Morocco natural wonders go far beyond the Sahara. Within a few days you can see the highest peak in North Africa, a three-step waterfall, deep limestone canyons and some of the biggest dunes in the country. This guide lists six places worth the trip, with the facts we could confirm, and links to the guides that help you fit them into your itinerary.
Morocco natural wonders: The Short List
Our short list covers Toubkal in the High Atlas, the Ouzoud Falls near Azilal, the Todgha Gorges near Tinghir, the Dadès Gorges, and the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. Together they show how varied the country is, from snowy mountains to red canyons to golden sand.
Morocco natural wonders: Toubkal, the Highest Peak
Toubkal rises 4,167 m in Toubkal National Park, and it is the highest peak in Morocco, the Atlas Mountains and North Africa. The usual starting point is the village of Imlil in the High Atlas, about 63 km south of Marrakech. In winter the mountains are covered in snow and ice and can be prone to avalanches, and later winter and spring climbs may need crampons. Guides are available to hire, and our guide to climbing Toubkal explains how to prepare.
Morocco natural wonders: Ouzoud Falls
The Ouzoud Falls are in Azilal Province, about 36 km from the town of Azilal and about 150 km from Marrakech. The water drops 110 m in total across three steps, which makes it a popular stop for travelers based in Marrakech. You can combine it with our guide to whether Marrakech is worth visiting.
Morocco natural wonders: The Todgha Gorges
The Todgha Gorges lie near Tinghir in the eastern High Atlas. They are limestone canyons carved by the Todgha and Dadès rivers, and the walls reach about 400 m in places. In the narrowest final stretch, about 600 m long, the walls still rise up to 160 m. Visitors can cross the canyon floor in the dry season, and the warm red rock looks especially striking when the sun is low.
Morocco natural wonders: The Dadès Gorges
The Dadès Gorges were shaped by the Dadès River, which flows weakly for most of the year while storm floods slowly widen and deepen the gorge. The area is also known for rose growing and for groves of palm and almond trees. Many travelers know it for the rock formations called Monkey Fingers. The Dadès Valley is also where our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour spends its first night, before the Sahara camp, and you can compare that route in our guide to the 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech.
Morocco natural wonders: The Sahara Dunes
The Sahara is the best-known of Morocco natural wonders, and the two main sand seas are Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M’Hamid El Ghizlane. Erg Chebbi is about 28 km long, with dunes up to about 150 m, and Erg Chigaga is wilder and quieter. Compare them in our guide to Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga, and see what to do there in things to do in Merzouga.
How to Plan a Trip to the Morocco natural wonders
Choose your season first. Winter brings snow to the mountains, and the desert is most comfortable from October to April, as we explain in the best time to visit Morocco guide. Summer is very hot in the south, so read Morocco in summer before you book. Then decide how many days you can spend with our itinerary guide.
For a first trip, our 7 days in Morocco itinerary is a good base, and the Morocco desert tour cost guide helps with budgeting. To picture the whole country, read where Morocco sits in Africa, and for a change of pace add the blue city of Chefchaouen. Pack for cold nights and hot days with our what to wear in the Sahara guide.
Distances between these places are long, and the roads through the mountains take time. A local driver-guide saves you the stress of planning each stop, and our guide to the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara shows what a day on the road feels like. If you travel with friends, our group trip guide explains how to organize everyone.
FAQ: Morocco natural wonders
What is the highest mountain in Morocco?
Toubkal, at 4,167 m, is the highest peak in Morocco and in North Africa.
How tall are the Ouzoud Falls?
The falls are 110 m high in total, across three drops.
Where are the Todgha Gorges?
Near Tinghir, in the eastern High Atlas.
Can I see several natural wonders in one trip?
Yes. A Dadès Valley overnight and a Sahara camp fit into our 3-day tour from Marrakech, and a longer trip lets you add the mountains and waterfalls.
Want to see Morocco’s natural wonders with a local driver-guide? Message us your dates.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your trip to the Morocco natural wonders and choose the route that fits you.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Largest city in Morocco, Merzouga vs Zagora, a night in a Sahara desert camp, stargazing in Merzouga.
For Roman history, see Volubilis Morocco.
