The Dades Valley
The Dades Valley, also known as the “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs” or the “Road of the Thousand Kasbahs”, is an impressive drive of over 160 km through mountains and valleys, connecting Ouarzazate with the Todra Gorges in eastern Morocco.
The drive in the car is spectacular, with hundreds of kasbahs that the Berbers erected to defend themselves from invaders dotted along the route. These fortified structures are a historical legacy of the region and have been used for centuries as residences and military checkpoints.
In addition to the kasbahs, the valley has a variety of landscapes, typical of the Sahara desert, such as villages, forests and palm groves. The Dades River meanders through the mountains along the route, backed by ochre, terracotta and red cliffs. magnificent Kasbahs, fortified palaces, mountains crisscrossed with streams and canyons, and one of the most magnificent rose gardens in the valley are available to visitors.
One side of the Dades Valley is covered in snow, while the other side is a semidesert. Only the Grand Canyon can compare to its untamed magnificence and unearthly silence. The river forms the valley along a winding path filled with fruit, walnuts, wheat, birch and almond trees, giving us a backdrop of spectacular rock formations.
The valley is an ideal place for nature, culture and adventure lovers. It is possible to go hiking, climbing, mountain biking and enjoy the panoramic views from the viewpoints along the road. Visitors can also explore the small villages along the way and learn about the life of the Berbers, who have inhabited this region for centuries.
In short, the Dades Valley is one of the jewels of Morocco, a place that offers a unique experience to all those who venture along its route, discovering the natural and cultural beauty of this region of the country.
How to get to the Dades Valley
To reach the Dades Valley, you can take the road from Ouarzazate to Tineghir and continue to the Todra Gorges. The route by car is breathtaking and offers spectacular views of the Sahara desert landscapes, villages, forests and palm groves. In addition, along the way, visitors can enjoy beautiful Kasbahs, fortified mansions, mountains crisscrossed by streams and canyons, as well as the valley’s impressive rose garden.
One way to visit this beautiful area of the country is by touring Morocco with a tour company such as Morocco Tourism, which offers tours to the Sahara Desert that include the Dades Valley and the entire Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. Tourists can enjoy an unforgettable experience travelling the roads of the Dades Valley and exploring the impressive Kasbahs that are located along the route.
Tourists can enjoy an unforgettable experience by hiking the trails of the Dades Valley and exploring the impressive Kasbahs along the way, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the area. In addition, with the expert guidance of Tourism Morocco, visitors can discover the rich culture and traditions of the local Berbers and enjoy the delicious Moroccan cuisine.
The climate of the Dades Valley
The climate of the Dades Valley is desert-like and characterized by extreme temperatures throughout the year, with very hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, while in winter they can drop below 0 degrees Celsius at night.
The best time to visit the Dades Valley is during spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are more moderate and the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. During these months, the valley is full of life thanks to the flora and fauna that flourish after the winter rains.
It is important to note that, although the most recommended time to travel to the Dades Valley is in spring and autumn, the region offers a unique experience all year round. In winter, for example, the snowy landscape offers a spectacular view, while in summer you can enjoy the natural pools and oasis of the valley.
If you want to visit the Dades Valley, a good option is to do it through a tour company such as Tourism Morocco, which offers circuits and tours that include this beautiful area of the country, as well as the route of the thousand kasbahs and the Sahara Desert.
What to do in the Dades Valley
In the Dades Valley, there are many activities you can do to make the most of its beauty and cultural richness. Here are some suggestions:
– Walk the route of the thousand kasbahs: the route through the valley is dotted with kasbahs, fortified constructions that the Berbers used as defence and housing. Many of them have been restored and can be visited, such as the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate or the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
– Hiking: the Dades Valley is a perfect place for hiking enthusiasts. Numerous routes will allow you to go into the mountains and enjoy the spectacular scenery. For example, you can do the Dades Gorges route, which takes you through an impressive canyon with unique rock formations.
– Visit the Todra Gorges: located about 15 kilometres east of the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges are an impressive gorge with vertical walls over 300 meters high. It is an ideal place for hiking or climbing, and also to enjoy a picnic in the middle of nature.
– Knowing the Berber culture: in the Dades Valley, as in all of Morocco, the Berber culture is very present. You can visit Berber villages such as Boumalne Dadès, where you can see up close the daily life of its inhabitants and learn about their customs and traditions.
– Enjoy the local gastronomy: in the Dades Valley, there are numerous restaurants that offer typical dishes of Moroccan cuisines, such as couscous or tajin, as well as dishes more typical of the area, such as Berber soup or herbal tea.
If you want to visit the Dades Valley and travel the route of the thousand kasbahs, you can do it with the tourism company Tourism Morocco, which offers tours and excursions in the area.
Accommodation and hotels
In the Dades Valley, there is a wide variety of accommodation options that can suit different budgets and preferences of travellers. Some of the options are:
– Kasbahs: These are ancient fortresses transformed into hotels. Most of them are located on top of the hills with panoramic views of the valley and the river. They offer an authentic experience of Moroccan culture and architecture.
– Riads: These are traditional Moroccan houses converted into hotels. They are located in the villages and towns of the Dades Valley. The riads offer a unique experience, with rooms decorated in Moroccan style and interior courtyards with plants and fountains.
– Desert camps: Some tour companies offer camps in the Sahara Desert, near the Dades Valley. These camps offer a unique experience for travellers who wish to experience life in the desert. The camps have comfortable tents and offer activities such as camel rides and campfire dinners.
– Hotels and lodges: There are a variety of hotels and lodges in the towns and villages of the Dades Valley. They offer affordable and comfortable accommodation options for travellers.
– Guesthouses: These are small and cosy, often run by local families. Guesthouses offer a personalized experience and a homely atmosphere.
Overall, there are many options for lodging in the Dades Valley, from luxury to more economical options, and each offers a unique experience.