Imi n'Ifri
Six kilometers (3 3/4 miles) south of Demnate is the "door to the cave," known in the local Berber dialect as Imi n'Ifri, a natural rock bridge formed by the collapse of an underground cave system. Views are spectacular from both above and down below, where the Wadi Méhasseur flows between the sheer, vertical rock walls while swifts and choughs flit about overhead. At the bottom of the ensuing gorge is an opening whose shape is similar to the outline of the African continent. There are guides in the parking lot but they aren't necessary, as the steps down the gorge and into the cave are clearly visible. Take your swimsuit, as the river is usually flowing and makes for a refreshing dip.
If you don't have your own transportation, you can charter a grand taxi from the bus and taxi terminal in Demnate, or alternatively set out on foot for the 1 1/2-hour hike. A half kilometer (1/3 mile) beyond Imi n'Ifri is Riad Aghbalou (tel. 0661/768359; www.iminifri-riad.com), which has comfortable rooms with and without private bathrooms (275dh-440dh double, including breakfast). They also have a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a pleasant view over the surrounding fields.
Six kilometers (3 3/4 miles) south of Demnate is the "door to the cave," known in the local Berber dialect as Imi n'Ifri, a natural rock bridge formed by the collapse of an underground cave system. Views are spectacular from both above and down below, where the Wadi Méhasseur flows between the sheer, vertical rock walls while swifts and choughs flit about overhead. At the bottom of the ensuing gorge is an opening whose shape is similar to the outline of the African continent. There are guides in the parking lot but they aren't necessary, as the steps down the gorge and into the cave are clearly visible. Take your swimsuit, as the river is usually flowing and makes for a refreshing dip.
If you don't have your own transportation, you can charter a grand taxi from the bus and taxi terminal in Demnate, or alternatively set out on foot for the 1 1/2-hour hike. A half kilometer (1/3 mile) beyond Imi n'Ifri is Riad Aghbalou (tel. 0661/768359; www.iminifri-riad.com), which has comfortable rooms with and without private bathrooms (275dh-440dh double, including breakfast). They also have a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with a pleasant view over the surrounding fields.
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