Canyon Adventures: Dades and Todra Gorges

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Dades and Todra gorges, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and when to go. Whether you are a fan of hiking, climbing, rafting, or simply enjoying nature, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in these amazing places.

How to get to the Dades and Todra gorges

The Dades and Todra gorges are situated about an hour apart from each other, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. The nearest major city is Ouarzazate, which is about 2 hours west of the Dades gorge and 3 hours west of the Todra gorge. Ouarzazate is also known as the gateway to the desert, as it is a popular base for exploring the Sahara and its attractions.

There are several ways to get to the gorges from Ouarzazate or other cities in Morocco. You can rent a car and drive yourself, which will give you more flexibility and independence. You can also take a bus or a shared taxi to Tinghir, which is the largest town near the gorges and has regular connections with Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Fes, and other destinations. From Tinghir, you can hire a private guide with a vehicle or take another taxi to reach the gorges.

Another option is to book an organized tour that includes the gorges and other attractions in the area, such as Ait Benhaddou, Skoura Oasis, Rose Valley, and Merzouga Desert. There are many such tours available from Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Fes, or Casablanca. They usually last for 2 to 4 days and include transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to bring enough cash with you, as there are very few banks or ATMs in the area. Also, do not rely on phone or internet service, as they are limited or nonexistent in some places. It is better to plan ahead and ask your hotel or guide for assistance if needed.

What to do in the Dades and Todra gorges

The main attraction of the Dades and Todra gorges is their stunning scenery. You can admire them from different perspectives: from above, from below, from inside, or from outside. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:

• Hiking: The gorges are a paradise for hikers of all levels. You can walk along the riverbeds or on the trails that lead to higher viewpoints. You can also explore the surrounding valleys and oases, where you will find date palm groves, almond trees, rose bushes, and traditional mud-brick houses. Some of the most popular hiking routes are:

  • The Monkey Fingers: This is a short hike that takes you to a bizarre rock formation that resembles fingers sticking out of the ground. It is located near Ait Oudinar village in the Dades gorge.
  • The Nomad Caves: This is a longer hike that takes you to a series of caves where nomadic families used to live. You can see their belongings and learn about their lifestyle. It is located near Msemrir village in the Dades gorge.
  • The Tamtatoucht Loop: This is a challenging hike that takes you around the end of the Todra gorge. You will pass by several villages, waterfalls, rock pools, and panoramic views. It is located near Tamtatoucht village in the Todra gorge.

• Climbing: The gorges are also a mecca for climbers of all skills. You can find hundreds of routes on both sides of the canyons, ranging from easy to extreme. The rock quality is excellent and the scenery is breathtaking. Some of the most popular climbing spots are:

  • The Big Tower: This is a 300-meter high tower that offers several routes of different grades. It is located at the entrance of the Dades gorge.
  • The Todra Gorge Wall: This is a 100-meter high wall that offers dozens of routes of various difficulties. It is located at the narrowest part of the Todra gorge.

• Rafting: If you are looking for some adrenaline, you can try rafting on the Dades or Todra rivers. The best time to do this is in spring, when the water level is high enough. You can enjoy the rapids and the scenery as you paddle through the gorges. You can book a rafting trip with a local company or guide, who will provide you with the equipment and safety instructions.

• Relaxing: If you prefer a more laid-back activity, you can simply relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the gorges. You can take a picnic, read a book, meditate, or take photos. You can also visit some of the local attractions, such as:

  • The Dades Valley Museum: This is a small museum that displays artifacts and information about the history and culture of the Dades valley. You can see traditional costumes, jewelry, pottery, weapons, and musical instruments. It is located in Boumalne Dades town.
  • The Todra Gorge Garden: This is a beautiful garden that showcases the flora and fauna of the Todra valley. You can see different types of plants, flowers, birds, and insects. It is located near Tinghir town.

Where to stay in the Dades and Todra gorges

There are many accommodation options in the Dades and Todra gorges, ranging from budget to luxury. You can find hotels, guesthouses, campsites, or even caves. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area:

• Hotel Tomboctou: This is a charming hotel that offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and balconies. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a terrace with views of the Dades gorge. It is located in Tinghir town.
• Hotel Amazir: This is a cozy hotel that offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace with views of the Todra gorge. It is located near Tinghir town.
• Riad Timadrouine: This is a traditional riad that offers elegant rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant, a hammam, and a patio with views of the Dades valley. It is located in Timadrouine village.
• Ecolodge Amskou: This is an eco-friendly lodge that offers rustic rooms with shared bathrooms, solar power, and organic food. It also has a restaurant, a library, and a garden with views of the Dades gorge. It is located near Ait Oudinar village.
• Hotel Xaluca Dadès: This is a luxury hotel that offers modern rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and satellite TV. It also has a restaurant, a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool with views of the Dades valley. It is located in Boumalne Dades town.

When to go to the Dades and Todra gorges

The best time to visit the Dades and Todra gorges is from March to May or from September to November. These are the spring and autumn seasons in Morocco, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C during the day and from 5°C to 15°C at night.

The summer months (June to August) are very hot and dry in the gorges. The temperatures can reach up to 40°C during the day and drop to 20°C at night. The winter months (December to February) are cold and wet in the gorges. The temperatures can drop below 0°C at night and snow can fall on higher altitudes.

The gorges are also affected by seasonal variations in water flow. The rivers are usually low or dry during summer and winter, which makes them less impressive but easier to cross or walk along. The rivers are usually high or full during spring and autumn, which makes them more spectacular but harder to access or navigate.

Conclusion

The Dades and Todra gorges are two of the most amazing natural attractions in Morocco. They offer stunning views of towering cliffs, winding valleys, lush oases, and colorful villages. They are also ideal for adventure seekers who enjoy hiking, climbing, rafting, or relaxing in nature.

If you want to visit these gorges, you should plan ahead and choose the best way to get there, what to do there, where to stay there, and when to go there. You will not regret it!