Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge
Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge Overview
This day trip from Ouarzazate takes you deep into the heart of the Atlas Mountains, exploring two of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders: Dades Valley and Todra Gorge. These places are famous for their stunning views and powerful images of vast cliffs, steep valleys and the winding roads that provide stunning scenic views of some of the most attractive desert country that exist. This trip is suitable for anyone who loves adventure while surrounded by the nature and wants to take some great pictures: there are traditional Berber villages to visit, stunning river valleys to see, and beautiful rock formations to look at.
Highlights of the Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge
- Watch the beautiful “Monkey Fingers” rocks formation in the Dades Valley.
- Discover the tapestries and thatchwork of the palmed island-dotted oasis of Dades.
- Drive through the beautiful desert and mountainous areas and arrive into Todra Gorge.
- Visit and be astonished by the tall Limestone Mountains of Todra Gorge.
- Todra’s cliffs turn into a tight gorge and you should walk through it.
- Take beautiful pictures of the extraordinary cliffs and the river at the Todra Gorge.
- Spend time in Berber village and enjoy the mountain animality.
- Savor of a traditional Moroccan cuisine for lunch while we arranged the views of mountains and the river.
Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge Itinerary
Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge Program
7:30 AM – Departure from Ouarzazate: It all starts by being picked from your hotel in Ouarzazate to kick start the day’s exploration. You will be taken in an air conditioned car through the picturesque road towards the Dades Valley with impressive view of the desert and the Atlas mountains on the way.
9:30 AM – Arrival at Dades Valley: The first is Dades Valley special for the so called ‘monkey fingers’ – remarkable rock formations and the beautiful green valley with rocks on both sides. Pet the animals and take a brief nature walk around the valley to view and photograph the towering cliffs. Dades Valley has several traditional Berber villages you’ll get to see, and your guide will provide history and culture information.
11:00 AM – Drive to Todra Gorge: It is then possible to move to the Todra Gorge, which is approximately one hour away from Dades Valley. More so, you will be able to ride through the beautiful palm trees while getting to see small towns and even rocky regions.
12:00 PM – Todra Gorge arrived: Upon your arrival at Todra Gorge, you will be struck by oddly shaped massive limestone gorges on both sides of the river. Some ridges are 300 meters high, providing a fairly tense, but scenic claustrophobic passage at the same time. It is possible to just take a walk along the river or, if you are up for it, just hike a little bit more to capture the magnificent view of the gorge. The area will also be perfect for photo shooting as many places offer good contrasts of light and darkness.
1:30 PM – Lunch in Todra Gorge: For lunch, there will be an option to get to a nearby restaurant, traditionally serving tagine and fresh Moroccan bread after which you’ll have a choice between tagine and couscous. The environment is breathtaking with extreme views of the mountain surrounding every facet of the dining area.
3:00 PM – Berber Village in Todra: Before returning to OUARZAZATE, visit a Berber typical village in Todra. Spend some time to interact with the villagers; this is one of the most tranquil and beautiful areas of Morocco. Get to know more about Berber people and their problem: how they live and what their life in the mountains involves.
4:00 PM – Return to Ouarzazate: The last part of the tour returns you to Ouarzazate where other attractive features of the region are seen. By this you are to arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening enabling you get some time for rest in the evening.
5:30 PM – Arrival in Ouarzazate: An exciting part of the tour ends as you return to your hotel in Ouarzazate after the lovely day spent discovering Dades Valley and Todra Gorge.
Included / Excluded
- Pick-up from and transportation to Ouarzazate in your hotel
- Air-conditioned transportation throughout the day
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Visits to Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Todra Gorge
- Scenic stops for photos along the way
- Visit to a Berber village in Todra
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and snacks. • Gratuities for guides and drivers. • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I wanted to know how many miles is the distance from Dades Valley and Todra Gorge from Ouarzazate?
Dades Valley is two hours drive from Ouarzazate, while Todra Gorge is one hour drive from Dades. The driving time is approximately 2 hours for both ways.
How many days/ hours will you take in Dades Valley and Todra Gorge?
You will dedicate approximately 1 hour of your trip to Dades Valley and approximately 2 hours to Todra Gorge with enough time to take photos, go for a walk or enjoy sightseeing.
What should I wear for this trip?
Footwear for example shoes should be sturdy both for the gorges or in case you need to visit a Berber village, clothes should be comfortable. Take a hat, sun glass and an aerosol for protection from the scorching sun.
Should children go on the trip?
No, we are not going to be spending our time drinking and partying, that’s why this is a day trip and it is family friendly. The road is not very challenging with most of the attraction being natural and cultural attractions that will interest children.
Is it necessary to make and appointment in advance?
Indeed, we recommend to book in advance with high-flow periods, so as not to have any problems with confirmation and availability.
Can I ride a camel during the trip?
Camel riding is not a common feature of this trek, but you can find camels at some areas of the valley and gorge, and get a ride in them if you want to.
Is lunch included?
Indeed, food particularly lunch meal is part of the entire journey. That will be a Moroccan style and often includes tagine, couscous, or other dishes which are popular in Morocco.
How strenuous is the Day Trip from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley & Todra Gorge?
The tour is moderately active where visitor can engage in more vigorous activities in case they want to. Only a little of it is rather active with the opportunity to go through the gorges and villages at a leisurely stroll.
