One of the highlights of Morocco is the Dades Valley where you can stop on your way from Marrakech to the Sahara. Take a small detour to sleep and hike in the Dades gorge and visit the Todgha gorge.
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Dades Valley
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to the Dades Valley
- Northeast from Ouarzazate , R704 From N10, less than 2 hour drive from Ouarzazate
- The Dades valley is 25km long, you can stop at the oasis along the 'river' or go all the way to reach the gorge
- The Todgha gorge is further along N10 (R703 from the town of Tinghir)
Visiting the Dades gorge
- 25 km long between Boumalne and Imdiazen
- The Dades Valley is a great place to hike: either in the gorges of Dades or Todra or on up the hills to get a view of the oasis
- On the way don't forget to stop at the Monkey feet / Monkey too, a strange geological formation (see below)
- Several hotels and restaurants along the way, but not that many
- Poeple in the Dades valley do not appreciate being photographed
- Protect yourself from the sun if you go hiking. There is absloutely no shade.
Monkey feet / Monkey toes
At the beginning of the Dades valley, this geological features are called Monkey feet and Monkey toes or Monkey fingers. You choose whatever you prefer but I think it looks like none...
I did not know at the time but after doing research for this post, I found out there are a lot more of those strange shapes. Just look at the Perigrination website. It looks incredible. I wish I had spent more time there.
Dades Gorge
My hotel was deep in the valley in front of the Dades Gorge.
It seems I was not so inspired because those are the only photos I have. Sorry.
Hiking above the Dades oasis
In the morning we walked through some farming areas and then up on the hill to get a better view of the oasis. We can't really see the river but the green proves it is there.
Locals we crossed path with were nice, but they do not like photographs.
I enjoyed the contrasts of the landscapes on the hike. Bare and brown hills, pinkish square houses and lush green river bed.
Todra Gorge
A little bit further East is the Todra Gorge our Todgha Gorge. It was quite impressive with towering walls on each side. It is a great place for climbers
Even just for a short walk, a recommend a stop there.
Want to see more of Morocco?
Have you ever seen such contrast?
