Etched into the Atlas Mountains by its namesake river, Dades Gorge is a breathtakingly beautiful and dramatic landscape that has captivated adventurers and travellers for centuries. I will never forget the first time we drove through the gorge - it was so enchanting I was left speechless. So if anyone asks me: “Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?” my answer is a resounding “Yes!”
The gorge's stunning landscapes have an untamed quality, shaped by the relentless forces of wind, water and tectonic uplift over eons of time. After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Dades feels a world away, with traditional Amazigh villages where life hums along at an enticingly relaxed pace. Unmarked trails wind their way through the gorge, offering ample opportunity for exploration, and there are some truly atmospheric auberges and guesthouses to stay.
In this article, I’ll answer the question “Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?” by giving you 8 reasons why you should add it to your Morocco itinerary.
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8 reasons why Dades Gorge is worth visiting
It is of historical significance to semi-nomadic Amazigh tribes
The Dades region of Morocco has a long and storied history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to ancient times. Scattered across the land are a wealth of archaeological sites that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. Among these are the remains of ancient fortifications, grand mosques and ornate tombs that provide insights into the region's previous inhabitants.
The area has long been home to Indigenous Amazigh people, whose ancestors have left behind a bounty of cultural artefacts that continue to be discovered to this day. These include practical pottery pieces, beautiful jewellery and agricultural tools, many of which can be seen in the museums of Dades Gorge.
Beyond its historical significance, the Dades region also plays a vital economic role for Morocco, with its fertile land yielding an abundance of agricultural products. Groves of olive trees, fig orchards, almond farms and date palm plantations dot the region while shepherds herd flocks of sheep renowned for their high-quality wool. This fibre is transformed into beautiful carpets and rugs that hang throughout the souks of Marrakech.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
It’s home to one of Morocco’s most scenic driving routes
Winding through Dades Gorge is the spectacular Route des Gorges du Dades, which stretches for around 25 kilometres from the town of Boumalne Dades. It follows the banks of the Dades River and offers wonderful views of the orchards and villages framed by the gorge's pink sandstone cliffs. There are several places to stop along the way, including the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations near Tamlalt, so give yourself plenty of time to complete the drive!
The highlight of this journey is a series of exhilarating switchbacks that provide incredible views of the gorge below. Be sure to exercise caution while manoeuvring around trucks and other vehicles at the sharp turns. One of the most popular lookout points is at Hotel Restaurant Timzzillite, situated at the gorge's summit. Here, you can enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea on their scenic terrace - the views are to die for!
There are some epic hiking trails to explore
Dades Gorge is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering an abundance of opportunities for both leisurely walks and vigorous hikes amidst the dramatic and visually striking scenery. Most of the trails hug pretty orchards and take in traditional Amazigh villages where you’ll encounter warm hospitality (and can pick up drinks and snacks along the way). That being said, it's important to note that most of the walking trails are unmarked and detailed maps of the area are difficult to find, so it’s best to take a guide with you.
One of the most popular hikes in the Dades Gorge is the 3.4-hour trek from Aït Oudinar to Tamlalt, which meanders along the eastern edge of the Dades River. Aside from passing some atmospheric kasbahs and ksours, the stark contrast between the arid mountains and the vegetated valley below is remarkable. Along the way, you might also spot shepherds guiding their flocks of sheep and goats.
Eventually, you'll reach the impressive rock formations known as the “Monkey's Fingers”, which are a geological highlight of Dades Gorge. The path then takes you through the village of Ait Arbi before arriving at the entrance of the Canyon des Doigts du Singe opposite Tamlalt.
Don’t want to trek alone? This guided Monkey Finger’s canyon hike in Dades Gorge takes in 7 kilometres of spectacular scenery over its three-hour duration.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
It’s home to some fascinating cultural museums
The answer to “Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?” often centres around its natural wonders but it’s also a culturally rich area of Morocco. While you can learn a lot by chatting with locals or engaging a guide, there are also several museums I would recommend exploring.
Centred around the mineral-rich springs of Lalla Mimouna, the Musée des Sources de Lalla Mimouna is a unique indoor-outdoor exhibition space that showcases an impressive array of artefacts and relics. They have been collected over several years by local resident Zaid Abbou and offer a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life in the area. As you wander between the centuries-old ceramics, agricultural tools and illuminated books on display, you can read literary quotes celebrating the value of nature and the importance of water.
Also of note is the Musée de Oasis within Ksar El Khorbat, which chronicles the migratory paths of ancient tribes. The artefacts on display include worn leather saddles, water receptacles and butter-holding urns, as well as wooden tablets inscribed with a blend of Arabic and Hebrew scripts. These informative displays, presented in French, English and Spanish, also explain the architectural distinctions between a ksar and a kasbah.
It can be used as a base for exploring Todra Gorge
Around 50 kilometres east of Boumalne Dades is the town of Tinghir, which marks the start of Todra Gorge. It’s notable for its towering limestone cliffs (some of which reach 300 metres in height) and is a popular destination for climbing due to its sheer rock faces. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer seeking a thrilling challenge or a casual explorer simply looking to soak in the stunning scenery, Todra Gorge is definitely worth visiting.
