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Most people know Dades Valley as a pit stop on the way to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, but trust me, this place has so much more to offer. It’s where you start to truly experience Morocco’s jaw-dropping landscapes. While it might not have the UNESCO fame of Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley more than makes up for it with its stunning scenery and epic adventures!
Now, throughout this article, I’ll be using Boumalne Dades and Dades Valley interchangeably. But they technically aren’t the same: Boumalne Dades is a city in Dades Valley. You’ll most likely pass through it on your way from Marrakech to Merzouga.
On the other hand, Dades Valley (also known as Dades Gorge, though I’ll stick to Dades Valley for simplicity) is the entire region surrounding and including the city of Boumalne Dades. It’s famous for its dramatic mountains and bizarre rock formations – perfect for exploring on a canyon hike!
If you’re heading from Marrakech to the Sahara, Dades Valley is the ideal place to stop off and rest up for the night. However, it’s worth noting that it’s a long drive from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades, taking over five hours, so a stop-off in Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou is definitely worth considering.
To help you make the most of your time in this stunning part of Morocco, I’ve put together this guide to the top things to do in Dades Valley – including the best hotels to stay at and restaurants where you can find delicious food!
Overview of the Ultimate Guide to Dades Valley
I’ve pinned all the must-see spots, best hotels, and top-rated restaurants in Dades Valley on this Google Map below.
Top Things to Do in Dades Valley
Explore Boumalne Dades
At the entrance of Dades Valley, you’ll find Boumalne Dades. There isn’t a whole lot to do here, but it’s a perfect spot to stop for a bite to eat and check out the Dades Panoramic View, which is incredible, especially on a clear day.
When it comes to staying overnight, I’d only really recommend staying in Boumalne Dades if you’ve arrived by public transport. Otherwise, if you’re driving and have more flexibility, I’d suggest venturing further into Dades Valley. You’ll find some seriously stunning hotels here, plus it’ll be much quieter than the city, so you’ll definitely get a better night’s sleep.
If you have travelled by public transport, there are plenty of taxis in Boumalne Dades that can take you to all the must-see spots in the region, including the famous Monkey Fingers Rock Formation!
Go on a Hiking Adventure in Dades Valley
One of the best things to do in Dades Valley is to soak up its breathtaking landscape. This highly-rated four-hour Monkey Fingers hike with a professional guide is a great way to do just that. On your walk, you’ll learn all about the local geology and history, plus you’ll get a chance to really appreciate the surroundings.
And if that wasn’t enough, lunch is included too – a much-needed treat after all the walking and the views.
Take a Cooking Class with Locals in Dades Valley
How cool would it be to say you did a cooking class right in the heart of Dades Valley in Morocco? Not only does it give you a firsthand look at how local dishes are made and let you taste the flavours, but it also offers one of the best ways to experience Morocco’s Berber culture. The Berbers have been an integral part of Morocco for over 20,000 years, and even today, 80% of Moroccans still identify as Berber or Amazigh.
In this class, you’ll head out to the garden to pick fresh, organic ingredients and then learn how to cook traditional Berber dishes in the outdoor kitchen. Who knows – you might even discover your new favourite dish!
Exploring the Winding Roads and Rock Formations of Dades Valley
Discover the Monkey Fingers Rock Formation
The Monkey Fingers rock formation in Dades Valley is a must-see when visiting the area. Now, I get it – rocks might not be everyone’s thing, and normally I’m not too fussed about them either. But these? They’re pretty cool. I’ve never seen anything like them before! Maybe they’re common in other parts of the world, but they sure don’t look like that back in Scotland.
One of the best ways to take them in is by heading to the viewpoint, or even better, booking a hotel with a view of them. For the ultimate experience, go for a hike with a local guide through the canyon to truly appreciate their scale.
They’re free to visit, but do be aware that when you park at the viewpoint, local children may approach you asking for money. This was the only time we encountered this during our time in Morocco.
It’s also worth noting that there’s only one road that runs from Boumalne Dades up to the Monkey Fingers, so you can’t miss them. That being said, don’t be surprised if you think you’ve driven past them – I had the same thought, then, out of nowhere, they just appeared!
Drive the Tisderine Bends
Driving the Tisderine Bends was definitely one of the highlights of my entire trip to Morocco. Many people wrongly use Tisderine Bends photos to represent the road from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. In reality, they are actually located in the Dades Valley, further past the Monkey Fingers rock formation.
