How to Visit the Todra Gorges?
I was browsing Airbnb when I discovered the Todra Gorges. In fact, I had spotted a place with an incredible view and decided to go there.
To be honest, deciding to visit the Todra Gorges just after seeing a photo (okay, several) was not the best idea I had during my third trip to Morocco.
Making such long journeys to see just one place was pretty absurd, I must admit. That’s why I recommend combining your visit with other worthwhile sites in the region.
I’ll give you some ideas later in the article. In the meantime, let’s see how to visit the Todra Gorges.
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Plan Your Stay in Todra Gorges in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Riad Todra – perfect for solo travellers
- Dar Ayour – my recommendation for couples & families
HOW TO GET THERE?
WHAT TO VISIT AROUND?
- The Palm Grove of Tinghir
- The kasbah
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Las Gargantas del Todra en pocas palabras
Located to the east of the Moroccan High Atlas, the Todra Gorges is the result of thousands of years of erosion, shaped by the Todgha River, which winds between limestone cliffs that can reach over 300 meters in height.
For a long time, this natural passage served as a communication route between the oases and the Berber villages in the valley.
Even today, local life continues to shape the rhythm of the gorge: palm groves irrigated by traditional canals, small adobe villages, and shepherds crossing the river.
The place impresses with its spectacular geography, but also with the contrast between the arid rock, the ever-present water, and the lush vegetation clinging to the cliffs.
Beyond a simple walk, the Todra Gorge attracts climbing and hiking enthusiasts.
ALSO READ: My Guide to Visit Ouarzazate
What to do in the Todra Gorges?
Of course, if you’re not very sporty like me, you can simply stroll through the gorges with your head held high, marveling at the scenery.
I also recommend walking as far as possible, beyond the busiest areas. The landscape there is equally incredible and, most importantly, you’ll be alone, which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the moment.
More athletic visitors can venture along one of the trekking paths that run alongside the gorges. In about an hour of walking, you’ll gain height and perspective, with spectacular views of the surrounding valley.
Finally, if you enjoy climbing, know that this spot is ideal for it. You can bring your own equipment or rent it from one of the nearby shops.
How to get to the Todgha Gorges?
If you’re traveling by bus (as I do), the companies CTM and Supratours have a stop in the town near Tinghir.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to head to the grands taxis square, which will take you to the gorges or to the villages along the way if your accommodation is there.
For the return, I took a grand taxi from the village back to Tinghir.
On the way there, arriving at night, I took a petit taxi, following my host’s advice, who even contacted the driver for me.
If you have your own car or want to rent one, you’ll need to take the road from Ouarzazate to Tinghir. Expect about 2.5 to 3 hours of travel, depending on stops.
The road is generally in good condition and passes through stunning landscapes.
Once in Tinghir, just follow the signs to the Todgha Gorge, located about fifteen kilometers away.
Finally, keep in mind that most tours to Merzouga make a stop at the Todra Gorges. It’s an option to consider if you only want to visit this spectacular place.
Where to stay in the Todra Gorges?
I stayed with Hamou in the village of Ait Tizgui after seeing a photo of the view from his terrace on Airbnb. My room was very modest, perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. Don’t expect luxury!
The accommodation is a 30-minute walk from the gorges, making it an ideal option. The hotel serves dinner in the evening if requested. I beg you—try the soup! It’s incredible!
You can book this accommodation on Booking by clicking here!
If you’re looking for more comfort, here are some hotels I have my eye on for next time:
- Dar Ayour ($$): I went there for lunch and that’s how I discovered it. Besides its carefully designed décor, the hotel stands out for its sunny terrace, garden, and outdoor pool. I recommend it for both couples and families.
- Riad Sephora ($$): This beautifully decorated accommodation offers rooms with spectacular views. Plus, it has a rooftop pool! The ideal option for couples.
- Kasbah Maison d’Hôtes Lalla Zahra ($$): For travelers who enjoy charming places, whether alone or with family, I recommend this accommodation. Located in the kasbah, it allows for an authentic experience. And the cherry on top: the family rooms offer views of the garden and the mountains.
Where to eat in the Todgha Gorge?
There are some vendors in the gorge, like Khalid, who sells coffee and a few cookies from his food truck. He can be helpful if you just need a quick snack.
There are also a few restaurants at the entrance of the gorge.
In the village of Ait Tizgui, I recommend the restaurant at the Dar Ayour hotel, which serves lunch menus. The price is quite high, as it is specifically aimed at tourists. However, the food is good and the service is excellent.
But my favorite option is a women’s cooperative: this way, your money goes directly into their hands, and they are also very friendly. I ordered a pizza there because, although I love Moroccan food, after three weeks I needed a bit of comfort food.
What to visit around the Toudra Gorges?
1- The city of Tinghir
A natural gateway to the gorges, this small and peaceful town offers a lovely immersion into local life, with its markets, cafés, and a much slower pace than the larger Moroccan cities.
2- The Tinghir Palm Grove
It stretches over several kilometers and can be easily explored on foot or by bike, following the small paths that wind through the palm trees, cultivated fields, and traditional irrigation canals.
3- The Kasbah
Built of adobe, it bears witness to the region’s defensive history and offers a beautiful viewpoint over the palm grove and the High Atlas mountains.
4- The surrounding villages
If you enjoy walking, some are easily accessible on foot. You’ll enjoy a pleasant stroll in a magnificent setting.
How to visit the Toudra Gorge responsibly?
The number of tourists who descend into the gorge just to walk around for ten minutes is astonishing. So, inevitably, I considered the issue of responsible tourism at this site.
The Todra Gorges is not an amusement park, but a living place, crossed every day by locals and shepherds.
The first rule is therefore simple: respect the place and the people who live there. This involves basic gestures like leaving nothing behind and staying on existing paths to avoid damaging the fragile vegetation.
Taking your time is also a way to travel responsibly. Instead of stopping for just ten minutes to take a photo, walking further into the gorge helps reduce tourist pressure in the busiest areas and provides a much more authentic experience.
Regarding consumption, prioritizing small local cafés and restaurants, staying in Tinghir or nearby villages, and using local guides or service providers directly supports the local economy.
Planning your trip to Morocco?
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I hope this brief article has given you all the information you need to visit the Todra Gorges with peace of mind.
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