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Dades Valley & Todra Gorge

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Dades Valley & Todra Gorge

A narrow canyon of 300-metre rock walls and a valley of kasbahs and zigzag mountain roads.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Free
Best time
Oct–May
Area
High Atlas

Palm valleys, kasbahs and dramatic canyon walls.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Todra Gorge, Tinghir Province

  • On the desert route: Between Ouarzazate and Merzouga; Todra Gorge is about 15 km from Tinghir.
  • Dades road: The famous zigzag road climbs above Boumalne Dades.
  • Tours: Most Marrakech–Merzouga tours stop at both.

The story of the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

The Todra river has cut a dramatic gorge through the High Atlas, where rock walls rise up to about 300 metres while the canyon narrows to just a few metres wide. Climbers come from around the world to its limestone walls.

Nearby, the Dades Valley is lined with palm groves, earthen kasbahs and strange rock formations, and its winding mountain road has become one of Morocco's most photographed drives.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to May.

Best time of day

Morning in the gorge, when sun reaches the canyon floor.

Rain

Avoid during heavy rain because of flash floods.

Tips before you go

  • A good overnight stop on the way.
  • Walk into the narrowest part of the Todra Gorge from the parking area.
  • Stop at the viewpoint café above the Dades zigzag road.

Best hotels near the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou

Kasbah-style hotel in Merzouga at the edge of the dunes.

See prices

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud

Large kasbah hotel on the road to the Sahara.

See prices

Le Berbère Palace

Palace hotel in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.

See prices
All hotels near the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

What's around the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

  • TinghirOasis town with palm groves.
  • Boumalne DadesTown at the mouth of the Dades Valley.
  • Rose Valley (Kelaat M'Gouna)Famous for rose water and the spring rose festival.
  • Erg ChebbiAbout 3 hours east.

Questions travellers ask

How high are the Todra Gorge walls?

Up to about 300 metres.

Can I hike there?

Yes, there are walks through the gorge and into the hills.

Is it on the way to the Sahara?

Yes, on the main route from Ouarzazate to Merzouga.

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Travel Plan · Dades Valley & Todra Gorge Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure