Grotte du Chameau

The cave opens in the side of the Zegzel gorge and runs several hundred metres into the Beni Snassen limestone, with chambers, formations and a hot spring emerging from the rock below the entrance. The name comes from a large stalagmite in the main chamber whose shape suggests a kneeling camel, and it is the formation the cave is sold on; the rest of the system has flowstone, columns and pools. It was excavated in the twentieth century and material of prehistoric date has been recovered from the area, with nearby caves in the same range - Grotte des Pigeons at Tafoughalt in particular - having produced some of the oldest known evidence of personal ornament in the form of pierced shell beads dated to over eighty thousand years ago. The Chameau cave has been closed for long periods for works and its opening is unreliable, so check locally before driving up.

The landscape

• The camel stalagmite - the formation the cave takes its name from.
• A hot spring - emerging from the rock below the cave entrance.
• Beni Snassen limestone - flowstone, columns and pools through the chambers.
• A prehistoric range - nearby caves producing very early shell ornament finds.

When to go

Spring and autumn. Two hours. Confirm it is open before travelling.

Practical notes

The cave has been closed for extended periods and access is unreliable - ask in Berkane first. Lighting and paths inside are basic. The access road is narrow. Guides at the entrance expect payment.

Nearby

Zegzel gorge runs below; Tafoughalt is on the plateau above.

Key facts