The Friouato Caves (Gouffre de Friouato) are located about 20 kilometres south of Taza, in the limestone foothills of the Middle Atlas at the southern edge of the Djebel Tazzeka massif. They are the largest publicly accessible cave system in Morocco and one of the most impressive in Africa. The main entrance is a large sinkhole, and a staircase descends into the darkness to the main cave chamber, where an extraordinary array of stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite formations have built up over geological time.
The caves are managed as a tourist site with guided tours. Wear shoes with grip and bring a layer — the temperature underground is consistently cool regardless of the surface weather. The drive from Taza to the caves passes through attractive mountain countryside, and the area around Djebel Tazzeka — a national park with cedar forest, views, and birdwatching — is worth combining with the cave visit for a full day out of the city. A guide is available at the entrance; the standard tour covers the main accessible sections.