Best of Boumalne Dades

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Boumalne Dades

Sitting south of the Atlas Mountains, the desert Dades Valley is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Morocco, the Dades River winding through a plateau full of almond, fig, apricot, and peach trees, and a serpentine road through the Dades Gorge. The oases dotted through the valley have been spots for Berber kasbahs for centuries (also giving it its nickname of the Route des Kasbahs), and now attract travelers looking for hiking trails alongside cultural and outdoor activities. The Dades Canyons, just a few miles from the town of Boumalne, wind for 28 miles (45 km) through towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Gaze out over them from the lookout point over the Monkey Fingers rock formation.

Previous kimkim travelers have experienced the daily life of farmers in the valley, helping feed the animals and accompanying them into the fields. Enjoy a traditional Berber meal with a family in Ait Oudinar or take a day trip into the foothills of the M’goun summit in the Rose Valley. There, you’ll visit the village of Boutaghrar, only accessible by Jeep, to explore one of the wildest parts of the valley in the company of Berber nomads far away from the main roads.

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Best Things to Do in Boumalne Dades

Boumalne Dades sits in the Dades Valley, a region home to some of the most scenic landscapes in Morocco. The Dades River creates an agricultural oasis, including the country's famed Rose Valley (known for its centuries of producing rose oil and rosewater). You'll also find this desert scene lined with kasbahs and steeped in cultural traditions like dagger making, several buzzy markets, and even nomadic tribes that move from the deserts to the mountains every summer.

Get off the beaten path in the Dadès Valley in the High Atlas

Morocco Mountain & Desert Adventure: Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakesh & More - 10 Days

Adventure into the rugged landscapes of the Sahara Desert and the High Atlas mountains on this 10-day Moroccan itinerary. After wandering the medinas of Fes, you'll embark on a camel trek into the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Traverse the Dadès Valley, take in impressive gorges and lofty peaks via hikes and guided tours, and visit some of Morocco's highest waterfalls at Ouzoud before wrapping it up amid the bustle of vibrant Marrakesh.

Take in the setting sun over Morocco's Ouarzazate

South Morocco Adventure: Marrakesh to Merzouga - 9 Days

In nine days, you'll cover some ground from the imperial city of Marrakesh to the sand sea of Erg Chebbi just beyond Merzouga. In between, drive over the High Atlas to visit an Argan Oil Cooperative and break bread with a Berber family in the foothills of the Dadès Valley before riding a camel to your desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Smell roses in Kelâat M'Gouna, listen to music at the Gnawa house in Khamleya, tour movie sets and see filming location in Ouarzazate, and discover souks, palaces, and gardens in Marrakesh.

Explore Aït Bouguemez Valley on foot, meeting with locals and learning about traditional ways of life

Unspoiled Morocco: Hike Aït Begoumez & Dadès Valley - 9 Days

Taking a relaxed pace, this nine-day trip has you exploring lesser-visited regions of Morocco and culturally immersing yourself in the locals' way of life. You'll first take to the winding alleyways of Marrakesh, then head northeast to see the Ouzoud Waterfalls before crossing the Middle Atlas mountains to reach Aït Bouguemez. You'll hike to important shrines, farm with Atlas locals, and break bread with Berber families, ending your trip exploring desert towns like Boumalne Dades, Aït Benhaddou, and Ouarzazate.

Sleep in Bedouin-style tents in the Sahara

Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou & Boumalne Dades: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to seven days is a great length for a Morocco trip, with stops in Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Boumalne Dades. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Essaouira, Amizmiz, or Imlil. Get inspired with kimkim's Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Boumalne Dades trip ideas below.

Southern Morocco Nature & Culture: Marrakesh, Boumalne Dades, Essaouira & More - 10 Days

Hit the sands of the Sahara and the shores of Tifnit Beach with this 10-day itinerary through some of southern Morocco's highlights. Hear the hum of the city in Marrakesh before you head into the desert on a camel trek, including a night in a tent under the stars. Then get refreshed on Tifnit Beach and in the artsy coastal city of Essaouira before you head home.

