This article contains affiliate links. Click the arrow to find out more information.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission for purchases made through links in this post. However, please note I only recommend products that I have verified and/or personally used.
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 nature. 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!
Skip Ahead...
Help My Blog Grow: Share My Pinterest Pins!
Hover over the images, and the Pinterest save button will appear in the top left. Click it to share on Pinterest. Many thanks!
Ultimate Guide to Dades Valley Morocco Overview
I’ve pinned all the must-see spots, best hotels, and top-rated restaurants in Dades Valley on this Google Map below.
How to Get From Marrakech to Dades Valley
Book a Tour from Marrakech
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, stop off in Boumalne Dades, 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
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.
The car I hired in Marrakech (left) and me driving down the Tisdrine Bends in Dades Valley (right).
Marrakech to Boumalne Dades Bus
Taking the bus from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades is definitely one of the cheapest options. While you won’t be able to stop at any viewpoints along the way, you can still admire the stunning scenery 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
If you want to visit Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou, consider taking the bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, staying overnight, and then catching a bus the next day to Boumalne Dades.
Private Transfer or Tour
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.
Whether you go for a private taxi or a tour, you’ll get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views – no need to worry about the road, squeeze into a cramped bus, or make small talk if you’re not in the mood. Plus, you can ask your driver to stop wherever and whenever you like!
Things to Do in Dades Valley Morocco
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!
Hiking Adventure
One of the best things to do in Dades Valley is to get out there and soak up the 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 also included – which will be a much-needed treat after all that walking and admiring the views!
Monkey Fingers Rock Formation
The Monkey Fingers rock formation in Dades Valley definitely has to be at the top of your list of things to see in 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!
Cooking Class with Locals
How cool would it be to say you did a cooking class right in the heart of Dades Valley, Morocco? Not only is it a fantastic way to see how local dishes are made and get a taste of the flavours, but it’s also one of the best ways to dive into the local culture, especially the Berber traditions in Morocco. 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!
Tisderine Bends
Driving the Tisderine Bends was definitely one of the highlights of my entire trip to Morocco. Pictures of the Tisderine Bends are often mistakenly used to show the road that runs from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains towards Ouarzazate. In reality, they are actually located in 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. Before heading out, I had a quick chat with some locals for peace of mind, and they told me it used to be 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!
Best Hotels in Dades Valley Morocco
All the options below were selected with peak season in mind and for two people sharing. So if you're flying solo, you're in luck – it'll be even cheaper for you!
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
Dades Valley Weather and Best Time to Visit
- 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.
Now, I’m by no means saying it was cold – it was still in the 30s – but compared to the rest of Morocco, it felt way more manageable. Probably because for the first time in the whole trip, we were greeted with rain when we arrived at our hotel.
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.
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.
Support 24Countries
Thanks for stopping by! I'd love it if you could drop a comment below, share my Pinterest pins, and subscribe to my blog to stay updated with new posts. Every bit of engagement helps my little travel blog grow!
Want to go the extra mile? If you'd like to support 24Countries further (and keep me fuelled with caffeine for more writing adventures), you could treat me to a coffee! ☕
This post is all about Dades Valley Morocco.
Thanks so much for reading, it means the world!
Kirsty x
More Blog Posts You'll Love
Kirsty
Kirsty
Member discussion