Dades Gorge 4-Day Trekking Expedition
Four days of genuine canyon trekking in the Dades Gorge — one of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes. Two full walking days between towering red canyon walls, palmeries, kasbahs and Amazigh villages, with comfortable kasbah accommodation throughout. Private transfer from Marrakech included.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights · Difficulty: Moderate · Max altitude: 1,800 m · Distance: 44 km · Group size: 2–10 · From: €700 per person
Highlights
- Two full trekking days deep in the Dades canyon
- Towering red canyon walls and sculpted Monkey Fingers rocks
- Three nights in traditional kasbah guesthouses
- Amazigh villages and ancient ksar ruins
- Marrakech ↔ Dades Gorge private transfer (280 km) included
Itinerary
Day 1 — TRANSFER DAY — Marrakech to Dades Gorge
Depart Marrakech at 06:00. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m), pause at Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO kasbah) and lunch in Ouarzazate, then drive through the Roses Valley to the Dades Gorge — arriving at approximately 14:00. An introductory 2-hour walk along the canyon floor beneath the first red canyon walls settles you into the rhythm of the gorge before dinner at your kasbah.
Marrakech (departing 06:00) → Dades Gorge kasbah · 5–6 hrs driving + 2 hrs walking · 8 km · gain +300 m · Meals: Lunch (en route, Ouarzazate), Dinner · Sleep: Kasbah guesthouse (Dades Gorge)
Day 2 — TREKKING DAY 1 — Into the Gorge Narrows
A full trekking day into the narrowing canyon. Walk from the kasbah zone up through the gorge as the walls close in and the colours deepen from ochre to deep crimson. Pass through three Amazigh villages, cross the river on stepping stones and reach the dramatic curved canyon section before overnight at a simple but comfortable upper-gorge guesthouse.
Dades Gorge kasbah (08:00) → Upper Gorge guesthouse · 6 hrs trekking · 16 km · gain +500 m · Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner · Sleep: Upper gorge guesthouse
Day 3 — TREKKING DAY 2 — Monkey Fingers & Plateau Walk
A second full trekking day walking further into the gorge to the Monkey Fingers rock formations — extraordinary sculpted limestone columns — before ascending to a plateau viewpoint with panoramic views over the Dades Valley. Descend on a different route back through gardens and walnut orchards to the main gorge guesthouse for a final night.
Upper Gorge guesthouse (08:00) → Dades Gorge kasbah · 5–6 hrs trekking · 20 km · gain +400 m · Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner · Sleep: Kasbah guesthouse
Day 4 — TRANSFER DAY — Dades Gorge to Marrakech
A final morning walk along the lower canyon at dawn — the most photogenic light of the trip — before departing at approximately 10:00 for the scenic return drive to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Tizi n’Tichka. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Dades Gorge kasbah (08:00) → Marrakech (arriving ~17:00) · 1–2 hrs walking + 5–6 hrs driving · 6 km · gain +100 m · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (en route) · Sleep: End of tour
What’s included
- Certified guide
- 3 nights kasbah accommodation
- All meals as listed
- Marrakech ↔ Dades Gorge private transfer (280 km)
- Bottled water
Why choose this trek
The Dades Gorge is 280 km from Marrakech — a journey that rewards patience. Four days give you two full trekking days in the canyon at walking pace, plus comfortable travel days without rushing.
Fitness & preparation
Moderate; two full walking days of 5–6 hours on canyon and mountain paths with river crossings.
Photos
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