What to do · Todra and Dadès Gorges
Tinghir Palm Grove
Information
- Price
- Independently or with a local guide
- Duration
- 2 h
- Who it's for
- Families
- With a dog
- On a lead: there are farm animals and guard dogs
What it is
The Tinghir palm grove is the oasis that the Todgha river irrigates as it leaves its gorge, before vanishing into the plain. It is a green strip of date palms, orchards and irrigation channels several kilometres long, between the town of Tinghir and the entrance to the Todra narrows. Below, in the shade of the palms, there are green fields and orchards in small plots, watered by channels. On the edge of the oasis, up high, stand the old ksour, fortified mud-brick villages, some still inhabited and others in ruins.
It is the counterpoint to the canyon: after bare rock, a flat walk between water and green.
What the walk is like
There is no single or signposted route: the palm grove is a network of dirt paths between orchards and mud walls. The simplest way:
- Park beside the road that climbs from Tinghir to the gorge, at one of the wide spots from which the palm grove can be seen.
- Walk down into the oasis by one of the paths leaving the road.
- Walk among the orchards, following the irrigation channels. You will see people working the land and loaded donkeys.
- Climb up to one of the ksour on the edge to see the palm grove from above.
- Return to the road by another path or the same one.
Allow two to three hours for Tinghir and the oasis, without hurry. The ground is flat, with the odd step and the odd channel to jump.
Independently or with a guide
You can go independently, but it is easy to lose your bearings among identical walls and paths, and you are passing through private land. A local guide explains how the water is shared out, takes you to the ksour and keeps you out of the plots. Your accommodation can arrange it, also if you sleep in the gorge, at Dar Ayour. Agree price and duration before setting off.
When to go
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At midday there is shade under the palms, but the path down and the ksour are in the sun. In spring the green is more intense; in autumn it is the date harvest season.
Rules and respect
The orchards are the livelihood of the oasis families. Walk on the paths, do not step on the crops or pick fruit, and do not climb over walls. Ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Dress with shoulders and knees covered when entering inhabited ksour.
With children and a dog
It is a good walk with children: flat, shaded, with water and animals. With a pushchair, on the main paths; on narrow paths, a baby carrier is better. Watch out for the channels, which may have running water. With a dog, keep it on a lead: there are farm animals and guard dogs.
Tips
- Combine it with the gorge In the morning the Todra narrows and, at midday or in the afternoon, the palm grove, on the way back towards Tinghir.
- Respect the orchards They are private land: stay on the paths and do not pick fruit.
- Wear closed shoes The paths are dirt, muddy near the channels.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide for the Tinghir palm grove?
It is not compulsory, but it helps you not to get lost and to understand how the oasis works.
How much time do you need?
Two to three hours to go down into the oasis and stroll among the orchards.
Is it a good plan in the heat?
Yes, it is cool in the shade of the palms, but bring water.
As a familyWith a dog