A Taste of Morocco in Autumn: Casablanca to Marrakech - 10 Days

Witness the magnificent beauty of Morocco in autumn when you journey from the imperial city of Fes into the desert dunes of the Sahara, over windy roads of the Atlas mountains, and into colorful Marrakech. This 10-day trip mixes culture, adventure, and history into one unbeatable itinerary. While the summer months can be ferociously hot and the winters rainy, autumn is the perfect time to explore Morroco's ancient cities, hike through the mountains, and ride camels in the desert.

The desert city of Tinghir and neighboring oasis

Marrakesh & Grand Tour of the Sahara Desert - 5 Days

Discover the beauty of Morocco with this exciting five-day itinerary. Begin and end in Marrakesh, visiting the rocky peaks of the High Atlas mountains and the colossal dunes of the Sahara. You'll wander medieval medinas and souks, marvel at palaces and mosques, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.

Discover the desert of Morocco, Boumalne Dades Valley

Marrakech & Grand Tour of the Sahara Desert - 6 Days

Discover the beauty of Morocco with this 6-day itinerary focused on Marrakech and the desert. Begin in bustling Marrakech and explore the medina's souks, fondouks, madrasas, palaces, and secret gardens. Cross over the High Atlas mountains and explore the vast landscapes and sand dunes of the Sahara. You'll wander medieval markets, marvel at palaces and mosques, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.

Marrakech to Casablanca: Sahara Desert & Fes - 6 Days

This adventure-packed trip showcases Morocco's highlights, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and the desert. Start in Marrakech for colorful markets and architecture, then head inland to explore kasbahs and sleep under the stars in a desert camp amid the Sahara dunes. Visit Fes' narrow streets and the medieval medina before ending the trip in Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque and the world's tallest minaret.

Ride camels and spend the night in a Bedouin camp in Morocco's desert

Nature & Adventure in Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Hike, bike, and adventure your way through the heart of Spain and Morocco on this active three-week itinerary. In the former, you'll learn the royal history of Madrid on sightseeing tours and head south to see the best of Andalusia, from the cities of Seville, Granada, and Málaga to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and pristine national parks. Then experience Morocco's rich culture as you travel from the coast to the mountains to the Sahara while visiting historic medinas, souks, and kasbahs along the way.

Take a memorable sunset camel ride in the sand dunes of Merzouga

Culture & Outdoor Adventure in Spain & Morocco - 14 Days

This exciting two-week itinerary through Spain and Morocco is filled with unique cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Begin in Barcelona, exploring the city and the gorgeous Costa Brava coastline, then travel to Madrid to see the Spanish capital and its nearby wine region. From here, cross the border to Morocco, where you'll visit Marrakesh, Merzouga, and Fes, enjoying historic medinas, a camel ride in the desert, an evening under the stars in a traditional Berber camp, and so much more.

Highlights of Morocco from Beach to Desert: Fes, Marrakech, Sahara & More - 7 Days

Take a seven-day spin across the sand with this itinerary that will take you from beach to city to desert to back. Visit the arts scene in Asilah, then put your newfound artist's eye to practice photographing the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Follow a guide through the medina of Fes, then trek into the Sahara on camelback before you make it back to the city amid the brightness of Marrakech.

Highlights of Morocco: Fes, Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Marrakech & Essaouira - 14 Days

See some of Morocco's best sights on this two-week itinerary. You'll wander the streets of artsy seaside Asilah, then head to the sandier seas of the Atlas Mountains and Erg Chebi with a camel trek and desert camping. Follow expert guides through the bustling markets of Fes and Marrakech, and wrap up your trip in the bohemian enclave of Essaouira before you depart.

Spring Tour of Morocco: Cities, Deserts, Valleys & Roses - 13 Days

Discover the beauty of Morocco in spring on this guided tour that takes you from urban cities to the vast dunes of the desert. Start in the busy hub of Tangier, where you'll explore the sights and sounds of the kasbah and stroll the Corniche de Tanger. Then, it's off to the city of Fes for bustling souks and a visit to the Marinid Tombs. Sleep in Bedouin tents under the night skies of Merzouga, experience the fragrant rose fields of the Dadès Valley, and hike the rugged peaks of Toubkal National Park before concluding your trip in the vibrant city of Marrakesh.

