MAJILIS AL JINN

Its name alone makes you dream, and means "the gathering place of geniuses" (the ones with the lamp, not the nerds ;). Gigantic and spectacular, it's one of the 10 largest caves in the world - see the photos posted on the web to get an idea of the immensity of the chasm! Located on the Selma Plateau, it was discovered by Americans Cheryl Jones and her husband Don Davidson during aerial exploration.

Since then, this geological wonder has been a fascinating playground for caving and climbing enthusiasts - those who are used to the sport, of course, and even those who are, will do well to enlist the services of a local guide. The impressive descent is by rope. Once at the bottom, the tunnels and caves offer plenty of places to explore with suitable equipment. The main underground chamber is a masterly 347 metres long by 245 metres wide, with a total height of 120 metres. There are three entrances at the top of the chamber, which, once at the bottom, project as many halos of light into the cavity.

Local legend has it that the cave was originally inhabited by a woman named Selma who, for some unknown reason, provoked the wrath of an enormous one-eyed genie. As he chased her across the plateau, he tried to kill her by hurling powerful lightning bolts at her. Luckily, the genie's eyesight was poor, and three of these bolts of lightning were lost, fracturing the rock of the plateau in three places and opening up three entrances to the cavern...