One of the best introductory hikes through Todra is the three-hour loop trail that starts at the northern entrance to the gorge, close to the artisan stalls. It takes you up a hillside via a series of concrete steps, eventually leading to a mountain pass. Along the route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the canyon before making your way down to the palm-lined village of Tizgui.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider this one-day mountaineering trip in Todra Gorge.
In addition to its hiking trails, Todra Gorge also provides a fascinating glimpse into North Africa's ancient past through its abandoned ksour - fortified mud-brick villages that once served as both homes and fortresses. While many are now crumbling and in disrepair, a few, like the cliffside Ksar Asfalou and the still-inhabited Ksar Tinerhir, offer visitors the chance to explore these evocative relics firsthand. Also not to miss is the Palmeraie de Tinghir - an oasis of towering date palms that’s ideal for a leisurely wander.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
It can be combined with a visit to the Valley of the Roses
Dades Gorge serves as an ideal base for exploring the Valley of the Roses, an enchanting area that centres around the town of Kalaat M’Gouna (located half an hour's drive southwest of Boumalne Dades). As spring arrives, this lush region bursts into life with fields of colourful roses stretching as far as the eye can see, creating an aromatic paradise.
The best time to visit Morocco's Valley of the Roses is during the peak blooming season in April and May when the sweet fragrance of roses fills the air (you'll smell it long before you arrive). Along the roadside, you’ll find vendors selling heart-shaped creations made from rose petals and the town of Kalaat M’Gouna hosts an annual festival in May to celebrate all things roses. For those seeking adventure, the rugged summit of Mount M'goun offers breathtaking views that make the hike to the top worthwhile.
For more travel inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to the Valley of the Roses.
It's an ideal rest stop en route between Marrakech and the Sahara
Dades Gorge is located roughly halfway between Marrakech and the Sahara, so it’s the perfect place to overnight and break up the journey. Many tours to the Sahara from Marrakech do just that, including these 3-day and 4-day options.
Even if you’re planning a Sahara Desert camp experience independently and self-driving, I would recommend breaking up the journey in Dades Gorge. Not only will you get to explore one of Morocco’s most beautiful areas but you’ll arrive in Merzouga feeling much fresher and ready to embark on a camel trek. While you can do the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga in one day, it’s long (more than 550 kilometres) and you’ll probably just want to sleep as soon as you arrive.
Top tip: My recommendation would be to stop in Dades Gorge on the way to the Sahara and perhaps stay in Todra Gorge or Skoura (which has some amazing kasbah hotels) on the way back to experience something different.
For more information about driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
There are some wonderful places to stay in Dades Gorge
Speaking about spending a night, there are some fantastic auberges and guesthouses in Dades Gorge that offer a completely different experience to the riads of Marrakech and the desert camps of the Sahara. The prices here are also VERY reasonable and most include breakfast in their rates. All of the guesthouses we’ve stayed at in Dades Gorge also offer meals at night as there aren’t many independent restaurants in the area.
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
La Perle du Dades stands out as one of the best places to stay in Dades Gorge, thanks to its stunning architecture and unique blend of modern and traditional design. The serene gardens feature a lovely swimming pool, making it an ideal oasis for relaxation on hot summer days.
La Porte du Dades draws inspiration from kasbah architecture, featuring a selection of charming rooms that surround a lush courtyard. The dedicated staff is committed to making your stay unforgettable and the dining experience is exceptional.
This charming eco-lodge in Dades Gorge is managed by a friendly family and provides a budget-friendly accommodation option along with exceptional hospitality. Besides its roomy accommodations, guests consistently praise the delicious meals served here.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
FAQs about visiting Dades Gorge
Where is the Dades Gorge?
Dades Gorge lies in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 100 kilometres south of Marrakech. It begins at the town of Boumalne Dades - a historic meeting point of tribes moving between the summer pastures of the High Atlas and the wintering pastures of the Saghro Massif.
Over centuries, the Dades River has etched its way between the mountains, creating towering walls and a scene of awe-inspiring natural grandeur. Its crystal-clear waters contrast beautifully against the peaks of the surrounding mountains and the lush vegetation that flourishes along its banks.
What is the geological history of Dades Gorge?
Millions of years ago, the area that now forms Dades Gorge was submerged beneath the water at the bottom of an ancient sea. Over the eons, great quantities of sediment accumulated around its massive coral reefs, slowly compacting into sedimentary rock formations of sandstone and limestone. As the African and Eurasian plates collided, the tremendous forces generated caused the region to gradually rise up, birthing the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding terrain.
Amidst this geologic upheaval, the Dades River established its winding course, relentlessly eroding the porous sedimentary rock of the newly-formed mountains. For much of the year, the Dades carries a relatively modest flow due to the dry, arid climate of the area. However, following heavy rains, the river can be transformed, swelling with enormous quantities of water that come rushing down in powerful torrents.
