Berkane: Discover Nature and Cultural Heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Berkane, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. The options include hiking in the Béni-Snassen mountains, climbing in the Zegzel Gorges, prehistoric caves and the thermal spring water of Fezouane. These themes offer different ways to explore the area: nature and outdoor activities, prehistory and speleology, and thermal waters. Consider which focus is most important to you during your stay. Local conditions for hiking and climbing activities may vary.

Landscape and Activities

The Béni-Snassen SIBE includes a 600-hectare oak forest on Jbel Foural. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife and birdlife, making the natural environment relevant to visitors interested in nature. In the Zegzel Valley, lush green terraced gardens cover the slopes. They give the landscape a different character from the oak forest on Jbel Foural: here, terraced gardens on the slopes; there, the oak forest on Jbel Foural. If nature is what interests you about your trip, you can choose between the forest and its wildlife habitat or the valley’s terraced landscape.

There are also two clearly defined options for planning an active trip. Hiking is possible in the Béni-Snassen mountains, while climbing is possible in the Zegzel Gorges. Choose according to which activity interests you most: mountain hiking or climbing in the gorges. Local conditions may vary; bear this in mind when planning a specific outing.

Caves and Cultural Heritage

The prehistoric Grotte des Pigeons near Tafoughalt is designated as national cultural heritage. The oldest DNA traces of Homo sapiens discovered in Africa were found in the cave; they are dated to 15,000 years ago. This find gives the subject of prehistory a specific timeframe. The Grotte de Taforalt has been on Morocco’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage since its submission date of 1 July 1995. This status is not the same as being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Camel Cave is also located in the Zegzel Gorges and is likewise national cultural heritage. It is considered one of the significant speleological sites in eastern Morocco. The cave focus therefore encompasses both prehistory and speleology; the Grotte de Taforalt’s Tentative List entry is a separate status.

Fezouane Thermal Spring Water

Fezouane offers a different focus. Its thermal spring water belongs to the calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate water group. This classification describes the type of water; the thermal spring water is also attributed with healing properties, particularly for kidney diseases. This is a historical and traditional attribution, not a medical recommendation. Two different aspects are important to consider: the composition of the spring water and the traditional attribution of its effects. The thermal theme is therefore a distinct focus alongside hiking, caves and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Saidia, Madagh, Berkane, Nador

For the regional travel overview: Oriental.