Hidden deep within Morocco’s Atlas Mountains lie two of the country's most awe-inspiring natural wonders - the Todra and Dades gorges. Over countless millennia, the waters of the Todra and Dades Rivers have slowly but steadily carved their way through ancient layers of red sandstone and limestone, sculpting the narrow cliffs and winding canyons seen today.
While both gorges feature dramatic landscapes, each has its own distinct personality and charm. Todra Gorge is renowned for its sheer, vertical cliffs measuring over 300 metres high in places while Dades Gorge dazzles with its curving rock formations striped in shades of pink and orange. Despite their differences, both offer fantastic opportunities for scenic hikes, taking in lush palm groves and traditional Amazigh villages where life beats at a sleepy pace.
To me, Todra and Dades represent Morocco at its finest - they’re not yet overrun with tourists but still offer superb scenery and authentic cultural experiences. Dotted throughout the gorges are plenty of charming auberges and guesthouses where you can spend a night or two while being treated to warm Moroccan hospitality and delicious cuisine.
Read on to discover some of the best places to stay in Dades Gorge, as well as my top picks for accommodation in Todra Gorge.
For more information about visiting this spectacular part of Morocco, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra, Dades and Skoura.
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Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best hotel in Dades Gorge with a pool
With its distinctly Moroccan architecture (think arched doorways, tiled walls and carved wooden accents), this Dades hotel seamlessly blends modern comfort with traditional North African style. La Perle du Dades occupies a historic kasbah carefully restored by skilled craftsmen who intimately understood how to shape this architectural gem into something special.
The elegant rooms at this luxury Dades hotel open onto private terraces overlooking the inviting swimming pool, which is set amidst palm trees and landscaped gardens. With plush beds, locally made carpets and Moroccan-inspired furnishings, the rooms marry contemporary amenities with traditional charm.
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best kasbah hotel in Dades Gorge
Inspired by kasbah architecture, La Porte du Dades is one of the best-rated hotels in Dades. At the heart of this beautiful Dades riad is a central courtyard open to the sky above, allowing sunlight to filter down. Arched doorways line the courtyard, each leading to tastefully decorated guest rooms featuring four-poster beds draped in embroidered linens.
Come evening, twinkling lanterns illuminate the courtyard as the tantalising aromas of Moroccan spices waft from the kitchen. The exceptional staff at La Porte du Dades caters to each guest's every need, offering recommendations on sights to see, as well as arranging excursions around Dades and beyond.
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Best eco hotel in Dades Gorge
This charming Dades eco-lodge is the perfect oasis for budget-conscious travellers seeking an authentic local experience. Run by an Amazigh family who has called the valley home for generations, the atmosphere is undeniably cosy and will immediately put you at ease. While the facilities at this affordable Dades hotel are simple, the rooms are impeccably clean and spacious, with handcrafted furnishings and colourful rugs scattered atop the tile floors.
The true highlight of Ecolodge Miss Rose, however, is the remarkable hospitality of the family themselves who go out of their way to make each guest feel like a member of their household. With its unbeatable service, charming setting and wonderful home-style feasts, this little lodge is a hidden gem for travellers craving an authentic and budget-friendly stay in Dades Gorge.
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Riad Lalla $$
Best hotel in Todra Gorge with views
This intimate, family-run guesthouse boasts panoramic views of the ochre-hued cliffs and winding palm groves that have made Todra Gorge famous. Upon arriving at Riad Lalla, guests are warmly welcomed into an earth-toned courtyard filled with the soothing sounds of a trickling fountain.
Upstairs, the atmospheric rooms feature handcrafted Amazigh furnishings and private balconies where you can sit back and soak in the majestic mountain vistas. For those eager to explore, the resident guide leads scenic hikes through the surrounding palm forests and narrow canyons, imparting his deep cultural knowledge of the area. At the end of each day, you can unwind over a home-cooked Moroccan meal on the rooftop terrace.
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best budget hotel in Todra Gorge
Run by the hospitable brothers Rachid and Jouad, this traditional mudbrick home has been lovingly converted into an affordable guesthouse in Todra. The brothers extend their heartfelt hospitality through delicious homemade meals served up at breakfast and dinner, as well as a genuinely warm welcome.
All of the guest rooms exude rustic charm with handwoven rugs and local furnishings, creating a comfortable retreat after a long day of exploring. Trails lead directly from the front door into the adjacent palmeraie, with the option to continue hiking through the soaring canyon walls of Todra Gorge. Back at the Palmeraie Guest House, visitors can relax on the terrace with a glass of sweet mint tea and enjoy quiet moments soaking up the serenity.
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
Best hostel in Todra Gorge
Eclectically decorated, this affordable hostel in Tinghir is perfect for those visiting Morocco on a budget. As you enter, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards to take in the colourful mosaic tiles and swirling patterns that adorn the high ceilings. Vintage furnishings and embroidered pillows fill the common areas, giving the hostel a bohemian vibe.
When booking at this Todra hostel, you can opt to stay in one of the four or six-bed dormitories, furnished with sturdy wooden bunk beds draped in brightly patterned linens. Or for more privacy, book one of the simple but comfortable private rooms, each decorated in its own style. Aside from its communal kitchen, the real jewel of this Todra Gorge hostel is the rooftop terrace, which provides jaw-dropping views over the surrounding ksar - a fortified Moroccan village built into the rocky cliffs.
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