- The Balconies viewpoints: Stone platforms and ledges along the rim look straight down into the gorge. This is the shot everyone comes for, with palms below and rust-colored walls on both sides.
- The Oued Abiod gorge: A river carved this canyon, and its floor holds a narrow strip of date palms and gardens. Walking down gives you shade and the sound of water.
- The cliff houses: Old Chaoui dwellings of mud and stone cling to the rock face, many now empty. Their small doors and ledges show how families once lived above the river.
- The palm oasis: Date palms fill the base of the canyon, a surprising green in an otherwise dry highland. Locals still tend plots here.
- The abandoned village: Earlier inhabitants moved out to newer houses on the plateau, leaving a quiet cluster of ruins you can wander through,
- The Balconies viewpoints: Stone platforms and ledges along the rim look straight down into the gorge. This is the shot everyone comes for, with palms below and rust-colored walls on both sides.
- The Oued Abiod gorge: A river carved this canyon, and its floor holds a narrow strip of date palms and gardens. Walking down gives you shade and the sound of water.
- The cliff houses: Old Chaoui dwellings of mud and stone cling to the rock face, many now empty. Their small doors and ledges show how families once lived above the river.
- The palm oasis: Date palms fill the base of the canyon, a surprising green in an otherwise dry highland. Locals still tend plots here.
- The abandoned village: Earlier inhabitants moved out to newer houses on the plateau, leaving a quiet cluster of ruins you can wander through, with silence broken only by wind and birds.
- The rim at golden hour: Late light strikes the cliffs and deepens the red and orange tones. It is the best moment for photographs and the coolest for walking.
- The Chaoui welcome: Local villagers often greet visitors and may invite them for tea. This is the Amazigh Aurès culture at street level, with its own dialect and food traditions.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
v2.webp)

Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.