Berkane
The clementine town, gateway to the Beni Snassen mountains, the Zegzel valley and the Moulouya estuary
Berkane spreads out at the foot of the northern slopes of the Beni Snassen mountains, in eastern Morocco's Oriental region, about thirty kilometres from the Mediterranean. Life here follows the citrus harvest: orchards in the Moulouya basin cover more than 19,000 hectares, much of it clementine trees, and the Berkane clementine has protected geographical indication status. A large sculpted orange even stands in the town centre, hence the nickname "orange city". Berkane is mostly worth it as a base: the Zegzel valley and gorges, the mountain village of Tafoughalt and, towards the coast, the Moulouya estuary, a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention.
- One day, or two with Tafoughalt; easy to combine with a stay in Saïdia or Oujda
- Mar – May, Oct – Dec
- from 250 MAD
- Nature, Family, Budget, Food
- Travellers staying in Saïdia or Oujda who want green mountains, orchards and birds, away from the crowds
Why go
- The Zegzel gorges, a winding road between limestone cliffs and terraced gardens
- The cool air of Tafoughalt, a mountain village ringed by pine, oak and juniper forests
- Berkane clementines, to taste on the spot in season, from October to January
- The Moulouya estuary, a stopover for migrating birds between Europe and Africa
Beni Snassen mountains and Zegzel valley
The range begins on the edge of town. A car is the easiest way to explore it.
Zegzel gorges
About a dozen kilometres south of Berkane, the Zegzel river has cut through the limestone. The road twists between the rock walls, past gardens of orange, loquat and pomegranate trees; paths follow the river for short walks or a picnic.
Tafoughalt
A village at around 850 metres, cooler than the plain in summer. Small shops selling herbs and honey, thuya-wood craftsmen, gîtes and inns; it is also a starting point for hiking and mountain biking.
Camel Cave
A cave with three levels of galleries, rich in stalactites and stalagmites, listed as national heritage in 1953 and known for ancient rock engravings. It has been closed to the public since 2020 for works, with no announced reopening date: you can only see it from outside.
The Moulouya estuary
Moulouya estuary Ramsar site
Listed as a Ramsar site in 2005, this wetland of about 3,000 hectares combines estuary, coastal dunes and tamarisk thickets. It is home to rare species such as the marbled teal and Audouin's gull, and is a stopover for migrating birds.
Things to see
The orange monument
The large sculpted orange in the town centre, symbol of a town that lives from citrus.
The citrus orchards
Clementine and orange plantations surround the town; in season, the trees are heavy with fruit.
Pigeons Cave (from outside)
Near Tafoughalt, one of North Africa's major prehistoric sites, on UNESCO's tentative list. It is a research site, not set up for visitors.
On the map
Things to do
Hike in the Beni Snassen
Short walks along the Zegzel river or longer loops through the forests around Tafoughalt. For long or little-used routes, hire a licensed local guide.
Birdwatch at the Moulouya
Bring binoculars, above all in spring and autumn when migrants pass through. Stay on the paths so as not to disturb wildlife.
Taste local produce
Clementines in season, honey, herbs, goat's cheese and loquats in spring around Tafoughalt.
Food
Simple, generous food from the Oriental: chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives, grilled meat, wood-fired bread, mountain honey and mint tea in Tafoughalt's cafés. From October to January, buy clementines at the market.
Where to stay
Gîtes and inns in Tafoughalt
To sleep in peace in the mountains and set off early on a hike.
Saïdia or Oujda
The widest choice is in Saïdia, on the coast, and in Oujda; Berkane is an easy day trip from either.
Book a place to stay in Berkane
Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.
Day trips
The long sandy Mediterranean beaches and the marina, about thirty kilometres away.
The capital of the Oriental, with its medina and souks, about sixty kilometres away.
Getting around
By car: about 30 km and 35 minutes from Saïdia, 60 km and 1 hour from Oujda, about 320 km and 3 h 20 from Fes, about 510 km and 5 hours from Rabat. Berkane has no railway station: take the ONCF train to Oujda, then a grand taxi. A few direct coaches link Fes and Berkane in about 6 hours. Nearest airports: Oujda-Angads (about 50 km, 50 minutes) and Nador-Al Aroui (about 90 km, 1 h 30). A car is recommended for Zegzel and Tafoughalt.
Book your transport
- Train
- ONCF VoyagesONCF
- Coach
- CTMSupratours
- Coach station
- Mosafir· coach timetables
- Flight
- Royal Air MarocONDA
- Taxi / car
- inDrive
Budget
- 250 MAD
- 600 MAD
- 1,300 MAD
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar ✓
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec ✓
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking in the Beni Snassen. October to January is clementine season. Summer is very hot on the plain but cooler in Tafoughalt: combine it with the beach at Saïdia.
Combine with
Plans that stop here
No plan goes through this destination yet.
Tips
- The Camel Cave has been closed since 2020: ask locally before counting on a visit inside.
- Rent a car in Oujda or Saïdia: public transport to the Zegzel gorges and Tafoughalt is poor.
- Make it a one-day loop: Berkane, the Zegzel gorges, Tafoughalt, then back to the coast via the Moulouya estuary.
- Bring a warm layer for Tafoughalt: at altitude, mornings and evenings are cool even when the plain is hot.
Where next?