sahara

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.