Between the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert lies one of Morocco’s most spectacular and least visited regions, a landscape of soaring rock gorges, rose filled valleys, ancient kasbahs and palm lined rivers that stretches across the pre Saharan south.

The Todra Gorge is the crown jewel, a slot canyon where 300 metre walls of pink and amber limestone rise almost vertically on either side of a narrow river path. Walk the gorge floor at dawn and the silence is absolute. The Dades Valley, known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, winds alongside it, a breathtaking drive through terraced agriculture, crumbling earthen towers and some of the most dramatic road bends in North Africa.

Places You’ll See

Todra Gorge, Morocco’s most dramatic natural canyon. Towering 300 metre limestone walls carved by the Todra River. Walk the narrow gorge floor, watch the light shift through the rock, and understand why climbers and hikers come from across the world.

Dades Valley and Monkey Fingers Rocks, the winding road through Dades Gorge passes extraordinary rock formations locals call the Monkey Fingers, twisted columns of eroded stone rising from the valley floor in shapes that defy belief.

Valley of Roses, Kelaa M’Gouna, the rose capital of Morocco. Every spring the valley erupts in pink Damascus roses used to produce Morocco’s famous rose water and rose oil. Beautiful to visit year round, extraordinary during the May rose harvest.

Skoura Palm Grove, a vast ancient palm oasis stretching for kilometres along the Draa River, dotted with crumbling kasbahs and hidden Berber villages. One of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in southern Morocco.

Itinerary

Day 1, Marrakech to Skoura to Dades Valley. Depart Marrakech. Drive through the Draa Valley. Stop at Skoura palm grove. Continue to Kelaa M’Gouna, Valley of Roses. Arrive Dades Valley. Check in to gorge view hotel. Evening walk through the lower Dades canyon.

Day 2, Todra Gorge to Return. Early morning drive to Todra Gorge. Guided walk through the canyon floor at first light. Free time to explore. Optional extended hike for adventurous travelers. Return to Marrakech or continue to Merzouga Sahara.

Transport and Guide

Private Air Conditioned Vehicle

Comfortable private transport throughout. Your driver guide knows every viewpoint, hidden stop and local secret along the route between Marrakech and the gorges.

Accommodation

1 Night Gorge View Guesthouse

A carefully chosen local guesthouse or hotel perched above the Dades Valley with spectacular gorge views. Dinner and breakfast available on site.

Other Tour Services

Gorge Walk and Rose Cooperative Visit Included

Guided canyon walk in Todra Gorge included. Visit to a local rose water distillery or cooperative arranged en route. All transport and entry fees covered.