The basin of Bou Sellam is closed to the north, from the confluence of the river with the Oued Sahel, by Mount Gueldamane. Wadi Bou Sellam descends from the southern slopes of Mount Megris; It is formed of five streams, Wadi Mahouan, Wadi Mohammed el Hannach, oued Ouricia, Wadi Goussimet and Wadi Fermatou, which meet north of Setif. The river then takes the name Oued Bou Sellam; It runs first south-south-west, passes three kilometers west of Setif, and crosses the chain in which it takes its source between djebel Tafat and Guergour.