Exploring the Majestic Dades Valley: A Journey with Friends

Day 1: Dades Valley Delights: A Breathtaking Moroccan Welcome

An immersive first day in Dades Valley! Majestic views, Monkey Fingers Canyon hike, and delicious Berber cuisine. A photographer's dream!

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First Impressions of Dades Valley


The Dades Valley has welcomed us with open arms, or rather, with stunning panoramic views and the promise of adventure. After months of planning in Potsdam with Klara, poring over maps and dreaming of kasbahs, this feels surreal. The drive from Marrakech was long but scenic, and arriving here with my friends, the air crisp and the landscape dramatic, made it all worthwhile. I'm eager to share every moment of this Moroccan escapade, from the tastes of tagine to the sights of ancient canyons.

Our first day in the Dades Valley was nothing short of spectacular. Waking up early, we headed straight to CAFE RESTAURANT AIT SEDRAT for breakfast. The traditional Moroccan breakfast was the perfect fuel for our adventures. The pastries were delightful, and the mint tea was just what we needed to kickstart the day. I made sure to pack some sunscreen this time, remembering how I forgot it on our last hiking trip in Brandenburg. I'm determined to be more prepared this time around!

With our bellies full, we drove to the Dades panoramic view. The view was absolutely breathtaking. The rugged cliffs and winding roads created a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. It was a photographer's paradise, and I couldn't resist snapping dozens of photos. The vibrant colors of the landscape were especially striking in the morning light. Even Mateo, my son, would have loved this view. I need to remember to bring him and Klara here one day.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dades Panoramic View, where mountains and valleys create an unforgettable experience in Morocco.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Dades Panoramic View, where mountains and valleys create an unforgettable experience in Morocco.

    
The beauty of Dades Valley lies not just in its landscapes, but in the warmth and resilience of its people.


Next on our list was the Monkey Fingers Canyon. This was the part I was most excited about, and it did not disappoint. The hike through the canyon was an incredible experience. The rock formations truly resembled monkey fingers, reaching up towards the sky. We parked near Tamellalt and started our trek. The trail wound through narrow passages, requiring us to scramble over rocks and duck under low overhangs. It felt like a real adventure, and the views were simply stunning.

Discover the enchanting Monkey Fingers Canyon in the Gorges du Dadès, where stunning rock formations and rich Moroccan culture await your exploration.
Discover the enchanting Monkey Fingers Canyon in the Gorges du Dadès, where stunning rock formations and rich Moroccan culture await your exploration.

The September weather in Dades Valley was perfect for hiking. The temperature was warm and comfortable, with a gentle breeze. I was glad I packed my hiking boots and reusable water bottle, essentials for any trip like this. Although I forgot my travel journal, I made sure to take plenty of notes on my phone so I wouldn't forget any details.

After our hike, we were famished. We headed to Canyon Dades Restaurant for lunch. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere and the food was delicious. We enjoyed traditional Moroccan dishes, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine. It was the perfect way to refuel after our adventurous morning.

Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Canyon Dades Restaurant with stunning canyon views and warm hospitality in Boumalne Dades.
Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Canyon Dades Restaurant with stunning canyon views and warm hospitality in Boumalne Dades.

In the late afternoon, we stopped by accessoires dades abd elhamid, a local shop. I wanted to pick up a few souvenirs to bring back to Potsdam. I found some beautiful handcrafted items, perfect for reminding me of this incredible journey. Supporting local businesses is important to me, and it felt good to contribute to the community.

Explore authentic Moroccan crafts at Accessoires Dades Abd Elhamid in Kalaat M'Gouna, a must-visit store for unique souvenirs.
Explore authentic Moroccan crafts at Accessoires Dades Abd Elhamid in Kalaat M'Gouna, a must-visit store for unique souvenirs.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant Fatima Berber gorges du dades for dinner. The restaurant offered stunning views of the Dades Gorges, making it the perfect spot to end our day. The tajine was flavorful and the service was warm and welcoming. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed sharing stories and laughter over our meal.

Experience exquisite Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Fatima Berber in Dades Gorges - home to the best tajine in Morocco.
Experience exquisite Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Fatima Berber in Dades Gorges - home to the best tajine in Morocco.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, I am excited to explore more of the Dades Gorges and the Tisderine bends. We plan to have breakfast at Café Restaurant zinyou sud, lunch at auberge restaurant oued dades, and dinner at Chez Pierre. I am also looking forward to visiting CAFE RESTAURANT ROOFTOP ATLAS DADES for a drink.

As I sit here, writing this blog post under the starlit Moroccan sky, I am filled with gratitude for this incredible experience. Traveling with friends has made it even more special, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings. The Dades Valley has already captured my heart, and I know that this journey will be one I will cherish forever. I'm also excited to use some of the photos I've taken to update my tourism app; this scenery is too good not to share!

The blend of culture, nature, and adventure here is invigorating. It reminds me of why I love to travel, and why I wanted to start this blog in the first place. It's about sharing these authentic experiences, connecting with others, and finding inspiration in the world around us. And now, it's time to rest up for another day of exploration in this magical place.

Until tomorrow,
Juan
Go to day 2 Dades Valley's Dramatic Beauty: A Photographer's Paradise
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Exploring the Majestic Dades Valley: A Journey with Friends

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Dades Valley, Morocco, on an unforgettable 12-day adventure with friends.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Juan Diaz
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Mobile App Developer specializing in tourism apps
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 42

Hola! I'm Juan Diaz, a Chilean expat living in Potsdam, Germany, with my lovely wife, Klara, and our energetic son, Mateo. By day, I develop mobile apps for the tourism industry, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing my adventures with you. This blog is my way of connecting with fellow travelers, sharing tips, and inspiring you to embark on your own sustainable and culturally rich journeys. Whether it's hiking through ancient ruins, savoring local cuisine, or discovering hidden gems in bustling cities, I'm always on the lookout for authentic experiences that leave a lasting impact. Join me as I navigate the globe, one sustainable adventure at a time!

Interests:
  • Sustainable living
  • Modern architecture
  • Technological innovation
  • Latin American literature
  • Indie music
More about Juan Diaz

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