Brave the cliffside walkways of the Caminito del Rey

Nature & Adventure in Spain & Morocco - 14 Days

Why choose a typical two-week vacation when you can opt for a grand adventure in Spain and Morocco? Dive into the culture as you gobble up tapas in Madrid, traverse cliffside walkways on the Caminito del Rey, and enjoy a sunset cruise in Málaga. Then, in Morocco, explore the souks of Tangier, the tanneries at Fes, ride camels across the Sahara, and marvel at Aït Benhaddou, the country's most impressive ksar.

Finish your trip in Marrakesh where you can pick up spices to take home

Culinary Adventure in Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

If your goal is to experience some of the deepest culinary flavors in the world, you can't go wrong with a three-week trip to Spain and Morocco. In the former, you'll revel in the small-bites culture of San Sebastián, enjoy flamenco music in Seville, and sample world-class olive oils in Andalusia. Then ferry to Morocco, where you'll take cooking classes, explore exotic food stalls, ride a camel through the desert, and tour highlight cities like Fes and Marrakesh.

Finish the trip in Marrakesh, where you'll have three days to see the sights

Adventures in Spain & Morocco - 16 Days

On this fast-paced 16-day tour, you'll travel through Spain and Morocco. Start with a tapas tour in Madrid before hiking the cliffside trails of Caminito del Rey and cruising around Málaga at sunset. Next, take a ferry to the Moroccan port of Tangier and venture to the edge of the Sahara Desert for camel rides and sandboarding. Finally, head to Marrakesh through several fortified cities, where you'll tour the historic medina, experience a hammam, and learn how to make Moroccan recipes during a cooking class.

Morocco's Cities, Coast, Mountains & the Desert - 14 Days

From Casablanca to Essaouira and all the imperial cities, Roman ruins, and Sahara excursions in between, this two-week adventure offers an excellent introduction to Morocco. You'll explore and get lost in historic medinas, ride camels to a desert camp, hike in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, and visit with locals to learn their customs. In Marrakesh, learn to cook like a Mar'rakshis, cool off in the impressive Todra Gorge, and try kiteboarding in hippie Essaouria.

Bring the kids along on this family-forward Moroccan tour

Morocco Grand Tour for Families - 14 Days

See the top highlights of Morocco on this immersive 14-day family tour. Start in historic Casablanca to explore the twisting alleys of its medina alongside fresh sea air. Then, it's off to Fes for dinner with a local family, henna parties, and mosaic workshops. Hunt for fossils in Midelt, ride camels across desert landscapes and learn to surf the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Your trip concludes in Marrakesh, where you'll learn about (and taste!) Moroccan cuisine with family cooking classes and a fun foodie tour.

Small villages dot the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Marrakech, Grand Desert Tour & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains - 7 Days

Discover the grandeur of Morocco with this seven-day itinerary. Spend the night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent, traipse through narrow passageways in ancient kasbahs, and hike the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. You'll ride a camel, swim in an oasis, share a meal with a Berber family, and wander exotic souks and bazaars.

Moroccan Desert & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains - 8 Days

This 8-day trip mixes culture and adventure in Marrakech, the desert, and High Atlas mountains. Start and end in Marrakech and explore the historic medina's souks, timeworn tombs, old madrasas, and secret gardens. Pass over the High Atlas mountains into Morocco's desert and discover medieval kasbahs, caravan routes, and the Saharan dunes. Finish with a two-day hike through small villages in the Atlas foothills, enjoying a meal and overnight with a local family.

Camels with typical Berber saddles in a Palmeraie near Marrakesh, Morocco.

Moroccan Adventure, Culture & Relaxation - 9 Days

Combine desert adventure, High Atlas hiking, cultural experiences, and relaxation with this 9-day trip with something for every traveler.

Marrakech, Grand Tour of the Desert & Essaouira - 8 Days

A perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 8-day itinerary covers the imperial city of Marrakech and crosses the High Atlas Mountains into the desert. Explore desert towns, camp in the Sahara, and relax in the coastal town of Essaouira.

