Todra Gorge drive Morocco

We’re ready to leave the desert town of Merzouga in search of the Todra Gorge drive in Morocco. Unfortunately for us there’s been a sand storm and the haze is still dominating the morning sky.

Everywhere here in Morocco takes far longer to drive than the sat nav tells us. It’s 8.30am when we leave, but we don’t arrive at Todra Gorge until lunch time. We’ve driven across vast expanses of nothing in the stoney desert landscapes of immense scenery.

Camels and winds

Driving in Morocco reminds us how big the earth is and how small we all are. There’s so much empty space, broken by the occasional oasis of green palms and sand colour buildings. These impressive interludes are quite breathtaking.

Along the way we occasionally come across camels, some strategically in place with signage offering camel rides across the plains.

There’s no doubt just how incredible the driving across these vast landscapes is, made all the more interesting by intermittent towns along the way. There’s no tiring of the scenery, its scale immense and when the mountain backdrop comes into view, it’s stunning.

The haze comes down stronger, while the strong winds become a persistent presence. As we make headway towards Todra Gorge, there seems to be a lull in the gusts and a relative calm.

Coach tours galore

Todra Gorge is a tourist hotspot 90km east of Kalaat M’Gouna and a natural wonder not to miss.

The cliffs of this spectacular red tinge rock rise to an impressive 300m with the narrowest point being just 10m across.

The approach is stunning, as more greenery reflects back off the red glows of rock. We turn a corner to find a surprise in store, the gorge has a massive tail back. We never quite expected a traffic jam here.

The road itself is good, and scenery ever more incredible, while up ahead are numerous coaches, mini-buses and lorries as tourists flock to see this spectacular route.

Narrow chasm

Slowly we drive forward, having eyes and ears on full alert the whole time, simply because there’s so much going on around us.

Beside the road and lining the cliff face are numerous stalls, with local sellers show casing their offerings. These include many brightly coloured clothes, scarves and rugs with so much choice on offer.

Inching our way forwards, the scenery becomes more beautiful than ever, as the gorge narrows. Beside us to our right is the river where women are washing rugs in the shallow water. A number of donkey’s rest on the river bed while others carry goods along the stones.

The narrow chasm is upon us, as the coaches and mini buses disappear into the distance, it’s our turn to drive through the narrow part.

It’s a phenomenal sight, as huge red colour cliffs rise up either side of the campervan and the road becomes a squeeze between the two.

Parking up

As the gorge slips away from the campervan and the blue sky opens up in front, we’re greeted with more fabulous landscapes.

This rocky, craggy terrain of mountains and fine views is just amazingly good to experience. Now we’re ready to walk the gorge, so park up above the road, accessible off a jagged dirt track.

We’re not alone, with several other campervans parked up around us. It’s an opportunity for lunch and coffee before venturing off on foot.

Then it’s time to venture down onto the road we’ve just driven and walk the route.

Quite time – Todra Gorge drive Morocco

By the time we reach the gorge there’s barely a sole in sight. It’s a different world from just a short while ago when so many buses were here.

We follow the river and keep moving, admiring the high gorge walls as we go. There’s plenty of chances to buy goods from one of the stall holders as they approach in hope of a sale.

Apparently, Todra Gorge is well known for rock climbing. Although climbing isn’t our thing, we can’t help admire those who scale its dizzy heights.

After walking the gorge and returning the same way along the road, we take a walk beyond the parking area. Here is a vast expanse of arid mountains, where a walking path winds uphill towards the dramatic landscape.

It’s been such a great drive and the most wonderful place to see, but we’re ready for the next big drive so have to get going.

Join us next time for an equally spectacular location, the Dades Gorge and a drive of hairpin bends amongst the most glorious scenery.

Thanks for reading ‘Todra Gorge drive Morocco’, learn more about driving in Morocco here. Our travels were in March 2024 and part of a longer campervan trip across Morocco.