
Can you drive through Gorges du Dadès?
Morocco, africa
60.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Gorges du Dadès is an absolute must-do in Morocco! This epic canyon, carved by the Dadès River, snakes its way through the High Atlas Mountains. You'll find the road itself stretches about 61 km (38 miles) from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly, you'll want to budget at least 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in.
Picture this: breathtaking rock formations, ancient kasbahs dotting the landscape, and panoramic views that seem to go on forever. After tackling a series of hairpin turns, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable vistas. The road, while paved, can get a bit slick, especially after rain, so keep that in mind.
This drive isn't for the faint of heart! The road is super curvy, so pay attention. While the scenery is incredible, it's definitely a challenging drive, with steep drop-offs and not much in the way of safety barriers.
The best time to explore the lower valleys is March to May, but if you're aiming for the high mountains, May to July is the sweet spot. And don't forget to stop at a cafe for a viewpoint! The Dadès River has carved deep gorges with greenery. Be sure to utilize the overlooks.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 60.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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