Things to do
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Dades Gorges
Rust red cliffs and folded rock formations line the valley north of town, with kasbahs and walnut gardens along the river floor. The road climbs a tight run of hairpin bends at Tissadrine, best seen from the cafe terraces above. Side canyons off the road suit half day walks with a local guide. Afternoon light warms the rock.
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Jbel Saghro
Mesas, rock needles and dry valleys of volcanic stone make up this massif south of town, trekking country walked over several days with mules and a local guide. Nomad families graze herds across the plateau in winter. Autumn and spring are the seasons, since summer heat is severe. Routes start from Boumalne Dades and from N'Kob on the far side.
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Kelaat M'Gouna
Rose hedges border the fields of this market town in the Valley of Roses, where Damask petals are distilled into rose water and oil. A festival marks the harvest each May with music and processions. Cooperatives along the main road show the distilling, and the Mgoun valley north of town opens onto easy walks through village gardens.
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M'Semrir
Beyond the head of the gorge road, this high village of earth houses sits among terraced barley fields at the top of the Dades valley. A rough piste continues north and east toward Tamtattouchte and the Todra, suited only to four wheel drive vehicles with a driver who knows it. Snow can close the high road in winter.
