Taforalt
Cave Prehistoric cave site with ancient Iberomaurusian burials
Taforalt’s Grotte des Pigeons in eastern Morocco is a Paleolithic cave with human burials and rich shell‑and‑stone assemblages; archaeologists and museum visitors study its deep prehistoric sequence.
Taforalt is an archaeological cave and burial site in the Oriental region of eastern Morocco noted for its Late Pleistocene and early Holocene archaeological deposits. The site is significant for human burials and abundant cultural material attributed to the Iberomaurusian tradition.
Excavations have revealed layered deposits containing human remains, ornaments, and stone tools that have informed understanding of prehistoric populations in North Africa. Radiocarbon dating from Taforalt places key occupations in the Late Pleistocene, making it important for studies of human history in the region.
The site lies near the village of Taforalt in Morocco’s eastern Rif foothills, within the Oriental administrative region. It is inland from the Mediterranean coast, in a landscape of hills and valleys characteristic of eastern Morocco.
- Archaeological significance: Site contains human burials and cultural deposits associated with the Iberomaurusian and later Late Pleistocene to early Holocene occupations.
- Dating: Human remains and artifacts from the site have been radiocarbon dated to roughly the Late Pleistocene, around 15,000 years ago, making it one of the key prehistoric sites in North Africa.
How to Get to Taforalt #
Taforalt is in Morocco’s Oriental region near the town of Taforalt and the city of Oujda. Access is typically by road from Oujda or nearby towns; local guides or academic contacts can advise on permitted approaches and the current status of excavations.
Tips for Visiting Taforalt #
- The Taforalt (Grotte des Pigeons) site is an active archaeological location with restricted access; visit regional museums (e.g., in Oujda or local university collections) to see finds.
- Hire a local guide or contact the archaeological team if planning a scholarly visit; the site is sensitive and often closed to casual visitors.
- Respect any posted protective barriers - the site's stratigraphy is fragile.
Best Time to Visit Taforalt #
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit the region.
Weather & Climate near Taforalt #
Taforalt's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 48 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)