Dades Gorge in Morocco
We’re exploring the Dades Gorge in Morocco. This spectacular location covers a 45km route from Skoura to Ait Oudinar, amongst some of the most superb scenery.
Our journey takes in the most sublime views along with a mix of crumbling mud-buildings, cliffs and valleys. There’s no doubt that this is an intriguing area of contrasts and we’re really enjoying the drive.
Sometimes we think the views resemble a film set, simply because it’s so unusual and beautiful. No wonder it’s known as “The Valley of a Thousand Kasbah’s”.
Sand Storm
Along the way, the contrast between blue skies, green oasis and rock is quite something, bringing a never ending display of scenery.
Unfortunately, a sand storm has been upon us since leaving the desert town of Merzouga and now it’s creeping up again.
Swirls of sand prevent us opening a window, for fear of a bracing wind blowing dusty air into the van. Hopefully the end of the storm is near, but for now, we’re keeping the windows firmly shut!
The Monkey’s Fingers
One of the most amazing sights comes our way in the form of some incredible rock formations. These are known as the Monkey’s Fingers and they are absolutely huge, merging into the valley floor below.
There’s a chance to park up off the road at a view point, enabling us to take a closer look. The rocks look so surreal, like nothing we’ve seen before.
This section of the drive is really stunning, with ever more greenery running through the valley, making a beautiful contrast.
It’s getting late though, so we need to think about finding a campsite for the night. We’re also getting tired, wanting to settle down and take a break from the drive.
Mint tea and cakes
This Dades Gorge drive is a one-way route for us, culminating in a series of switchbacks, before turning back.
Just before the switchbacks is Camping Ait Oudinar, where we pull in and ask about a pitch for the night.
We’re welcomed by its friendly owner, who shows us a place for the night. Then his son accompanies us with a rug for the ground along with outdoor table and chairs.
Next up, we’re brought a tray of mint tea and home baked cakes. Both go down a treat in the warm evening air.
The campsite is rather lovely, with immaculate showers and toilets and a good dump/fresh area for motorhomes.
Before long, the campsite is full, with a group of Spanish motorhomes arriving to fill the remaining pitches.
Gorge walk – Dades Gorge in Morocco
The following morning, we’re greeted with warm pancakes for breakfast and a smile from the owner. He also kindly tells us about a walk to the heart of the Monkey Finger’s, direct from the camping.
So, we set off with plenty of water and follow his instructions to a dirt track. This turns out to be a wonderful walk, following a map drawn by the enthusiastic owner. Although it takes us 3 hours to reach the rock formations, it’s a superb route, passing plenty of interesting scenery.
There’s the crumbling Kashbah’s mountain views and stone paths running by a stream. Here we pass women gathering crops and donkey’s to help carry them.
The Bus back
Although there’s only a few people along the walk, by the time we reach the Monkey Fingers there’s several tourists.
One long uphill stretch of path brings us up close with the rock formations and it’s spectacular. These are huge and so unusual looking.
Back on the valley floor we find ourselves in a bit of a canyon, where locals appear and offer their services as a guide.
As we’re nearing the end of our walk, we decline and set off to meet the main road above the valley.
Initially we walk back along the road towards the campsite, but it’s hot and seems a long way to go. Instead, we look out for a bus and after about 30 minutes, along comes a local bus which we flag down.
We hop on board although the bus is full, everyone moves up to make room. It’s a strange bus ride on a mini-bus size vehicle, with the side doors open and a young man, a sort of bus conductor helps people on and off.
The ride costs about 60p in British money and the bus drops us off outside the campsite, where more mint tea and cake awaits.
Hairpins of Dades Gorge in Morocco
After finishing our tea and cake, we pay the 100 MAD nightly fee for the pitch, which is about £10 and say our goodbyes.
Setting off to finish the drive and the most dramatic section yet of Dades Gorge where a series of hairpin bends and switchbacks bring a heart-racing finale to the route.
The road gradually climbs, before winding tightly up the gorge, while we keep a watchful eye on any traffic coming our way.
Luckily, it’s relatively quiet, with just a few very slow lorries and a couple of cars for company. We reach the top, where a viewing area gives us a chance to catch our breath and take a look down at the road we’ve just driven.
It’s a scary looking series of bends, and now we have to make our way back down them.
Back down the hairpins
Well there’s no time like the present, so we take a deep breath and venture off back down the hairpin road.
It’s a crazy type of drive, but thrilling and ultimately just our kind of thing. We wind our way down the gorge, looking out onto the stunning scenery, but taking care not to become too distracted.
Wow, this has been the most brilliant place to experience, we’ve loved every minute but now we’re ready to leave Dades Gorge and head out to Skoura for the night.
This Dades Gorge in Morocco is going to be hard to beat, what a gorgeous area and fabulous drive.
Note: Our Morocco tour was in late March 2024 at the end of the busier winter season.
