TaforaltAbout Taforalt
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 46 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.0h |
| February | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 7° | 36 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 6° - 17° | 11° | 45 mm | some cloud | 70% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 19° | 13° | 48 mm | some cloud | 69% | 3.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Excellent | 10° - 22° | 16° | 34 mm | some cloud | 67% | 3.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.8h |
| June | Ideal | 13° - 26° | 19° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 3.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.3h |
| July | Ideal | 16° - 30° | 23° | 2 mm | clear | 57% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 16° - 30° | 23° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 14° - 26° | 20° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 2.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 11° - 22° | 16° | 27 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 33 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 8° | 44 mm | some cloud | 74% | 3.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |
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.