Todra Gorge

The walls rise 300 meters on either side, narrowing to 10 meters apart. The Todra River carved this slot over millennia; the road through it was built in the French protectorate era. For a few hundred meters, you walk in a crack in the earth. The narrowest section is at the beginning of the gorge, where a paved road gives way to a rocky track and the cliffs close in. Rock climbers work the walls; tour groups photograph each other; local boys offer to guide you further up the canyon. Beyond the narrows, the gorge opens into a valley with Berber villages, palm groves, and guesthouses. The drive through is dramatic; the walk is better. Come in the afternoon when the sun reaches the canyon floor, or early morning when you'll have it to yourself. Best time: Late morning (sun in the canyon) Allow: 2-3 hours Combine with: Dades Gorge (an hour west)