Dades Valley
The Dades road twists through some of the strangest rock formations in Morocco before climbing into a set of hairpin bends locals call the monkey fingers. It's one of the more dramatic drives on any southern route.
What stands out
Why this place stays with people
- Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Dades Gorge switchbacks
- Rose gardens near Kelaat M'Gouna
- Eroded rock formations
Best time to go
April and May, when the roses are in bloom, are especially good. Otherwise good most of the year.
From the driver's seat
The switchback section is slow going by design — it's not a road to rush.
Visitor guide
Your guide to Dades Valley
How long to stay
One night. It's the natural stop between Marrakech and Merzouga.
Getting there
About five to six hours from Marrakech.
Worth seeing
- The switchback road seen from the café at the top
- The rounded rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers
- Old kasbahs along the valley floor
Good to know
- Spend the night in the gorge itself. The guesthouses have views and the valley is very quiet.
- The famous bends look best from above, not while driving them.
- Short walks into the side canyons are easy and worth it.
Routes through here
Ways to make it part of the trip
Dades Valley, your way
Tell me when you're coming
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