It's these floodwaters that are responsible for scouring the gorge walls, carrying away vast amounts of debris that grind and scrape against the softer rock. In this fashion, Dades Gorge has been gradually enlarged and deepened into the natural wonder seen today.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
How can you get from Marrakech to Dades Gorge?
If you're driving from Marrakech, it's approximately 320 kilometres to reach the start of Dades Gorge and the trip usually takes about 5 to 6 hours in a car. After leaving Marrakech, the road winds upwards through the Tizi n Tichka Pass where you’ll be treated to panoramic views across the Atlas Mountains. After snaking along cliffside roads, you’ll eventually descend to the film studio city of Ouarzazate, which serves as a gateway to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou. From Ouarzazate, it’s around two hours’ drive to Boumalne Dades.
For more information about things to do in Ouarzazate and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Guide to Ouarzazate.
Nestled between Ouarzazate and Boumalne Dades lies the charming oasis town of Skoura, which is one of our favourite places to stay en route to Dades and Todra. It is peppered with stunning old kasbahs, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses, some with inviting swimming pools and organic gardens where produce is grown. I feel like staying in a kasbah hotel is a quintessentially Moroccan experience and Skoura definitely boasts some of the country's best!
Once you reach Boumalne Dades, the Route des Gorges du Dades meanders northward, showcasing breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs, winding river and traditional villages. The road is well-paved and generally in good shape, but the spectacular scenery can be quite captivating for drivers, so it's a good idea to stop frequently to fully appreciate the beauty.
If you want to travel independently, I’d suggest renting a car in Marrakech or Ouarzazate and embarking on a road trip to Dades Gorge, with the option to include Todra Gorge, Skoura or even the Sahara Desert in your itinerary. Spend your days exploring the area on foot and by car, then relax for the night in one of the charming guesthouses or boutique hotels nestled throughout the area.
Can you reach Dades Gorge by public transport?
If you don’t want to drive yourself and aren’t up for a tour, jump aboard a bus in Marrakech or Ouarzazate and get off in Boumalne Dades. From there, you can take a shared taxi into the gorge (they leave once full) and enjoy a stay at one of the family-run guesthouses in the area. Alternatively, there are several hotels in Boumalne Dades that operate 4x4 tours and guided hikes through the gorge that can easily be arranged on arrival.
Is Dades Gorge worth visiting?
Are there tours to Dades Gorge?
Yes, if you're looking for a hassle-free adventure, consider an overnight adventure or an all-inclusive day trip to Dades Gorge from Marrakech or Ouarzazate. Some visit both Todra and Dades while others include a night under the stars in a desert camp in the Sahara. Many multi-day tours from Marrakech to Dades Gorge also include a visit to Ait Benhaddou - an ancient ksar that has provided a setting for countless films.
Recommended one day tours of Dades and Todra Gorges
Recommended multi-day tours of Dades and Todra gorges
How far is Dades Gorge from Marrakech?
The journey from Marrakech to Dades Gorge covers a distance of approximately 320 kilometres (around 200 miles) and can take anywhere from 5 to 6 hours. The most common and well-travelled route for this journey leads you over the awe-inspiring Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains and offers incredible views over the rugged (often snowcapped) peaks. After navigating the twists and turns of the Tizi n'Tichka, the route continues eastward, passing through the towns of Ouarzazate and Skoura before finally reaching Boumalne Dades.
What is the difference between Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge?
Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge are two spectacular natural areas in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, although they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Todra Gorge (near the town of Tinghir) is renowned for its towering limestone cliffs that soar up to 300 metres in height, creating a dramatic and narrow passage through which the Todra River flows. In contrast, Dades Gorge (near the town of Boumalne Dades) presents a broader and more expansive geological formation, with its slopes and cliffs stretching across a larger area.
While Todra Gorge is flanked by a lush palm grove, creating a striking juxtaposition between the verdant oasis and the towering cliffs, Dades Gorge is known for its rugged and arid terrain, with scattered oases and traditional Amazigh villages dotting the landscape. Both can easily be accessed via roads that wind through their hearts and there’s a good choice of accommodation in both if you want to spend the night.
How long is Dades Gorge Road?
The road that winds through Dades Gorge extends for around 25 kilometres from the town of Boumalne Dades and can easily be driven in a compact two-wheel drive car. That being said, the road includes serpentine bends and is not always smooth, so you need to have your wits about you. As the road twists and turns, drivers and passengers are treated to an impressive display of towering, rust-colored cliffs that rise up on either side, as well as taking in traditional Amazigh villages where you can rest and refuel.
When is the best time to visit Dades Gorge?
While you can explore this part of Morocco throughout the year, the best time to visit Dades Gorge is during the temperate spring and autumn seasons. From March through May, as well as September through November, the weather is generally mild and comfortable.
In the springtime, the surrounding landscapes burst to life, making this one of the most picturesque times to visit Dades Gorge. The pleasant temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in the natural surroundings. The cooling months of autumn are another optimal time for exploration and are blissfully quiet after the busy summer tourist season.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.