Cross the dramatic dunes of Erg Chebbi by camel

Luxury Morocco: Casablanca to Marrakech via the Desert - 8 Days

This all-encompassing 8-day tour introduces you to the treasures of Morocco in grand style. Starting in Casablanca, you'll loop your way through ancient cities, arid deserts, and high mountain passes, exploring countless cultural highlights and hidden gems in between. Get lost in the magical blue alleys of Chefchaeoun, spend a night amid the sand dunes in a luxury desert camp, and discover the vibrant flavors of Marrakech on a street food tour.

Tizi n'Tichka pass over the Atlas mountain range

Marrakech, Grand Tour of the Desert, Hiking & the Coast - 8 Days

Discover Morocco's diverse beauty with this 8-day itinerary. Begining and ending in the vibrant imperial city of Marrakech, you'll spend the night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent, traipse through narrow alleyways in medieval kasbahs, hike the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and wander the charming coastal city of Essaouira.

Moroccan Cities & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech & the Sahara - 15 Days

Experience Morocco's urban and natural highlights in this 15-day tour. Spend time wandering the maze-like medinas of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. Admire the intricate beauty of Arabic architecture as you visit important mosques, historic gates, and other significant landmarks. In between, experience the overpowering beauty of Moroccan nature by camping in the Sahara Desert and hiking to the peak of Mount Toubkal.

End your epic three-week adventure in Marrakesh

Highlights of Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Spend three weeks exploring the culture, history, and landscapes of Spain and Morocco. On this sweeping itinerary, you'll see flamenco in Seville, tour Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona, visit Spanish wine country, and tour an Andalusian olive oil estate. Then take the ferry to Morocco to discover the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, the medieval medina of Fes, the colorful souks of Marrakesh, the massive sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, and so much more.

Discover the deserts and kasbahs of Morocco

Marrakesh, Grand Desert Tour, Hiking & the Coast - 10 Days

Featuring a combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 10-day itinerary will have you discover the Imperial City of Marrakesh, explore the Sahara and surrounding desert towns, hike the Atlas mountains, and relax along the coast. Enjoy traditional music around a desert campfire, spend a night with a local Berber family, and hike between small villages in the Atlas foothills. Finish the trip by eating fresh seafood by the Atlantic in charming Essaouira.

Experience the Sahara by camelback (photo courtesy of Yassine Echcherki)

Grand Morocco Tour: Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakesh & More - 13 Days

On this 13-day tour of Morocco, you'll explore the country's ancient history and adventure through the desert. In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and Hassan Tower—one of the largest in the world—and then explore Chefchaouen, the iconic blue-hued city. Go camping in the Sahara Desert and discover the ruins in Fes. The epicenter of each city is its medina, where you can experience the colorful local cultures up close.

Palm trees line the fortified walls in Taroudant

Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & Essaouira - 9 Days

On this nine-day itinerary, starting in Marrakech, go off the beaten path to explore Morocco's culture and landscapes. Cross the Atlas Mountains and enjoy an off-road adventure to discover Ouzoud and the country's tallest waterfalls before riding a camel to your desert camp near Zagora. Next is Taroudant, a fortified town with excellent souks that are easier to navigate than those in bigger cities, ending your stay in the laidback coastal city of Essaouira.

Take the kids on a camel ride on this memorable Moroccan adventure

Morocco Family Adventure: Marrakesh to Casablanca - 10 Days

For an experience that will immerse your family in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Morocco, all at an entertaining, kid-friendly pace, look no further than this 10-day itinerary. While your private guide transports you from Marrakesh to Casablanca via Morocco's most stunning desert stop-offs, you and the kids will see the sights, cook and eat with the locals, shop the souks, and explore the medinas. Take a sunrise hot balloon ride, surf the sands, and make this a trip to remember!

Best of Morocco: Casablanca to Marrakesh - 11 Days

From the blue medina of Chefchoauen to the red dunes of the Sahara, this colorful, 11-day journey through Morocco has it all. The trip begins in Casablanca, home to one of the tallest mosque towers in the world, and then takes you to Fez, with its ancient, well-preserved square and unique tanneries. Enjoy camping under the stars in the Erg Chebbi Dunes, and take in the lively culture in Marrakesh.

