Ghoufi Canyon

The Ghoufi canyon cuts through the Aures mountains on the road between Batna and Biskra, a gorge of red and ochre sandstone several hundred metres deep with a green strip of palms and gardens along the river at the bottom. Built into the cliffs, using the rock as walls and roofs, are the terraced houses and granaries of villages occupied by Chaoui families until the mid twentieth century, when most moved to new settlements above; the buildings remain, stacked along ledges and reached by paths cut into the face. Viewpoints on the road look straight across at them, and paths descend to the gardens and to some of the dwellings.

What you actually see

• Houses built into the cliff - terraced dwellings using the rock itself.
• Palm gardens on the canyon floor - the green strip along the river.
• Red and ochre sandstone walls - the colour of the Aures gorges.
• Viewpoints from the road - the balconies looking across at the villages.

When to go

March to May and September to November; summer in the Aures is very hot and winter is cold. Half a day, longer to descend. Morning and late light bring out the colour.

Honest expectations

The paths down are steep, loose and unprotected. Buildings are decaying and entering them is unsafe. Facilities are minimal and there is little shade. A local guide makes the descent much safer and more interesting.

Nearby

El Kantara gorge is south; Batna lies north.