Zegzel Gorge

The Zegzel cuts north through the Beni Snassen range to the Berkane plain, and the road that follows it climbs about twenty kilometres through a gorge that narrows repeatedly to a slot with cliffs on both sides - limestone, weathered into overhangs and caves. What makes it unusual is that the whole gorge is farmed: every terrace that can hold soil carries citrus, and Berkane's clementines, which have a protected designation of origin, come off these slopes and the plain below. So the drive alternates between bare rock walls and orchards, with springs, small settlements and roadside stalls selling fruit and honey. The road continues up to Tafoughalt, a village on the plateau above at around a thousand metres, with cooler air and views back over the plain. Grotte du Chameau, the largest of the caves, is off the same road.

The landscape

• A slot gorge - limestone walls closing repeatedly over a twenty-kilometre road.
• Farmed terraces - citrus grown on every ledge that will hold soil.
• Berkane clementines - a protected designation of origin from these slopes.
• Roadside stalls - fruit and honey sold along the climb.

When to go

Spring for blossom, autumn and early winter for the citrus harvest. Half a day.

Before you go

The road is narrow and winding with blind bends and no barriers in places. There are few formal facilities. Summer heat in the gorge is severe. Rockfall closes sections after heavy rain.

Nearby

Grotte du Chameau is on the same road; Berkane is below on the plain.