Online guide to visiting Todra Gorge in Morocco

A deep canyon on the 1,000 kasbahs road

Contact

Telephone:
+212 (0)537 278 300
E-mail:
contact@onmt.org.ma
Website:
Direct contact

Address

The Todgha Gorge, High Atlas, R703, Tinghir, Morocco

GPS: 31.589386023491, -5.5905303571773

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Located in the hinterland of Ouarzazate in the Sahara Desert of southern Morocco, near Morocco’s city of Tinghir, the Todra Valley (Todgha or Toudra) is the cradle of a vast canyon or passage with massive walls up to 400 metres high. Resembling a narrow trench dug in the mountains, this limestone rock valley (wadi) has been shaped for millennia by the Todra River for miles. Although this river is today partly dried outside the flood periods, the monumental proportions of the Todgha Gorge suggest the spectacular power generated by this river when it sculpted this fabulous landscape of rocks bathed by the sun.

Halfway on the 1,000 kasbahs main road (citadels or old adobe fortifications) between the cities of Ouarzazate and Erfoud, the highly recommended Todgha Gorge is at the feet of the highest peaks of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, mountain ranges which can be looked at with awe from a viewpoint. Some peaks in this eastern part of the High Atlas exceed 4,000 metres above sea level. Including the neighbouring Dades Gorges, more than 40 km of canyons are dug through the cliffs and mountains. This arid region is endowed with colorful green assets so precious for its inhabitants, like its lush palm groves with beautiful palm trees and its large oases of freshness. An ingenious traditional berber canal irrigation system, perpetuated from ancient times by the inhabitants of the wadi aware of the scarcity of water resources, promotes market gardening and the growth of many fruit trees including fig trees providing a carpet of shade which is a great place to rest on a hot desert day.

Various hiking trails will allow you to roam the steep landscapes of the High Atlas mountains on your own or accompanied by mules and camels. You will have the opportunity to discover many Berber villages residing in the Drâa-Tafilalet region who traditionally receive a small commission at no extra cost to say to the inhabitants thanks for sharing their life with visitors. The cliffs and rock walls of the Todgha Gorge, well provided with climbing lanes, have become of global importance site for rock climbers seeking exhilarating climbing routes. In winter, it happens that this natural site is covered with a layer of snow (as it was the case in 2016). An excursion by car from Marrakech or Merzouga to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, allowing you to drive through the high terrace walls from the entrance to the exit will stun every visitor to this arabic marvel of nature.

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Gallery

  • The spectacular landscapes of the Moroccan High Atlas; the abrasive limestone rocks and steep walls
  • The yellow, orange and red colour of the rocky walls of the Todgha Gorge
  • The kasbah (citadel) of Aït Benhaddou and its famous ksar on the road to the gorges in the surroundings of Ouarzazate
  • The cities of Boumalne Dades and Qalaat MGouna; the villages of M’Semrir, Tamtetoucht, Aït Hani and Bou Tharar; the road between Tinghir and Tamtetoucht flanked from high cliffs or bordered by deep ravines
  • The vast palm groves of Skoura and Tinghir ; the hot spring of the oued Toudra (according to a legend, it contains sacred fish)
  • Nearby, the Dadès Gorges (the valley of figs) and its winding roads; the Draa Valley, its ksour and its kasbahs in adobe; The valley of the roses blooming at 1.500 meters above sea level (Qalaat MGouna)
  • Fruit trees and traditional crops (almonds, cherries, peaches, apples, olives, figs, apricots…) ; the spectacle of goats climbing on the rocky walls
  • The authentic lifestyle of local populations (mainly Berbers)
  • The activities of climbing, hiking and rafting in the High Atlas; skiing in winter
  • On the parts where the gorges shrink the most, the cliffs 160 meters high open the way to a passage only 10 meters wide.
  • Many Moroccan families regularly come in large numbers to take advantage of the freshness of the Todgha Gorges to bathe, picnic or wash clothes.
  • Located between the cities of Tinghir and Boumalne Dades, the village of Imider is seated on a huge mineral deposit. It is the largest mine in Africa operated by the 7th largest producer of silver in the world (the SMI or Société Métallurgique d’Imiter in which the Moroccan royal family is the main shareholder). The extraction, very polluting, brings no economic impact to the village and deprives the local people of water to irrigate their crops. For the past ten years, the inhabitants have been mobilizing in vain to protest against the appropriation and overexploitation of natural resources by mining companies. 240 tonnes of pure silver and mercury are extracted each year from Imider.
  • Privilege an autonomous mode of transport to explore this region with grandiose landscapes. A local guide can take you off the beaten track and will make you discover the less frequented areas.
  • Plan enough mineral water supplies if you go hiking alone.
  • The 150 or so climbing lanes laid on the rocky walls are open at all levels of practice. Prefer as much as possible those that are not exposed to the sun. The climbing agencies offering their services on site are not all provided with the same level of equipment.

Where to eat

  • La Petite Gorge
    (hearty and tasty)
  • Chez Pierre
    (delicious step)
  • Inass Welcome
    (relaxing frame)

Where to go

  • Souk of Tinghir
    (huge market)
  • Musée des Sources de Lalla...
    (exciting visit)
  • Aventures Verticales Maroc
    (sporting discovery of the gorge)

Where to stay

  • Panorama Todra
    (overlooking a palm grove)
  • Auberge le Festival
    (troglodyte rooms)
  • Riad Timadrouine
    (riad with character)
From €785
Duration:
9 to 14 nights
Available from:
21 March 2023
Available to:
23 October 2023
Star rating:
4 and 5-star
Tours

Sahara Desert, a land of history and mystery

From the Atlas Mountains to the dunes of Merzouga

Morocco, located in the western region of North Africa, is a mountainous region flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Discover the eclectic natural, cultural and historical heritage of the country affectionately known as “the Land of the Distant Sunset” with an enchanting 10-day, 9-night stay. An experienced French-speaking guide/driver will accompany you on a magnificent 1,750-kilometre journey across breathtaking landscapes. His intimate knowledge of southern Morocco will ensure that you enjoy off-beat experiences on roads less travelled. Places of interest include: the historic city of Marrakech, the vibrant “red city” souks; the region’s natural wonders (including the Atlas mountain ranges, the Todgha Gorges, Saharan tracks, the Merzouga dunes, The Valley of Roses, Draa River, the Fint Oasis) and historical cities, towns and monuments (that include the Télouet Kasbah (a Berber-style citadel), the ksours (fortified villages) of Taourirt and Ait-Ben-Haddou, the towns of Taroudant, Taznakht, Taliouine and Zagora, Agadir and Essaouira located on the Atlantic Ocean coast.

The final leg of your journey is dedicated to a luxurious stay at the all-inclusive, 5-star Kenzi Club Agdal Medina hotel. This highly-rated establishment, located in Marrakech’s medina (the historical, walled quarter of the city), is a visual feast with its spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains and the olive groves that surround the property. Other outstanding services and facilities include swimming pools, a spa, fitness-centre, games, shows, several entertainment and leisure options.

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