Todra Gorge
A vertiginous canyon where sheer 300m walls close to a narrow river passage — walk the floor at dawn before the crowds.
Fes, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Pre-Sahara · Kasbah road
Dadès & Todra Gorges, Morocco
Sheer red canyons and the great switchback road of the deep south — reached from Fes on the Sahara loop, or on the Marrakech leg of an imperial journey.
Best time
March–May (rose season in May) and September–November
Recommended
1–2 nights en route to the Sahara
Airport
Ouarzazate (OZZ) or Errachidia (ERH)
Region
Pre-Sahara · Kasbah road
Why Dadès & Todra Gorges
The Dadès and Todra gorges belong to the kasbah country of the far south, a long way from the Fes medina — so be clear about the map. There are two honest ways in. From Fes you can take the southern Sahara route, dropping through Ifrane, Midelt and the Ziz toward Errachidia, from where Tinghir and the Todra are within striking distance; or you reach the gorges later, on the Marrakech side of a longer imperial trip, climbing over the Tizi n'Tichka before turning east along the kasbah road. The Todra narrows to a 300-metre slot barely 10 metres wide and draws rock climbers from across Europe; the Dadès twists past the eroded 'monkey-finger' rock and the celebrated hairpin switchbacks. Between them lie palm oases, mudbrick kasbahs and, around Kelaat M'Gouna, the damask roses of the Valley of Roses.
What to see
Highlights of Dadès & Todra Gorges.
Dadès switchbacks
The photogenic hairpin road climbing out of the gorge, with a café terrace perfectly placed for the view.
Valley of Roses
Kelaat M'Gouna's damask-rose fields, harvested each May for rosewater — a fragrant detour in spring.
Skoura palmery & kasbahs
An oasis of date palms studded with earthen kasbahs, including the beautifully restored Amerhidil.
Itineraries
Our Dadès & Todra Gorges tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Dadès & Todra Gorges. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: About 2–3h east of Ouarzazate on the kasbah road
- Best combined with: Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Merzouga dunes
Concierge
Have your Dadès & Todra Gorges trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Dadès & Todra Gorges — common questions.
Are the Dadès and Todra gorges worth it?+
Yes — they're among the most dramatic landscapes in Morocco and a natural, scenic break on the long desert route. The Todra's sheer walls and the Dadès switchbacks are highlights of any southern road trip.
Can you visit the gorges from Marrakech?+
They're best seen as part of a 3-day-or-longer Sahara loop, not a day trip — they sit roughly halfway between Marrakech and Merzouga on the kasbah road.
Closest destinations
Pair Dadès & Todra Gorges with.
These destinations are closest to Dadès & Todra Gorges — easily combined on a private itinerary.
21 kmDrâa-Tafilalet · Todra Valley
Tinghir
Gateway to the Todra Gorge on the southern desert loop — a lush oasis town a long way south of Fes, met on the Marrakech-and-Sahara leg.
Explore
70 kmHigh Atlas · M'Goun massif
Aït Bougmez Valley
The remote High Atlas 'Happy Valley' of the M'Goun massif — terraced Berber villages reached on the Marrakech-side mountains, far south of Fes.
Explore
91 kmPre-Sahara · Drâa-Tafilalet
Skoura
A palm-oasis kasbah town on the southern desert road — Skoura belongs to the Marrakech-and-Sahara leg, well south of the Fes heartland.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Travel notes and practical guides to plan your time around Dadès & Todra Gorges.