The Todra Gorge in the Atlas Mountains impresses with its rock walls reaching up to 300 meters high. Over millennia, this canyon was carved into the landscape by the Oued Todra River. Green palm groves and the scent of wild herbs line the banks of this natural wonder of Morocco.
Todra Gorge, locally known as “Gorges du Todgha”, is a canyon and a spectacular testament to the natural forces of the Atlas Mountains. This article guides you through the Todra Gorge. It shows you how to best explore this unique jewel—from arrival and exciting activities to personal tips for unforgettable hikes, the best accommodations, and desert tours that pass through here.
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The heart of Todra Gorge
Throughout thousands of years, the Oued Todra River has carved a 300-meter-deep gorge, which is only 10 meters wide in some places, into reddish limestone. The steep, glowing rock walls dramatically contrast with the lush vegetation of palm groves, oleanders, tamarisks, and herbs along the riverbed.
The oasis at the foot of the gorge is home to many bird species, lizards, and other small animals. Barren, rocky mountain landscapes and fertile, green oases meet here in a fascinating way, creating surprising biodiversity.
The inhabitants of the surrounding Amazigh villages rely on the river for water. They channel the water through traditional and modern irrigation systems to cultivate date palms, grains, and vegetables, even in the dry climate.
Getting to the Todra Gorge
Located near the town of Tinghir on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains, the Todra Gorge is an ideal stopover on the way to the Moroccan deserts of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga. This spectacular gorge is one of the most popular destinations for tours of Morocco and pairs well with other attractions, such as Ouarzazate and Dades Gorge.
Your journey to the Todra Gorge can be organized in different ways, depending on your preferences for flexibility, cost, and comfort.
Rental car
The most flexible way to get there is by rental car. From Marrakesh, the 380- to 400-kilometer route takes you over the scenic Tizi N’Tichka Pass and past Ouarzazate and Tinghir to the gorge. You can also easily reach the gorge from Fez via Errachidia or from Ouarzazate, which is about 170 kilometers away. A 4×4 vehicle isn’t necessary since the roads are well-paved and there are plenty of gas stations along the way.
The final 12 kilometers from Tinghir lead through a picturesque palm oasis directly to the parking lot at the entrance of the gorge. For detailed information and the best deals, check out my article on renting a car in Morocco.
Public Transport (bus & Grand Taxi)
You can easily reach Todra Gorge even without a car. Long-distance buses, such as CTM and Supratours, run regularly from Marrakech or Fez via Ouarzazate and Errachidia to Tinghir. From there, a Grand Taxi or shared taxi will take you to the gorge in about ten minutes.
As part of an organized tour
Many multi-day desert tours from Marrakech or Fez include a stop at Todra Gorge. These comfortable, guided tours follow a set itinerary and often visit other regional highlights, such as Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou.
Tip: Many tours only briefly pass through the gorge. Plan extra time to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Activities & experiences in and around Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts.
Rock Climbing: The 300-meter limestone walls, especially the iconic “Pilier du Couchant”, provide routes for all skill levels. Local outfitters offer gear rentals and guided climbs.
Photography: The interplay of light and shadow on the red cliffs, combined with the green oases and Berber villages, creates spectacular photo opportunities.
Todra Palmeraie Walk: A stroll through the lush date palm groves is a must. Try fresh dates or traditional date syrup—a true delicacy!
Scenic hike with panoramic views
- Difficulty: moderate
- Distance: 8.85 km
- Elevation gain: 742 m
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
One of the most highly recommended activities is the nine-kilometer circular hike through the Todra Gorge and the surrounding mountain landscape. This moderately challenging route (approximately 3 hours and a 742-meter ascent) follows well-maintained trails and rocky riverbeds to spectacular viewpoints high above the gorge. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of towering cliffs, lush oases, and traditional Berber villages. To fully enjoy the hike, you’ll need a good level of fitness and sure-footedness, as some sections can be a bit rough.
- For a detailed route description and interactive map, visit Komoot.
- For a nearly identical version of the tour, you can 👉 download the GPX file here (0.1 MB), which you can use with a navigation app on your smartphone or a GPS device.
