mondays.
What to expect at Bouknadel Exotic Gardens
According to the gardens’ official website, the 4.5-hectare site contains more than 600 plant species from five continents and 80 animal species, alongside water features and garden structures.
The Nature Gardens include areas named for Polynesia, Congo, Mexico, South Asia, Peru, Brazil and the Antilles, as well as a labyrinth, shrubby savanna and green ravine. The Cultural Gardens bring together Japanese, Chinese and Andalusian gardens. In the Didactic Gardens, features include an aviary, vivarium and nursery; there is also a museum and featured flowers.
French engineer Marcel François created the gardens, which opened to the public in 1961, ten years after their creation. The gardens are on National Road No. 1, 10 km from Salé toward Kenitra.
How do you get from Rabat to Bouknadel Exotic Gardens?
The gardens are at Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel, KM 13, Salé, on National Road No. 1, north of Rabat. If you are arriving by air before the outing, plan the airport-to-Agdal leg with this guide to how to get from Rabat-Salé Airport to Agdal.
For a visit by public transport, check the current operator timetable before choosing a route. The available nonofficial bus listing is tied to a dated winter schedule and does not establish a reliable year-round departure pattern. If you are arranging a car journey, use the gardens’ address to plan your route and confirm directions before leaving.
Opening times, tickets and facilities
Winter hours run from October 1 through the end of March, 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with the ticket office open 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
From April 1 through the end of September, summer hours are 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; the ticket office is open 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. On Mondays, opening begins at 10:00 a.m. The gardens close on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Reservations are required for guided visits and activities. Visitor information covers a picnic area, catering and parking, though details are not available here. Check the gardens’ official site for current ticket costs. School groups are strongly advised to reserve at least one week ahead by fax or email.
Before you go, check the official site for current hours, closures and visit arrangements. You can also confirm details by calling 0537 82 27 56 or 0537 82 27 58.
Planning your visit and return
Start by checking the opening pattern for your planned day, then allow time for the ticket office before its closing time. The three garden areas offer different themes to follow, but no visit duration is recommended, so set your schedule around the areas you want to see.
Guided visits and activities require reservations. If those are part of your plan, arrange them ahead rather than relying on availability at the entrance. For a broader city itinerary, you can pair the gardens with a one-day route through Rabat from Agdal.
FAQs
Where are Bouknadel Exotic Gardens?
The gardens are at KM 13, Salé, on National Road No. 1 toward Kenitra. They are 12 km from Rabat.
How many themed areas do the gardens have?
There are three: Nature Gardens, Cultural Gardens and Didactic Gardens. Each includes different landscape or visitor features.
Do you need to reserve a guided visit?
Yes. Reservations are required for guided visits and activities. School groups are strongly advised to reserve at least one week ahead by fax or email.
Are the gardens open every day?
The gardens open from 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and close on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Opening hours also change by season.