The lush palm grove that runs along the Zousfana River valley is the other half of Taghit's famous contrast — the living oasis on one side, the Sahara on the other. Thousands of date palms crowd the valley floor, shading gardens and fields irrigated by the river and traditional seguia (irrigation channels) that have sustained life here for centuries.
Walking through the palm grove in the late afternoon, when the light filters golden through the fronds, is one of the finest things to do in Taghit. The sounds change completely as you enter: the heat is cut, insects make themselves heard, and the enormity of the desert above is suddenly elsewhere. Look for the traditional foggara irrigation systems — ancient underground channels that tap the water table and bring it to the surface without pumps. The dates harvested here are among the best in Algeria; Deglet Nour and Ghars varieties are sold fresh from trees in season (autumn). The grove is freely accessible from the town.