A road trip to Morocco shows its vast and varied landscape

Treasures of Morocco: Chefchaouen to Marrakech - 13 Days

From the Atlas Mountains to the red deserts of Merzouga, the landscapes of "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator" come alive on this 13-day Moroccan adventure. Get lost in Chefchaouen's blue streets and enter a sea of colors and scents in Fes's Medina. Take a 4WD jaunt through the desert, then hop on a camel to reach your Sahara camp for a night under the stars. Cool off in the surf at Essaouira, and end your trip watching a sunset over Marrakech's mesmerizing Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

Luxury Grand Tour of Morocco - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary checks off Morocco's top urban and natural landmarks. See medieval architecture in the capital of Rabat, walk the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and tour 9th-century Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes. Continue to the Sahara for a night of glamping, visit the desert citadel of Ait Benhaddou, and explore colorful Marrakech markets and ornate palaces before ending in the quiet coastal city of Essaouira.

The Sqala du Port, a square defensive tower in Essaouira

South Morocco Adventure: Marrakech to Essaouira - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary takes you on an exciting adventure through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Fly into Marrakech and explore its gardens and spice markets before heading to the High Atlas for hiking and great views. Then cross into the desert to wander through kasbahs and oases. Loop back toward the coast to check out the artsy, breezy town of Essaouira before finishing off with a hammam experience and food tour back in Marrakech.

Admire the striking blue architecture in Chefchaouen as you explore at your own pace

Best of Morocco's Natural Landscapes, Culture & Cuisine - 15 Days

This action-packed itinerary takes you to eight iconic destinations across Morocco in just 15 days, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In Marrakesh, explore the souks and alleys of the ancient medina and the Art Deco design of Jardin Majorelle before heading to Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. Learn the art of traditional mosaics in Fes, then discover the coastal cities of Tangier, Casablanca, and Essaouira before ending your trip in Marrakesh with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride.

Experience Morocco's mountains, dunes, and beaches on this guided tour

Southern Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains & Atlantic Ocean - 16 Days

Let a private driver take you through the epic landscapes of southern Morocco on this 16-day tour. Starting and ending in the "Red City" of Marrakesh, you'll trek through the picturesque Toubkal National Park and wander the winding alleys of Aït Benhaddou. Then, ride a camel to a luxury camp in the Sahara and sip mint tea with villagers before heading to the palm trees of Zagora. Soak in the sunny beaches of Essaouira and end with a traditional hammam experience back in Marrakesh before departing.

Merzouga in the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Southern Morocco Luxury Tour - 8 Days

Exploring the highlights of Southern Morocco on this adventure-packed trip. Spend your first night in the Sahara, then visit the famed Ait Benhaddou and explore the dunes of Erg Lihoudi with a comfortable night in a luxury camp. Continue to Marrakech to visit ornate palaces, the serene Majorelle Gardens, and vibrant city markets. Finish your trip in the charming coastal city of Essaouira, where 18th-century artist studios and quiet coastal charm await.

Fes to Casablanca: Sahara Desert & Atlantic Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day tour of Morocco is filled with adventure, history, and culture. Begin in Fes, and learn about crafts and artisans. Then, trek into the Sahara Desert by camel, and experience the sand dunes and camping under the stars. Next is a trip to Ouarzazate to visit movie sets in "Moroccan Hollywood," followed by Marrakech, where the Jemaa el Fna is bursting with culture. End the trip with some coastal exploration in the town of Essaouira before departing from Casablanca.

Other popular travel destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh · Fes · Moroccan Desert · Chefchaouen · Merzouga · Casablanca · Rabat · Essaouira · Ouarzazate · Aït Benhaddou · Atlas Mountains · Tangier · Meknes · Todra Gorge · Imlil · Agafay · Zagora · Asilah · Taroudant · Skoura · Agadir · Bin El Ouidane · Agdz · Kalaat M'Gouna · Draa Valley

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