The Dades Gorge and the Todra Gorge are two dramatic canyons on the southern side of the High Atlas, linked by the road between the Sahara and Marrakech. Most travelers spend one night in the Dades Valley, drive the switchback road into the Dades Gorge, and walk between the high rock walls of the Todra Gorge near Tinghir. It is the natural overnight stop between Merzouga and Ait Ben Haddou.
On almost every route between Marrakech and the Sahara, the Dades Valley is where you stop for the night. Here is what to see, how long to stay and where to sleep.
The Dades Valley and the Two Gorges
The Dades Valley runs between the High Atlas to the north and the Jebel Saghro range to the south, following the Dades river past palm groves, fields and old earthen kasbahs. Boumalne Dades is the main town, at the mouth of the Dades Gorge. Further east, the town of Tinghir sits beside a long palm grove, at the entrance of the Todra Gorge.
Things to Do in the Dades Gorge
1. Drive the Switchback Road
Above the village of Ait Ouffi, the road climbs out of the gorge in a series of tight hairpin bends, one of the most photographed roads in Morocco. Stop at the viewpoint at the top for the best view down over the curves.
2. See the Monkey Fingers Rock Formations
Wind and water have shaped the red rock along the gorge into rounded, finger-like formations, known locally as the Monkey Fingers. A local guide can take you on a short walk between them.
3. Walk Through the Villages
Footpaths lead from the road down to the river, past fields of almond and walnut trees and small Amazigh villages built from earth and stone.
Things to Do in the Todra Gorge
4. Walk Between the Canyon Walls
At its narrowest point, the Todra Gorge closes into a corridor of sheer rock walls, with a shallow river running along the bottom. You can walk through this section easily on flat ground, and it is cooler and quieter early in the morning.
5. Hike or Climb
The cliffs of the Todra Gorge are a well-known rock climbing area, and trails lead up from the gorge to viewpoints and Amazigh villages. Ask us to add a guided walk to your day.
6. Visit the Tinghir Palm Grove
Before or after the gorge, stop above Tinghir for the view over the palm grove and its old kasbahs, then walk among the gardens with a local guide.
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
The road west from the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazate is called the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, after the fortified earthen houses that line it.
- Kelaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses. The town is known for its Damask roses, rose water and creams, and celebrates the harvest with a rose festival each May.
- Skoura. A large palm grove with restored kasbahs, including Kasbah Amridil, one of the best known in Morocco.
- Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. The film studios of Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou are the last stops before the High Atlas and Marrakech.
Where to Stay in the Dades and Todra Gorges
Spending the night in the valley lets you see the gorges in the soft morning and evening light. The first eight stays are in and around the Dades Gorge, and the last four are at the Todra Gorge and in Tinghir. All are ranked by Booking.com guest scores and reviews, checked in October 2026.
| Stay | Where | Type | Score | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Boutique Hotel and Spa | Boumalne Dades | Boutique hotel | 9.9 (128 reviews) | Check prices |
| Dar Rihana Dadès | Dades Gorge | Guest house | 9.8 (485 reviews) | Check prices |
| Auberge La Fibule du Dades | Dades Gorge | Auberge | 9.5 (735 reviews) | Check prices |
| Hotel Riad Bahammou | Dades Gorge | Riad | 9.5 (528 reviews) | Check prices |
| Dar Ahlam Dades Hotel | Dades Gorge | Hotel | 9.7 (455 reviews) | Check prices |
| Riad Rihana Dades | Boumalne Dades | Riad | 9.4 (862 reviews) | Check prices |
| La Perle du Dades | Dades Valley | Hotel | 9.2 (608 reviews) | Check prices |
| Hotel Xaluca Dades | Boumalne Dades | Hotel | 8.6 (144 reviews) | Check prices |
| Auberge Le Festival | Todra Gorge | Auberge | 9.3 (1,353 reviews) | Check prices |
| Relais des Nomades | Todra Gorge | Guest house | 9.5 (300 reviews) | Check prices |
| Kasbah Petit Nomade | Tinghir | Kasbah | 9.4 (381 reviews) | Check prices |
| Riad Dar Bab Todra | Tinghir | Riad | 9.1 (998 reviews) | Check prices |
How to Get to the Dades Valley and Get Around
Getting There
The Dades Valley has no airport or train station, so you arrive by road. Most of our routes reach it the day after the Sahara, on the way from Merzouga to Marrakech. On trips that start in Marrakech, we plan a night in the Dades Valley on the way to the desert, and we never do the Sahara and back in a rush. Compare routes in our Morocco itinerary planner.
Getting Around
- With your driver. The two gorges, the switchback road and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs are spread out along the valley, so a car is the easiest way to see them.
- On foot. Once you are there, the best parts of both gorges are explored on foot, on easy paths along the river.
- With a local guide. For the Monkey Fingers, village walks or longer hikes, a local guide knows the paths.
How Long to Spend in the Dades Valley
One night is enough for most travelers: arrive in the afternoon, drive into the Dades Gorge, and visit the Todra Gorge the next morning on the way to or from the desert. Add a second night if you want to hike. See how many days you need in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, with mild days and the roses in bloom in May. Summer days are hot, so walk early in the morning. Winter days are sunny, but nights are cold, so bring warm layers. See the best time to visit Morocco and the weather in Morocco.
Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge FAQ
Yes. The switchback road, the red rock formations and the quiet villages make it one of the most scenic stops between the Sahara and Marrakech.
The Dades Gorge is a long, winding valley best seen by car, with the famous hairpin road. The Todra Gorge is a short, narrow canyon with high walls that you explore on foot.
One night for most trips, or two if you want to hike.
Yes. Many travelers walk in the Todra Gorge in the morning and drive into the Dades Gorge in the afternoon, then spend the night in the valley.
Yes. It sits on the road between Marrakech and Merzouga, which is why it is the usual overnight stop on that route.
Plan Your Trip
The Dades and Todra Gorges are included on our routes between the Sahara and Marrakech. Read about the Sahara desert camps, the drive from Fes to Merzouga, our 10 day itinerary, what a private tour costs and the other best cities to visit in Morocco.
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