Between Ouarzazate and Merzouga runs one of Morocco's most spectacular drives — the so-called "road of a thousand kasbahs," threading through the Dades Valley's hairpin bends and the narrow walls of Todra Gorge. Here's what to see, stop by stop.
Where the road runs
The route follows the N10 east from Ouarzazate through Skoura, Kalaat M'Gouna, the Dades Gorge, and on to Tinghir and Todra Gorge, before continuing toward Merzouga — a natural, logical progression for anyone driving between the desert and the mountains.
Skoura palm grove and Kalaat M'Gouna roses
Skoura's palm oasis, dotted with historic kasbahs half-hidden among the palms, makes a worthwhile short stop. Further along, Kalaat M'Gouna is Morocco's rose-growing capital — if you're travelling in May, the annual Rose Festival celebrates the valley's famous rose-water harvest.
Dades Gorge hairpins and viewpoints
The Dades Gorge road climbs through a dramatic series of switchbacks carved into red rock, with viewpoints over the valley's kasbahs and cultivated terraces below — one of the most photographed stretches of road in Morocco, and worth a proper stop rather than a drive-by.
Monkey Fingers rock formations
Just past the Dades hairpins, striking eroded rock pillars known locally as the "Monkey Fingers" rise from the valley floor — an easy, quick photo stop right off the main road.
Todra Gorge: walking and climbing
Todra Gorge narrows dramatically to around 10 metres wide with sheer walls up to 300 metres high, and it's easily walked into from the road for a short, flat stretch — a genuinely dramatic contrast to the open desert landscapes elsewhere on the route. It's also a well-known rock climbing destination if that's of interest.
Where to stay overnight
Small guesthouses cluster at the mouth of both the Dades and Todra gorges, letting you catch the light in the early morning or evening rather than passing through at midday with the tour buses. Tinghir, the nearest town, has a wider range of accommodation options.
Driving tips and timings
Allow a full day for the Ouarzazate–Todra–Merzouga stretch if you want to properly stop at each highlight rather than glimpse them from the car; the hairpin sections are best driven in daylight and without rushing.
Photography spots
The Dades Gorge viewpoint just past the main hairpins, the entrance to Todra Gorge in early morning light, and the Monkey Fingers formation are the three most reliable stops for strong photos along this route.