Dades Gorges in Morocco

Dades Gorges narrows from the city of Boulemane, and the vegetation becomes more sparse. After that, you will see two slopes with a height of 300 meters, separated by a narrow lane of about twenty meters – an unforgettable width. The road will take you to Toudgha: access is challenging but worth it.

Dades gorges

This area of ​​the Moroccan desert is famous for its landscapes and the hospitality of its inhabitants, the Amazighs. This part of the Moroccan desert is known for its beautiful scenery and the kindness of its people, the Amazighs. “The Fingers of the Monkeys” or “Brain of the Atlas” is a group of rocks that stands out among its landscapes. In the surroundings of the Dades Gorges, you will also be surprised by its kasbahs and the picturesque views that make up the High Atlas landscape. Tissadrine is a deep ravine with many meters of unevenness. The road winds to connect with the Msemrir valley.

The Dades Gorges Valley, 25 km long, is one of the most interesting in southern Morocco. The scenery is beautiful, the houses blend into the rocks, and the Dades River runs slowly from high limestone plateaus.

Why Visit Dades Gorges?

Dades Gorges is a beautiful natural area known for its steep red rocks, winding roads, and beautiful valleys. The Dades River carved out the gorge, which has gorgeous scenery and is a great place for hikers, artists, and people who love nature. People who like to take risks are drawn to the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and the dramatic sharp turns on the road. People can also stay in charming guesthouses, visit traditional Berber towns, and talk to locals to get a taste of Moroccan kindness. Dades Gorges is a must-see in Morocco, whether you want to go on an interesting hike, learn about the culture, or relax in nature.

Top Attractions in Dades Gorges

The Beautiful Rock Formations

The “Monkey Fingers” rock formations in Dades Gorges are famous. These patterns were made by erosion over many years. The strange scenery made by these beautiful sandstone structures is great for exploring and taking pictures. People can walk through the area to better see these amazing nature sculptures.

The Curvy Dades Road

Dades Road is one of the best-known things to see in the valleys. The path surrounds rocks and is known for the sharp turns leading to beautiful views. Driving or taking a bike along this road is a memorable experience because you can see the valley below and the steep cliffs above.

Berber villages

Traditional Berber towns are spread along the valley, showing how people live there. Visitors can see mud-brick homes, lush palm fields, and old kasbahs while being treated with warm Berber hospitality. Many guesthouses serve real Moroccan food, so tourists can get a taste of the area’s flavors.

Things to Do in Dades Gorges

Walk through the gorges

You can walk along the beautiful trails in Dades Gorges, which take you past dramatic rock formations, lush valleys, and traditional Berber towns.

Take the well-known Hairpin Bends

The curvy Dades Road is a great place to drive or ride a bike because it has sharp turns and beautiful views.

Visit to the “Monkey Fingers” rocks

The unique eroded sandstone formations that look like big fingers are a must-see for photographers and nature fans.

Book a room in a traditional Kasbah

Staying in a guesthouse in the style of a kasbah will give you a taste of Berber hospitality. You can also enjoy real Moroccan food and stunning views.

Discover the local culture

In nearby towns, you can learn about Berber customs, see old kasbahs, and enjoy handicrafts and tasty treats from the area.

Where to Stay in Dades Gorges

In Dades Gorges, there are a lot of cute places to stay, from traditional guesthouses in the style of a kasbah to new eco-lodges. Many hotels and riads have beautiful views of the valley and famous rock formations. These places are great for relaxing after a day of exploring. When people stay in a family-run guesthouse, they can experience real Berber kindness, eat delicious home-cooked Moroccan food, and learn about the area’s culture. Dades Gorges has places to stay for all travelers, from those on a tight budget to those who want to treat themselves at a fancy boutique hotel.

Best Time to Visit Dades Gorges

When is the best time to visit Dades Gorges? Spring (March-May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is mild and nice. The weather is nice enough during these times to go hiking, see places, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the spring, the valley is covered in lush grass and colorful flowers; in the fall, the skies are clear and great for outdoor activities. It can get really hot in the summer, especially in the middle of the day. The nights can get cold in the winter, but the days stay warm.

How to Get to Dades Gorges

From Marrakech or Ouarzazate is the best way to get to Dades Gorges. You can drive or take a bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, which takes about 4 hours. From there, it takes another 2 hours to get to Boumalne Dades, the entrance to the gorges. The trip is faster if you leave from Ouarzazate; it takes about two hours by car or bus. You can drive or take a cab from Boumalne Dades to get to the gorge through the winding roads that lead there. If you want to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, renting a car is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Dades Gorges located?

How to visit the Dades Gorges?

There are many ways to see the Dades Gorges, so many tourists can visit. A popular option is to hire a private driver or a guided tour, which is convenient and lets you see nearby sights like the Todra Gorges and the Valley of the Roses. If you rent a car, you can go at your own pace, but you’ll need a GPS or plan to get around the steep hills and sharp turns. There are cheap ways to get to Boumalne Dades. You can take the bus or a shared taxi. You can go on your own or with a local guide from there. Always wear comfy shoes, sunscreen, and drink water, especially when the ground is rough and the sun is intense. Check the weather and the state of the roads before you go. This is especially important in the winter when snow and ice can make driving harder.