More hiking options for all preferences
In addition to this scenic highlight, there are countless other ways to explore the area on foot—from short, relaxing walks along the river to challenging multi-day treks guided by locals who’ll lead you along the best trails and share fascinating insights into the region’s culture and traditions.
Tinghir and its markets
If you’re interested in culture, a detour to the town of Tinghir is definitely worth it. Here, historic kasbahs and the expansive palm grove invite you to wander and explore. The town also offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Amazigh people. Don’t miss the local weekly market—Monday is the main market day, while Saturdays host the livestock market.
Berber carpets as authentic souvenirs
The Tinghir region is also known for its hand-knotted Berber carpets. Away from the big cities, you can often buy directly from the manufacturers and learn the stories behind the patterns.
Where to stay near the Todra Gorge
The area surrounding the Todra Gorge offers a wide range of accommodations, including simple auberges in the canyon, charming riads in Tinghir, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Many of these places stand out for their authentic Moroccan flair, warm hospitality, and close connection to nature.
There is a huge advantage to staying overnight in the gorge itself or nearby Tinghir: you get to soak in the magical atmosphere of the gorge during the peaceful early morning and evening hours, when the crowds have left and the cliffs glow in the golden sunlight.
Auberge Le Festival: Cave rooms built into the cliff face and terraces with breathtaking views. Perfect for nature lovers and climbers (Booking.com).
Hôtel De La Vallée: Budget-friendly option with simple, clean rooms and a terrace overlooking the oasis (Booking.com).
Riad Dar Bab Todra (Tinghir): Stylish lodging with a pool, ideal for exploring nearby kasbahs and palm gardens (the_ad id=”4052″ inline=”1″])
Best time to visit & tips
The best times to explore the Todra Gorge are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the temperatures are mild and the oasis is lush and green. Summer days can be extremely hot, while winter nights can be surprisingly chilly.
For hikes and excursions, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen. Also, bring a light jacket for the cooler evening hours. You can experience the most magical lighting and calmest atmosphere in the early morning or late afternoon.
The gorge can get quite busy during the day, especially in high season. The view through the narrow canyon walls is stunning at any time, but it’s absolutely amazing in the soft glow of the morning or evening sun.
Nearby highlights
While the Todra Gorge is often just one stop on a larger Morocco itinerary, the good news is that several fascinating destinations await nearby, each promising to make your trip even more unforgettable!
Ouarzazate
Just about 170 kilometers from the Todra Gorge lies Ouarzazate, famously known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”. Here, you can visit the iconic Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for countless movies and series like Game of Thrones. The film studios are well worth a visit, as is the historic Kasbah Telouet. You’ll find everything you need to know about Morocco’s movie capital in my detailed Ouarzazate travel guide.
Erfoud
Heading east toward the towering sand dunes of the desert, you’ll find Erfoud. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara”, this town is famous for its fossil discoveries—remnants of an ancient underwater world. Stroll through the bustling souk, explore unique fossil workshops, or embark on a 4×4 adventure into the desert from here to admire the stunning landscape and remarkable architectural sculptures that make this region so unforgettable.
Dades Gorge
Not far from the Todra Gorge lies the stunning Dades Gorge. It is often explored as part of the famous “Route of the Kasbahs”. Here, the road winds through a breathtaking canyon landscape filled with surreal rock formations, lush valleys, and picturesque Amazigh villages. A detour to the Dades Gorge is the perfect addition to your visit to the Todra Gorge and offers even more spectacular photo opportunities.
Conclusion on Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge is one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders. Towering cliffs up to 300 meters high, a rushing river, and lush palm oases create a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable hikes and climbing adventures. At the same time, the gorge and the surrounding region near Tinghir offer a fascinating glimpse into the traditional life of the Amazigh people, who have skillfully used the river’s water for agriculture over generations.
If you’re traveling by rental car and have some time, it is highly recommended that you stay overnight in one of the authentic accommodations in the gorge or in Tinghir. But even if you’re short on time, you can still experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Todra Gorge as part of an organized desert tour.
