Tazekka National Park

Stands of cork oak and gently rising hills make the terrain of Tazzeka National Park a joy to hike through, yet it flies under the radar of most visitors to Morocco. The small park was designated in 1950 and unfurls for 137 sq km southwest of Taza, bordering the cave of Gouffre du Friouato. Its competent Tourist Information Office, at Bab Bou-Idir, promotes numerous hikes through information boards and maps; walks range from a 1.4km stroll to a serious 17km day trek.

North African Barbary deer were introduced to the park 20 years ago with great success, and other fauna such as wild pigs, Barbary squirrels and bats proliferate here, as well as dozens of bird species.

Shared grands taxis to Bab Bou-Idir (Dh13) are frequent in July and August (when its summer chalets and camping are open), but at other times of year you'll most likely have to hire a grand taxi privately to get out here (Dh78).