The Dades oued (river) traces its green way through a rocky landscape, strewed with oleanders. It starts, under the name of Imdghas, at the foot of the central Atlas, where starts also the river Ziz. During the first third of its way, it is a real mountain torrent, with an important flow (700 litres / second), and it digs deep gorges after Msemrir, before reaching the plain in Boumalne, in a fault between the Atlas and the Sahro. The road has many narrow bends, and it is possible to climb in the area. You can also reach the Todra gorges via Tamtattouchte.

Boumalne du Dades is a pleasant city, an administrative centre with a large souq (market). The Hamada that lays southwards is a privileged place for bird-watching, it is possible to reach Tagdilt and the Birds’ Valley by trail.

Diminished by irrigation, the Dadès receives in Kelaâ, in the Roses Valley, the river M’Goun, which increases again its flow, enough to water numerous oasis and palm groves, even after Ouarzazate, where it merges with the river Idermi to form the Draa.

The region was always agitated and revolted, refusing to abide to the central power. It is strewed with fortifications, which give it the name of “Valley of the thousand kasbahs” (And specially the former kasbah of the Glaoui in Aït-Moured, another one in Aït Arbi and in Tammalt, and finally the Amerdihl kasbah in Skoura).

There was the last refuge for the rebels refusing the French pacification, and it is the French army (Foreign Legion) that built the first road, still in use nowadays.