Exploring the Enchanting Dades Valley with Friends

First Impressions of Dades Valley

After months of planning and dreaming, our Moroccan adventure has officially begun! Today marked our arrival in the stunning Dades Valley, and what a welcome it was. The landscapes here are unlike anything I’ve ever seen – a dramatic blend of towering cliffs, winding roads, and lush oases. I’m excited to share every moment of this experience with you, from the panoramic vistas to the hidden gems we discover along the way.

The journey from Marrakech was an experience in itself. The drive, shared with my friends, took us through the majestic Atlas Mountains, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity. I must remember to buy a power adapter when I get back to Germany; my phone almost died, and I couldn't take as many pictures as I wanted. I also forgot my sunglasses, which wasn't ideal given the bright sunlight. The views kept getting better and better as we approached the Dades Valley. I was so happy to finally be here, ready to immerse myself in the beauty and culture of this unique region. I couldn’t wait to see what the next few days would bring. I always find that traveling with friends enhances the experience, and I was excited to share these moments with them. It's amazing how different the landscapes are compared to Heidelberg. I miss Max and Amara, but I know they would have loved to see this.

Our first stop was the Dades panoramic view. It was everything I had imagined and more. The viewpoint offered a sweeping vista of the valley, with its rugged cliffs and the snaking roads that carve through the landscape. The colors were incredible, especially with the sun casting its golden light across the terrain. It was a photographer's dream, and I was in my element, snapping away to capture the beauty from every angle.


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

Sometimes, the most breathtaking views are the ones that take your breath away and leave you speechless.

After soaking in the panoramic view, we drove towards the Monkey Fingers Canyon. This was something I was particularly excited about, as I had seen so many pictures of the unique rock formations that resemble, well, monkey fingers. The drive itself was an adventure, with winding roads that offered glimpses of traditional Berber villages and ancient kasbahs. I was struck by the warm climate, a welcome change from the cooler weather I’m used to in Germany. September is proving to be a great time to visit, with pleasant temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring.


Discover the enchanting Monkey Fingers Canyon in the Gorges du Dadès, where stunning rock formations and rich Moroccan culture await your exploration.
As we approached the canyon, the landscape became even more dramatic. The Monkey Fingers rock formations were truly a sight to behold, jutting out from the earth like giant, gnarled fingers. We parked the car and set off on a hike through the canyon. The trail led us through narrow gorges, with towering rock walls on either side. In some spots, we had to duck under rocks and scramble over boulders, adding an element of adventure to the hike. It wasn't too strenuous, though, and anyone in good physical condition could manage it. I felt grateful that I'd been doing yoga and hiking in the Odenwald forest, which helped me prepare for this. I found myself thinking about Amara and how much she would have loved climbing around the rocks. Maybe next time, I’ll bring her along for a family adventure.

As we hiked, I couldn't help but marvel at the unique beauty of the canyon. The rock formations were shaped by centuries of wind and erosion, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The sunlight filtering through the narrow passages created a play of light and shadow, adding to the magical atmosphere. Despite the name, there were no monkeys to be seen, but the rock formations were captivating enough. It was a creative way to describe the rock shapes, and it certainly captured the imagination.

For breakfast, we stopped at CAFE RESTAURANT ROOFTOP ATLAS DADES. The food was simple but delicious, and the rooftop setting offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed some traditional Moroccan tea and pastries, which gave us the perfect start to the day. The warm hospitality of the staff made us feel welcome and at home.


Discover Café Restaurant Rooftop Atlas Dades: where exquisite Moroccan cuisine meets breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.
Lunch was at Restaurant Chez Aïcha Timlalt, a charming spot known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine. We tried the tagine and couscous, both of which were bursting with flavor. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. It felt like dining in someone's home, which added to the charm.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Chez Aïcha Timlalt in Boumalne Dades' breathtaking Dades Gorge.
In the late afternoon, we did some shopping at DADES VERT. This shop offered a variety of local crafts and products, from handmade carpets to traditional clothing. I picked up a few souvenirs for Max and Amara, hoping they would appreciate a taste of Moroccan culture. I also bought a beautiful scarf for myself, a colorful reminder of this incredible journey.


Discover the essence of Moroccan beauty at DADES VERT in Kalaat M'Gouna, where tradition meets quality in every product.
For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Auberge Chez Pierre, which came highly recommended. The auberge was nestled in a tranquil spot, surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees. The setting was idyllic, and the food was exceptional. We enjoyed a delicious meal of Moroccan and European cuisine, a fusion of flavors that was both innovative and satisfying. The service was attentive, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. It was the perfect way to end our first day in the Dades Valley.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine and hospitality at Auberge Chez Pierre in Boumalne Dades, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
As I reflect on today's experiences, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and excitement. The Dades Valley has already exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to explore the Gorges du Dadès and the Tisderine bends, and I'm sure there will be plenty more breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. I am looking forward to having breakfast at Café Restaurant ANBD, lunch at Restaurant Fatima Berber gorges du dades and dinner at Cafe restaurant Des Amis tomorrow. Perhaps we will have time to stop by Café-restaurant Timzzillite Chez Mohamed for a drink. I am truly looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. I am also glad that I get to share these experiences with my friends.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.
Good night from Dades Valley!