Honestly, I found it pretty safe to drive – I was even behind a truck on the way up! It’s definitely not as scary as it looks. I checked with locals before heading out; they said it was much more dangerous in the past. But now, it’s been massively improved and is perfectly fine as long as you drive carefully.
Make sure when you reach the top of the Tisderine Bends, to stop off for a coffee (or something non-caffeinated to calm the nerves!). The views over the gorge and winding road were absolutely stunning – definitely one of my favourite spots!
How Many Days Should I Spend in Dades Valley?
There isn’t a huge amount to do in Dades Valley itself, so an overnight stay is usually enough to take in all the main highlights and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, you could stretch your visit to 1–2 days, especially if you have nice accommodation to spend time in. This gives time to explore the rocks, stroll through local villages, and soak in the sunrise or sunset over the mountains.
How to Get from Marrakech to Dades Valley
Book a Tour from Marrakech to Dades Valley
One of the best ways to visit Dades Valley is on this 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour. It’s one of the most popular tours from Marrakech. On your way to Merzouga, you’ll explore Ouarzazate, visit the ancient city of Ait Ben Haddou, discover the incredible Todra Gorge, and spend a night under the stars in the Sahara. It’s the perfect way to see all the must-see places in southern Morocco in a nutshell.
Hire a Car in Marrakech and drive to Dades Valley
I hired a car in Marrakech and drove all the way to Merzouga. We split up the journey by first driving from Marrakech to Dades Valley. This was supposed to take five hours, but after stopping at a viewpoint in the Atlas Mountains, doing some sightseeing in Ouarzazate, and exploring Kasbah Amridil, it took much longer. However, the freedom that driving gives you to explore the country at your own pace was absolutely worth it!
If you’re thinking of doing the same, check out DiscoverCars or AutoEurope for car rental quotes. And make sure to read my 27 Essential Tips for Driving in Morocco to know what to expect. I definitely could’ve used a guide like that before hitting the roads in Morocco!
🚗 Just a heads-up: Boumalne Dades was the first place I got pulled over at a police checkpoint (and narrowly avoided a fine!). So, make sure you’re familiar with the Moroccan road signs and drive extra carefully around here.
Take the Marrakech to Dades Valley Bus
Taking the bus from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades is definitely one of the cheapest options. Though you can’t stop, the beautiful scenery along the route is still visible from your seat.
There are two bus companies that operate this route:
- Supratours: Runs two buses per day at 8am and 3pm | Direct | Costs about £10/€12 one-way | Takes around 6-7 hours
- CTM: Runs one bus per day at 10am | Change buses in Ouarzazate | Costs about £10/€12 one-way | Takes around 7-8 hours
Private Transfer or Tour to Dades Valley
If you don’t fancy driving, taking public transport, or joining a group tour, your best bet is to hop in a private taxi from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades (or anywhere else in Morocco you’d like to visit). Alternatively, you could opt for a private Morocco tour like this 3-Day Private Desert Tour or 6-Day Private North to South Morocco Tour – both come highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Dades Valley: Riads, Hotels, and Guesthouses
Budget Dades Valley Hotels (£0-30 per night)
- Monkey Fingers House by Fatima Mellal. This is the hotel I originally wanted to book, but by the time I got around to it, it was sold out. All you need to know is that the view from the terrace over the Monkey Fingers rock formation is worth the stay alone – it’s absolute perfection!
- Auberge La Fibule Du Dades. This cosy riad has everything you need for a comfortable overnight stay – good food, private bedrooms, and bathrooms. Plus, the rooftop terrace, where you can have dinner, has a stunning view over the canyon.
Mid-Range Dades Valley Hotels (£30-60 per night)
- Riad Sahara Stars Dades. This is the exact hotel I stayed at during my trip to Dades Valley. If you want all the details, I’ve got a full review of this Dades Valley Hotel. But in short, it was incredible!
- Hotel Riad Bahammou. Just take a look at the pictures of this riad – it’s absolutely stunning! The decor is gorgeous, there’s even an outdoor pool to take a refreshing dip, and according to reviews, the food is delicious.
Luxury Dades Valley Hotels (£60 or more per night)
- Chez Ichou. With cosy, quiet rooms, you’re set for a restful night’s sleep. Then, wake up and unwind by the outdoor pool, soaking up the sun on the loungers – the perfect way to top off a relaxing stay.
