Mediterranean Coast & the Rif - Morocco - page 572

stop here, continue for another hour along a mostly level path to Afeska where there's an-
other homestay and a gîte .
Day 2: Afeska to Akchour
DURATION 3½-4½ HOURS / DISTANCE 10KM / DESCENT 860M
From Afeska, the wide piste you've been following deteriorates to a smaller track. Head-
ing north, you pass through more oak and pine woods to Sidi Meftah , where there's a mar-
about (mausoleum of a saint) and spring, before leaving the woods and descending the
switchbacks to Imizzar on the Oued Farda . Once beside the river, turn left (away from the
village, northwest), then cross the river below some impressive overhanging cliffs and
continue heading northwest. You'll join a well-worn mule track that eventually leads
down to Pont Farda , an ancient bridge over Oued Farda.
Cross to the west bank of the river and continue north, dwarfed by the surrounding
scenery. After an hour, the trail bears left away from the river towards Ouslaf , which is
overshadowed by a giant rock buttress, but keep on the same path while it bears right, des-
cending to rejoin the river on the outskirts of Akchour (398m), which sits on the Oued
Kelaâ .
Akchour is strung out along the river. As you approach it, you first come to a small cafe
with very welcome river-cooled soft drinks, and a dam with a deep pool that seems made
for swimming, although the water temperature means short dips only!
Akchour has a gîte that's very comfortable and provides excellent meals.
From Akchour, it's usually possible to get transport back to Chefchaouen - most likely
one of the rugged vans or 4WDs that battle it out on the piste . If there's nothing going
from Akchour, try Talembote OFFLINE MAP , 2km further north, which has a market on Tues-
days with regular transport to Chefchaouen (Dh15). Most passing vehicles will stop to
pick you up if they have space - a case of paid hitchhiking. They may drop you at Dar
Ackoubaa, the junction town 10km north of Chefchaouen on the N2 highway.
SIDE TRIP: GOD'S BRIDGE
With an early start from Afeska, you can reach Akchour by lunchtime, giving time for the
short hike (1½ hours, 3km return) to God's Bridge - an unlikely geological structure that
shouldn't be missed.