Between Ouarzazate and the Sahara lie two of Morocco’s most spectacular canyons: the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge. Almost every desert tour passes through them, and they deserve more than a photo stop.
Dades Valley and Gorges
The Dades river carved a valley of red rock, kasbahs and almond groves. Highlights:
- The “Monkey Fingers”: strange rounded rock formations near Aït Oudinar.
- The zigzag road (Tissdrine): a famous series of hairpin bends climbing the canyon wall — a viewpoint café at the top gives the classic photo.
- Kasbahs: Aït Youl, Aït Arbi and others, built of earth and straw.
- The Valley of Roses: just before Dades, Kelaat M’Gouna produces rose water; the rose festival is held in May.
Most desert itineraries spend the first night in a hotel inside the Dades Gorges — the silence and the star-filled sky are unforgettable.
Todra Gorge
Near Tinghir, the Todra river cut a canyon whose walls rise more than 300 metres, narrowing to about 10 metres at the bottom. You can walk on the flat road beside the stream — no climbing required.
Things to do
- Walk through the narrowest section in the morning light.
- Watch rock climbers on the famous routes — Todra is a world-class climbing destination.
- Hike the loop through the palm groves of Tinghir with a local guide.
- Drink a mint tea at one of the cafés by the river.
Tinghir and the palm grove
Tinghir is an oasis town with a 30 km-long palm grove and old kasbahs. A short walk among the irrigation channels (seguias) shows how families still farm the land in small plots.
When to visit
Spring and autumn are best. In summer the gorges are cooler than the surrounding plains. In winter mornings are cold but sunny; occasional rain can raise the river level.
How to visit
Both gorges are on the classic route between Marrakech, Fes and Merzouga. They appear in our 3-day Merzouga tour, the 4-day Marrakech–Fes tour and the Marrakech to Fes route. With a private tour you can stop wherever you like and hike for an hour or two.
Tips
- Bring walking shoes and a jacket: the canyon is shaded and cool.
- Carry water and small change for parking or tea.
- Ask before photographing local people.
- The best light in Todra is 9–11 am; in Dades, late afternoon.
Want these gorges in your itinerary? WhatsApp us at +212 606-957514.