Exploring the Majestic Dades Valley with Friends

Dades Valley's Hidden Gems

Today was all about embracing the raw, untamed beauty of the Dades Valley. After several days of soaking in the kasbahs and culture, my friends and I were eager to explore the natural wonders that this region is so famous for. We set out early, ready for a day filled with cascading waters and dramatic gorges, and the Dades Valley certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Restaurant ANBD. The traditional Moroccan fare set us up perfectly for the adventures that lay ahead. I always find that starting the day with a good meal, especially when you know you'll be expending a lot of energy, makes all the difference. I even tried to use my newly acquired German idioms when thanking the staff, much to the amusement of Klaus and our friends. It's these little cultural exchanges that truly enrich a travel experience.

Fueled and ready, our first stop was the Cascade. Now, I'll be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I had visions of a thundering waterfall cascading down a cliff face. What we found was something a little different, but equally enchanting. The Cascade was more of a series of smaller, gentle falls, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the rugged landscape. The sound of the water was incredibly soothing, and the surrounding greenery was a welcome contrast to the arid terrain we'd been driving through. We spent a good hour simply relaxing by the water, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It reminded me of some of the hidden waterfalls back in New Zealand, though with a distinctly Moroccan twist.


Experience the serene beauty of the Cascade in Ait Ibriren, a natural wonder offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape into nature.
From the Cascade, we ventured on to the Gorges du Dades. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the road winding its way through towering rock formations that seemed to change color with every turn. I could see why they call this the 'Grand Canyon of Morocco'. The scale of the landscape is simply awe-inspiring. We stopped at several viewpoints along the way, each offering a unique perspective on the gorge. I couldn't resist snapping countless photos, trying to capture the immensity and grandeur of it all. Even Klaus, who usually prefers sketching to photography, was captivated by the scenery.


Explore the breathtaking Gorges du Dades, a stunning ravine in Morocco featuring incredible landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures.

The beauty of the Dades Valley lies not only in its dramatic landscapes but also in the warmth and resilience of the Berber people who call it home.

For lunch, we stopped at auberge restaurant oued dades, a charming spot nestled in the heart of the gorge. The tagine was absolutely delicious, and the views from the terrace were simply stunning. It was the perfect place to refuel and recharge before continuing our exploration. The hospitality was incredible, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. It reminded me of the small family-run restaurants I used to frequent back in Whanganui, where the food was always made with love and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine and warm hospitality at Auberge Restaurant Oued Dades in beautiful Boumalne Dades.
After lunch, we decided to stretch our legs with a short hike along one of the many trails that crisscross the gorge. We opted for a relatively easy route, as we wanted to save some energy for the rest of our trip. The trail took us through narrow passages and past towering cliffs, offering a unique perspective on the gorge's geology. I was fascinated by the different layers of rock, each telling a story of millions of years of erosion and upheaval. I could almost imagine the Dades River carving its way through the mountains, slowly but surely shaping the landscape we see today.

Of course, no trip to Morocco would be complete without a little shopping. In the late afternoon, we stopped at DADES VERT, a local shop in Kalaat M'Gouna. I was on the lookout for some authentic Berber crafts to take back home as souvenirs. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-woven rug and a few small trinkets for Olivia. I always try to support local artisans when I travel, as it's a great way to contribute to the local economy and preserve traditional crafts.


Discover the essence of Moroccan beauty at DADES VERT in Kalaat M'Gouna, where tradition meets quality in every product.
As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our guesthouse, stopping for dinner at Cafe restaurant Oussikis. The restaurant had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and the food was delicious. I opted for a traditional couscous dish, while Klaus went for a tagine. We both agreed that it was one of the best meals we'd had on the trip so far. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with adventure and discovery.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Cafe Restaurant Oussikis in Boumalne Dades, where every dish tells a story.
The weather today was ideal for exploring, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. The sun was warm, but there was a gentle breeze that kept us from overheating. I was glad I'd packed my lightweight clothing and sunscreen, as they were definitely essential. I was also grateful for the warm jacket I'd brought along, as the evenings can get quite cool in the Dades Valley.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Roses Valley and La Porte du Dades. I'm particularly excited about the Roses Valley, as I've heard it's incredibly beautiful, especially in the spring when the roses are in full bloom. I'm also looking forward to seeing La Porte du Dades, a dramatic rock formation that marks the entrance to the Dades Gorge. We'll be having breakfast at CAFE RESTAURANT AIT SEDRAT, lunch at Le Basilic Restaurant Des Rêves and dinner at Auberge Miguirne chez Ali. I'm also hoping to find some time to visit Canyon Dades Restaurant, a bar known for its stunning views.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of the Dades Valley. It's a place that has truly captured my heart, and I know I'll be cherishing these memories for years to come.

I am so glad I decided to come to Dades Valley with my friends. It really does make a difference when you are with people you enjoy. It is a wonderful experience to share these memories with them and I am already looking forward to reminiscing about this trip with them back in Heidelberg, perhaps over a glass of local German wine.

Before I turn in for the night, I must share a funny moment from today. While we were at DADES VERT, Klaus attempted to haggle for a small ceramic tagine. He used all his charm and even tried out a few German phrases, but the shopkeeper wouldn't budge on the price. In the end, I stepped in and, using my best Kiwi bargaining skills, managed to get a significant discount. Klaus was so impressed, he declared that I should handle all the negotiations from now on. It was a good laugh, and a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of home can go a long way, even in the heart of Morocco. I hope that tomorrow will be as fulfilling as today has been. Good night from Dades Valley!

I'm also reminded of a story Dad used to tell about a wrestling match he attended where Haystack Calhoun was wrestling. It seems so different from the peaceful beauty of the Dades Valley, but both experiences, though vastly different, highlight the importance of community and connection. Whether it's cheering on a wrestler or sharing a tagine with friends, it's the shared moments that make life truly special.