The Site is the largest known underground cave system in Africa and is a representative example of a continental wetland with a karstic subterranean hydrological network, a type that is rare and under-represented on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The cave system extends for approximately 15 kilometres and is fed by the Tafna River beneath the Tlemcen Mountains. It contains narrow galleries well as high chambers and basins featuring underground lakes and formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The surrounding area consists of sparse vegetation and forested zones that support various rare plant and animal species. Notable species include the endangered Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus and the vulnerable needle grass Stipa tenacissima. The availability of permanent water has supported the establishment of small villages and enables irrigation and grazing despite the semi-arid climate.