Whether by car or motorcycle, a drive through this canyon is a very special experience and truly adventurous. Visitors are thrilled by the color contrasts and the incredible scenic beauty. But the most spectacular section of the route is definitely the breathtaking Zik-Zak road, almost at the end of the canyon. But visitors also come from all over the world for hiking and trekking.
In this travel guide we give you all the important tips about the spectacular Dades Gorge in Morocco. In addition, we show you beautiful pictures and give useful recommendations about travel, hotels and accommodation in the Dades Valley.
The Dades Valley in Morocco is located in the province of Thingir and is part of the imposing Atlas Mountains. Most famous is the Dades Gorge, the so-called “Gorges du Dadès“, which stretches from the oasis town of Boumalne Dadès to the north to the village of M’semrir. Along it runs a green river course that irrigates the valley and makes it lush, providing the livelihood for the many small villages. Also worth seeing and another attraction are the numerous well-preserved clay castles, the so-called Kasbahs, which were once built by the Berbers to defend themselves against enemies.
The Dades Gorge begins only a few kilometers from the town of Boumalne and leads for about 45 kilometers through gigantic rock formations and past cliffs that are 200 – 500 meters high. In between, there are always small villages and Kasbahs, which stand out especially because of their reddish colors. Already the drive through the Dades valley is an unforgettable experience, for which you should plan some time: Here you pass pretty Berber villages, there are many beautiful viewpoints and interesting rock formations waiting to be discovered. Photographers will also enjoy the pictures of the Dades Gorge, because the red rocks, the green oases and the palm groves make a magnificent contrast.
While driving by car or motorbike, there are always fascinating places to take a break along the route. One of them is the viewpoint to the Monkey Fingers. This impressive rock formation is located about 9 kilometers from Boumalne Dades and is on the drive into the Dades Gorge right next to the road on the right side. You can take really great pictures here. Also passed a few gigantic and ancient Kasbahs. They are located just next to the Dades River, but the most of them can’t be visited. Anyway, the panorama of the Dades Valley is breathtaking too.
