Exploring the Majestic Dades Valley: A Journey with Friends

Whispers of the Ancient Canyon

Today was nothing short of magical as we delved deeper into the heart of the Dades Valley. The landscape here is so raw and untouched, it feels like stepping back in time. Every turn reveals a new vista, each more breathtaking than the last. It's days like these that remind me why I traded my comfortable Potsdam apartment for a life on the road, chasing stories and sunsets.

Our day began with a hearty Moroccan breakfast at Soffi Cafe Restaurant. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the sweet scent of mint tea, a perfect start to fuel our adventures. I always make it a point to try the local cuisine, and this morning was no exception. The Berber omelet, packed with herbs and spices, was a delightful explosion of flavors that set the tone for an exciting day ahead. I remember when Klara and I first started dating, she was so impressed by my adventurous palate. Now, even Mateo is developing a taste for the exotic – though he still prefers his *Apfelstrudel*!


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Soffi Cafe Restaurant, where flavors meet hospitality in beautiful Kalaat M'Gouna.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off to explore the famed Pattes Des Singes, or Monkey Fingers. The drive itself was an experience, winding through narrow roads that hugged the edges of the Dades Gorge. The views were simply spectacular, with towering cliffs of red sandstone on one side and lush green valleys on the other. I couldn’t help but think how much Klara would have loved to see this, her architect's mind would have been fascinated by the natural architecture of the canyon.


Discover the breathtaking hiking trails of Pattes Des Singes in Gorges du Dadès, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in Morocco.

As we approached the Monkey Fingers, the landscape transformed into a surreal panorama of towering rock formations that resembled, well, monkey fingers reaching towards the sky. The geological formations are the result of wind and water erosion over millions of years. It's hard to believe that nature could sculpt such intricate and whimsical shapes. We spent hours wandering through the canyon, snapping photos and marveling at the sheer scale and beauty of it all. The September weather was ideal, pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, making our exploration even more enjoyable.

The earth has music for those who listen.

After working up an appetite exploring the canyon, we headed to La famille kasbah for lunch. This charming restaurant, nestled in a traditional kasbah, offered a delicious array of Moroccan dishes. I opted for the tagine with lamb and vegetables, a slow-cooked stew that was bursting with flavor. My friends decided to try the Berber pizza, a local specialty that resembled a savory crepe filled with spiced meat and vegetables. We ate on a terrace overlooking the valley, soaking in the stunning views and enjoying the warm September sunshine.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine with breathtaking views at La Famille Kasbah in Boumalne Dades.

Following lunch, we made a stop at Belle Vue Dades, a local shop known for its traditional crafts and souvenirs. I was on the hunt for a unique piece to bring back to Potsdam, something that would remind me of this incredible journey. After browsing through a variety of carpets, pottery, and jewelry, I finally settled on a beautiful hand-woven Berber rug with intricate geometric patterns. It was the perfect memento, a tangible reminder of the warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan people.


Discover the serene beauty of Boumalne Dadès at Belle Vue Dades, your perfect hotel retreat in the heart of the Dades Valley.

Our final stop of the day was at Canyon des doigts de singe, another vantage point offering stunning views of the Monkey Fingers. From here, we watched as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The colors were simply mesmerizing, painting the rocks in hues of orange, pink, and purple. As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Hôtel - Restaurant BOUGAFER for dinner. This cozy hotel restaurant offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. I enjoyed a hearty meal of grilled meats and vegetables, accompanied by a glass of local wine. The food was delicious, and the company was even better. We shared stories and laughter, reminiscing about our adventures in the Dades Valley.


Experience the natural beauty of Canyon des Doigts de Singe, a breathtaking attraction in Ait Ouglif, Morocco, perfect for adventure and photography.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine and warm hospitality at Hôtel - Restaurant BOUGAFER in Boumalne Dadès.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from my tent under a canopy of stars, I can’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. The Dades Valley has captured my heart with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It’s a place that I know I’ll never forget, a place that I’ll always cherish. I wonder what Klara and Mateo are doing right now, probably getting ready for bed, Mateo no doubt stalling for time with another story. I miss them terribly, but I know that this journey is something special, something that I’ll be able to share with them when I return.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Entrée du canyon and Roses Valley, hoping to uncover more of the valley's hidden gems. I'm particularly excited about the Valley of Roses, as I've heard it's a fragrant paradise filled with blooming flowers and traditional distilleries. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, dreaming of the adventures that await.

And who knows, maybe one day I'll convince Klara and Mateo to join me on a similar adventure. Until then, I'll continue to explore, discover, and share my stories with the world.

The memories I've made today, wandering through the canyons and experiencing the local culture, will stay with me long after I leave this magical place. It's moments like these that make traveling worthwhile, that remind me of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. And as I drift off to sleep under the starlit Moroccan sky, I can't help but smile, knowing that tomorrow will bring even more adventures and discoveries.

The Dades Valley has a certain charm that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just the stunning landscapes or the rich culture, but also the warmth and hospitality of the people. From the friendly faces at the local restaurants to the skilled artisans in the shops, everyone we’ve met has welcomed us with open arms. It’s this sense of community that truly makes the Dades Valley a special place, a place that I’ll always hold dear in my heart. And as I reflect on today’s adventures, I realize that it’s not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with new people, learning new things, and expanding my horizons. It’s about embracing the unknown and finding beauty in the unexpected. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime, memories that I’ll cherish forever. And as I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, I can’t help but feel grateful for this incredible journey, for the opportunity to explore the world and share my stories with others. It’s a privilege that I don’t take for granted, and I’m excited to see what tomorrow will bring. Perhaps I’ll even find a way to incorporate some of the design elements from the kasbahs into my next app, a little piece of Morocco in the digital world. As I've often said, inspiration can come from anywhere, you just have to be open to it.