Dades Valley & Gorge
The Dades river cuts north from the kasbah road into red rock, past the rose fields of Kelaat M'Gouna and the strange eroded formations locals call the Monkey Fingers, to a gorge climbed by one of Morocco's most photographed roads.
The valley floor
Between Skoura and Boumalne the road runs through a near-continuous ribbon of earthen villages, fig and almond terraces and ruined kasbahs — the stretch that gave the valley its name. Kelaat M'Gouna, halfway along, is the centre of Morocco's damask rose growing; the fields are picked in late April and the town holds a rose festival in May.
Into the gorge
North of Boumalne the road narrows into the gorge proper. The eroded conglomerate formations known as the Monkey Fingers come first, then the valley tightens and the road climbs the switchbacks in a series of tight hairpins. The viewpoint at the top looking back down is the classic photograph of the region.
Walking
The upper valley is good walking country. Short routes follow irrigation channels between villages on the valley floor; longer ones climb onto the plateau towards the M'Goun massif, which at 4,071 metres is the second-highest summit in Morocco. Guesthouses in the gorge can arrange local walking guides.
Tours — Dades Valley & Gorge
3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
The classic crossing of southern Morocco. In three days you go over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, walk the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou…
From 350 EUR
Dades & Todra Gorges — 2-Day Tour
The gorges and valleys of the Anti-Atlas without the desert drive. Two days following the old kasbah road east of Ouarzazate…
Price on request
5-Day Grand Tour of Southern Morocco
The trip we recommend when you have the time. Five days lets the south unfold at its own pace: two nights in the Sahara instead…
Price on request