The Dades Valley Morocco travelers see on the way to the Sahara is one of the most scenic stretches of the country. It has red cliffs, a road that zigzags up a gorge, rock formations called Monkey Fingers and old kasbahs among palm groves. This guide explains what to see, how long to stay, the best time to go and why it is a good overnight stop on the road to the dunes.
Dades Valley Morocco: The Short Answer
The Dades Valley sits in the High Atlas, roughly halfway between Marrakech and Merzouga, according to 22places. It is where our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour spends its first night, in a riad, before the Sahara camp. The main sights are the Dadès Gorges, the Monkey Fingers and the nearby Todgha Gorge. See our 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech for how it fits the route.
Dades Valley Morocco: Where It Is and How to Get There
From Marrakech the road crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, drops to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then continues east through Skoura and the Dades Valley. The Dadès Gorges are about 330 km from Marrakech, roughly six hours by car, per 22places. Read our guide to what the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara is really like for the full route.
On the way you can stop at the old ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the famous film set. If you start from the north, read Fes to Merzouga instead.
Dadès Gorges: Switchbacks and Monkey Fingers
The Dadès Gorges start just north of Boumalne Dadès. The gorge road is about 62 km long. The Monkey Fingers are a rock formation about 18 km from Boumalne, before the switchbacks, and make a quick stop. The switchbacks begin about 30 km from Boumalne, where the narrow road winds beside the Dadès River. 22places says the road is in good condition and manageable in a rental car or van, but large tourist buses cannot climb it.
A popular trail loops around the Monkey Fingers. You can hike on your own with a navigation app or book a local guide, and 22places suggests asking at your accommodation and doing longer hikes in spring or fall. Journey Beyond Travel also recommends hiring a hiking guide or booking a 4WD trip to see the best sights. The best views are off the road, so a short walk is worth it.
Todgha Gorge: The Red Canyon Near Tinghir
The Todgha Gorge lies near Tinghir in the eastern High Atlas. Wikipedia says it was carved by the Todgha and Dadès rivers, with walls up to about 400 m in places. The narrowest final stretch is only about 10 m wide, with walls up to 160 m. In the dry season the floor is mostly dry and easy to walk. Journey Beyond Travel suggests going in the morning, when light first reaches the canyon floor. Read more in our guide to Morocco natural wonders.
Kasbahs and Oases: The Land of a Thousand Kasbahs
The valley is nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Kasbahs. Journey Beyond Travel says many kasbahs were built for the valley’s natural protection, and that Skoura, a fertile oasis with palm groves, has some of the most impressive ones. If you want to stay in one, converted kasbahs are a good choice. Our guide to riad vs hotel in Morocco explains the difference between the stay types.
Where to Stay in the Dades Valley Morocco
Most travelers choose one of three styles: a guesthouse inside the gorge, a hotel in Boumalne Dadès, or a converted kasbah. On our 3-day tour the night in the valley is in a riad, and the next night is in the Sahara camp. Prices and rooms change by season, so ask us for current options. For what the tour includes, see how much a Morocco desert tour costs.
Best Time to Visit the Dades Valley Morocco
Spring and fall are most pleasant, at around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), according to 22places. Winter averages about 14 °C (57 °F), summer gets very hot, and nights cool down year-round. Compare months with our best time to visit Morocco guide, and see Morocco in summer and Morocco in winter for the extremes.
How Long to Spend in the Dades Valley Morocco
Three hours is enough to see the switchbacks. An afternoon and an overnight stay give you a more relaxed visit, and a full day is best for hiking, according to 22places. If you are short on time, our Merzouga vs Zagora guide shows a shorter desert option. If you have more days, add a second night or the Toubkal climb in the Atlas.
Dades Valley Morocco: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Dades Valley in Morocco?
In the High Atlas in southern Morocco, roughly halfway between Marrakech and Merzouga.
What are the Monkey Fingers in the Dades Valley Morocco?
A rock formation about 18 km from Boumalne Dadès, popular for a quick stop or a loop hike.
Can you drive the Dades Gorge road?
Yes. The narrow road is in good condition and manageable in a rental car or van, but large tourist buses cannot climb it.
How many days do you need in the Dades Valley Morocco?
An afternoon and one night is a relaxed visit. A full day is better if you want to hike.
Want the Dades Valley on your way to the Sahara? Message us your dates and we will plan your route with you.
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 Dades Valley Morocco stop and the rest of your Sahara trip.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Things to do in Merzouga, A night in a Sahara desert camp, Sunset in Morocco, Best places to visit in Morocco for couples.
Passing through the gateway city? Read our guide to Ouarzazate Morocco.
