Todra Gorges, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco
Hemmed in by vast pink and orange-hued rock walls, the 14-kilometer Todra Gorge is a wonderful place to visit and is Morocco’s prime rock-climbing destination. Although many people come here on four-wheel-driving tours, the best way to experience the gorge is to walk it. There are cafés and other services along the gorge basin, as well as some accommodation. And if you’ve been spending too much time in the cities on your travels, this quiet area makes for an especially peaceful retreat.
The Todra Gorge is a deep limestone trench that separates the High Atlas from the Sahara. It is 300 metres deep and is riven through by a river and a thin line of palm trees. The walls glow orange and red in shafts of sunlight, and the sounds of driving goatherds and children reverberate off the rock faces. Climbers have been coming here since 1977. In May and June you can spot them splayed on the cliff faces, like lizards soaking up the sun. Some of the routes (French grade 5 to 8) are bolted, others are not, and most of them favour some experience. The Pillar du Couchant, near the entrance to the gorge, offers classic long climbs; the Petit Gorge and Kilimanjaro section are better for beginners; and those blessed with big biceps can attempt Can Güllich’s tiered walls.
Epic Morocco Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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