The Chiffa Gorges, fifteen kilometres west of Blida, are a dramatic limestone defile carved by the Chiffa river through the Tell Atlas. The road clings to the eastern wall of the canyon, with the river running far below; pull-outs along the way are the best places to stop and look up at the cliffs.
The gorges are best known for their resident troop of Barbary macaques — the only monkey species native to North Africa, and an endangered population. The animals are habituated to the cars stopping at the Le Ruisseau des Singes lay-by and will approach for food. Do not feed them: the monkeys are wild, can bite, and tourist feeding has been linked to population decline. Visit early in the morning, when the animals are most active and the gorge less busy.