- Hotel Xaluca Dades. If you don’t have a car or just prefer to stay in the city of Boumalne Dades, this hotel is a fantastic choice. It’s beautifully decorated, with all rooms offering stunning views of Dades Valley. And with an outdoor pool, hot tub, hammam, and massage rooms, you’re all set for a seriously luxurious stay.
Top-Rated Dades Valley Restaurants
After a five-hour drive from Marrakech, we finally arrived at Riad Sahara Stars Dades in Dades Valley – and let me tell you, we were completely wiped out from all that driving! By dinner time, all I wanted was a good meal and a relaxing evening.
The hotel had mentioned at check-in that they served dinner, so we decided to just stay in. And wow, we were not disappointed! We were treated to a delicious four-course meal, and the price was super reasonable too. So, if you’re on the lookout for a place to eat, definitely stop by! Just be sure to call ahead for a reservation – the place was fully booked when we were there.
But this isn’t the only great spot – Dades Valley is packed with highly-rated restaurants! In fact, the ones below all have rave reviews, so they’re a good place to start!
- Restaurant Rooftop Atlas Dades: Moroccan and European (Italian) Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly plus Gluten Free Options | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Riad Restaurant Pizzeria Marhaba: Moroccan and European (Italian) Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Café Restaurant Zinyou Sud: Moroccan and Mediterranean Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant Dar Ahlam Dades: Moroccan and Arab Cuisine | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Auberge Chez Pierre: Moroccan and European (French) Cuisine | Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly plus Gluten Free Options | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Options
- Restaurant Atlas Gorge Dades: Moroccan and Mediterranean Cuisine | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Options
Best Time to Visit Dades Valley
Spring: Lows 3-14°C | Highs 14-26°C
Summer: Lows 13-18°C | Highs 24-30°C
Autumn: Lows 0-13°C | Highs 11-24°C
Winter: Lows 0-3°C | Highs 10-14°C
I visited Morocco in July, and it was absolutely scorching! With daytime temperatures regularly soaring past 40°C, staying cool felt almost impossible. However, when we made it to Dades Valley, it actually seemed to get a wee bit milder.
That being said, the hotel pool was still very much needed even in these temperatures to stop us from overheating. Visiting Morocco in summer is not the best time to go: The crowds weren’t bad, but the landscapes were dry, and the heat was relentless throughout the country.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d go for autumn or winter instead. Locals I met swore by these seasons, and for good reason. You can expect cooler temperatures, epic stargazing in the Sahara, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Dades Valley or Todra Gorge: Which Should You Visit?
If you’re road-tripping to Merzouga, you’ll likely face this dilemma: do you explore Dades Valley or Todra Gorge? Both are breathtaking, but each offers a different kind of experience.
Dades Valley takes you off the main route, but you’ll wind through stunning landscapes that seem never-ending. It’s a dream for photographers and those who love scenic drives. Spend a night in a cosy guesthouse and catch the valley at sunrise.
Todra Gorge, on the other hand, is more touristy but every bit as impressive as Dades Valley – just in a different way. Dramatic towering cliffs rise nearly 400 meters high, with a river cutting through the canyon floor. It’s perfect for hikers, rock climbers, and anyone craving a bit of adventure. Early mornings are best, when the sunlight creeps between the cliffs and the crowds are scarce.
If you have time, I’d suggest doing both. But if you must choose:
- Pick Dades Valley for landscapes and iconic viewpoints.
- Pick Todra Gorge for hiking and dramatic cliffs.
Tips for Visiting Dades Valley, Morocco
Winding through the rugged heart of the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley is a road-tripper’s dream — but a little planning makes the experience even better. Here are some essential tips before you go:
- Drive the Scenic Route. Take the R704 road from Boumalne Dades to the Tisderine Bends. The road is paved and safe, but narrow in places, so drive slowly and take frequent stops for photos.
- Stay Overnight. Don’t rush through. Spend at least one night in a guesthouse or kasbah overlooking the valley. Magical at sunset and nighttime, when you can do a spot of stargazing.
- Pack for All Seasons. Even in summer, evenings can get chilly. So, bring layers!
- Meet the Locals. The Berber villages along the valley are warm and welcoming. Stop for mint tea, shop for crafts, or simply enjoy a friendly chat.
- Combine with Todra Gorge. If you’re continuing east, the Todra Gorge is a worthwhile stop. The contrast between the two landscapes is incredible.
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Kirsty x
