Hike & Overnight With Nomads in Dades Gorge, Morocco

Two canyon hikes, a sunset on the rim, dinner with nomads, and a night under stars in their caves

This overnight trek in Boumalne Dades combines two guided 7 km hikes through Dades Gorge with an unscheduled stay in a nomadic family's cave or tent. You hike to the canyon rim for sunset views, share dinner and stories with your hosts, sleep under the stars or inside the cave, and wake to watch the family's daily routines (grazing animals, fetching water, gathering wood) before hiking back via the Dinosaur Footprints Trail. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French. Pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and overnight with nomads

• Meet guide for 7 km hike
• Climb to canyon rim for views
• Watch sunset with nomads
• Share dinner and stories
• Sleep in tents or caves
• Wake to fresh bread and breakfast
• Observe nomads grazing and fetching water
• Hike 7 km back via Dinosaur Footprints Trail

The experience

Fourteen kilometers split into two hikes: the first 7 km (two hours) climbs through Dades Canyon's cliffs and canyoning sections, then rises another hour to the rim for views across the Dades Valley. You arrive at sunset, when a nomadic family welcomes you into their caves or tents with no advance booking. Just spontaneous hospitality. The team brings sleeping bags, food, and donkeys to carry supplies. You share a simple dinner prepared by your hosts, hear their stories, and settle in for the night under a starry sky.

Morning starts with fresh nomadic bread baked over an open fire and traditional breakfast. You watch the family's day unfold (animals grazing, water being fetched, wood gathered) before the second 7 km hike (two hours) back down via the Dinosaur Footprints Trail, where ancient traces mark the canyon floor. Water, coffee and tea are included throughout. The guide carries the logistics so you carry only yourself.

What’s included

• Two guided hikes totaling 14 km through Dades Canyon and the Dinosaur Footprints Trail.
• overnight stay in a nomadic family's cave or tent with sleeping bag provided.
• dinner and breakfast cooked by your hosts.
• water, coffee and tea throughout.
• donkey transport for supplies.
• guide in your choice of English, Spanish or French.
• pickup to the trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 14:00 and 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Infant (under 10)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Morocco Exposure

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish or French, so you can follow the commentary and stories without a language barrier. This trek suits anyone comfortable with a full day of hiking and sleeping outdoors in a cave or tent. The physical demand is real, but the reward is access to a way of life most travelers never encounter.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 10).

How long is the actual hiking on this trek?

The two hikes total 14 km: a 7 km climb through the canyon to the rim (about two hours) and a 7 km descent via the Dinosaur Footprints Trail the next morning (about two hours). The full experience runs 18 to 20 hours from the 3 PM start to mid-morning finish.

What is the overnight accommodation actually like?

You sleep in either a natural cave or a tent, both with sleeping bags provided by the tour. There is no pre-booked lodge. The nomadic family welcomes you spontaneously into their home, and you experience their living space as it is: animals nearby, open fire, the sounds and rhythms of their daily life.

What meals are included, and who prepares them?

Dinner and breakfast are included and prepared by the nomadic family who hosts you. You eat together, sharing their food and stories. Water, coffee and tea are provided throughout the trek. Lunch is not included.

Does the price include getting to the trailhead?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price, so you do not need to arrange your own transport to meet the guide.