Dadès Gorge, Morocco: The Complete Guide

Located in central Morocco, the Dadès gorge must be at the top of the list for adventurous souls seeking incredible scenery and immersion in authentic Berber culture.

The canyon (actually a series of separate canyons) was excavated by the passage of the Dades River and is navigable along a path known locally as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.

Those driving through its hairpin turns can expect to discover impressive rock formations in colors ranging from beige and beige to gold, rust red, and dark mauve.

Historic kasbahs and ksour, or fortified Berber villages, dominate the valley, where the river gives life to palm and almond trees.

Local people still inhabit some of these villages, while many of the kasbahs have been converted into boutique hotels for explorers of the Dadès Gorge.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Dades Canyons in Morocco

Source: Simo Chioukh

History of the Gorge

The geological history of the Dadès Gorge began millions of years ago when the environment was still submerged in the sea.

Eventually, the tectonic movement led to the creation of the Atlas Mountains and the establishment of the Dades River.

The river eroded a path through the soft sedimentary rocks of the mountains, causing the gorge to widen and deepen with each passing flood season.

Today, the Dades River flows about 220 miles from its source in the High Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara Desert, where it joins the Draa River.

The canyon walls reach 500 meters high in places, and local people have learned to use the river to irrigate fields of roses, olive and almond groves, and thatched palm trees.

In the surrounding mountains, nomads continue to live in troglodyte caves as they have for hundreds of years, using the valley as a seasonal path to pasture in the High Atlas.

How to Visit

The most popular way to see the Dadès gorge is to drive (in a rental car or as part of a guided tour of Morocco) on the R704 or the road of a thousand Kasbahs.

This romantically named section of tarmac follows the course of the Dades River and takes you through the most spectacular gorge scenery along the way.

The most spectacular section of the highway begins about 18 miles north of the town of Boumalne Dades.

Here, the road crosses the Dades River and into a series of dizzying switchbacks.

There are numerous viewpoints along the way and, high up in the gorge, the Hotel Restaurant Timzzillite offers a famous vantage point from which to admire the winding progress of the road.

Stop for a cup of coffee or a cup of peppermint tea and be sure to take lots of pictures.

This section of the R704 is classified as one of the most beautiful units in the world.

But it's not for the faint-hearted either, with countless twists and turns and no barriers separating you from the headlong descent into the valley below.

In some places, the road is wide enough for a single vehicle, and in others, it leaves you within a foot of the edge.

If you don't feel safe driving to the top of the gorge, many hotels in Boumalne Dades and the first part of the valley offer 4x4 excursions to the Dadès gorge and along the dirt road to the Todra gorge.

If you are an experienced off-road driver with a long-distance 4x4, you can also choose to tackle the challenging 42km, five-hour drive to the Todra Gorge yourself.

The condition of this road can be significantly affected by flooding, so be sure to request an updated condition report before leaving.

If you have more time, the canyon is also worth exploring on foot.

There are hundreds of hiking trails to choose from, some lasting a few hours and some lasting several days.

The route connecting the Dades and Todra gorges, for example, takes between two and three days to complete.

Most hotels can provide a hiking guide to guide you on your adventure, while some also offer mountain bike expeditions.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose from, either in Boumalne Dades or along the Thousand Kasbah Road.

For those with a sweet tooth, Auberge Chez Pierre is the right choice.

A traditional hillside kasbah set amongst terraced gardens lined with fruit trees, it is known for its restaurant, serving an innovative fusion of European and Moroccan specialties.

It also has a swimming pool (a significant bonus after a hot and dusty day of trekking), a lounge and bar, and beautifully decorated rooms and apartments.

All have a private bathroom and central heating, while some have a private patio.

The Auberge Chez Pierre offers 4x4 excursions to the Valley of the Roses and the Dades and Todra gorges, as well as hikes and mountain bike and donkey rides for the little ones.

Alternatively, Dar Jnan Tiouira is a bastion of traditional Berber hospitality, built in the classic kasbah style by the owner and his family for over 10 years.

Choose from 10 uniquely decorated rooms and a unique luxury suite, all with private bathrooms and heating to protect you from the winter cold.

From the terraces of the Kasbah, you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains or gardens, while the restaurant serves authentic Berber cuisine.

The owner is a professional mountain guide and offers guided hikes, mountain bike adventures, and 4x4 excursions to various points of interest in the surrounding area.

For travelers on a budget, the EcoBio Riad is another worthwhile option.

It offers six simple and ecological rooms, all with air conditioning and a private bathroom.

The restaurant serves organic Moroccan dishes and the terrace overlooks the vertiginous valley.

Weather and When to Go

The asphalt section of the Dadès Gorge road can become slippery after heavy rains, while the dirt section can be impassable due to flash flooding.

Therefore, the safest and most enjoyable time to visit is during the dry months of late spring, summer, and early fall (May to September).

Summer is mild and sunny in the mountains and much more pleasant than in the sweltering cities of the plains.

If you travel in late spring or early summer, you will see the valley greener after the annual winter floods, while spring and fall coincide with the seasonal movement of nomads and their herds through the valley.

If you plan to combine your trip to Dadès Gorge with a tour of the nearby Valley of the Roses, consider scheduling your visit to coincide with the Rose Festival held in the oasis town of Kalaat M'Gouna.

Usually held over three days in mid-May, the festival celebrates the rose harvest with parades, parades, and performances.

Getting There

The small town of Boumalne Dades is the gateway to the Dadès Gorge.

It is located 72 miles northeast of Ouarzazate (just under two hours by car on the N10) and 52 miles southwest of Tinghir (less than an hour away on the N10).

From Boumalne Dades, head north on the R704, which will take you through the gorge into the High Atlas Mountains.

The R704 is sealed off to Msemrir, which is approximately 38 miles north of Boumalne Dades.

After that, you will need a 4x4 to continue (although most visitors choose to circle the top of the canyon and return the way they came).

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