Follow Morocco's longest river south from Ouarzazate through Agdz and the endless palm groves of the Draa Valley to Zagora and the dunes of Tinfou — the closer Sahara gateway.
Day by day
Your 3-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Ouarzazate over the Tizi n'Tinififft to Agdz
From Ouarzazate cross the Tizi n'Tinififft pass into the Draa Valley and reach Agdz, where the river opens into a green ribbon of palms beneath Jbel Kissane. Tour the restored Kasbah of Tamnougalt, one of the oldest in the valley.
- Tizi n'Tinififft pass
- Agdz palm groves
- Kasbah Tamnougalt
- Jbel Kissane
- 2
Day 2
The Draa palmeraie to Zagora
Drive the length of the Draa palm groves — some of the densest oases in Morocco — past mud-brick ksour to Zagora and its famous '52 days to Timbuktu by camel' sign. Continue to the small dunes at Tinfou for a camel ride and a desert bivouac.
- Draa Valley oases
- Zagora & Timbuktu sign
- Tinfou dunes
- Desert bivouac
- 3
Day 3
Tamegroute & return to Ouarzazate
Visit the village of Tamegroute for its ancient Quranic library and the green-glazed pottery cooperatives, then drive back up the Draa to Ouarzazate, arriving by late afternoon.
- Tamegroute Quranic library
- Green Tamegroute pottery
- Return up the Draa
Good to know
Practical notes
- Zagora is about 165 km south of Ouarzazate — a shorter, gentler desert run than Merzouga (Erg Chebbi).
- The Draa dunes at Tinfou and Chegaga are smaller than Erg Chebbi; choose this route for palm-oasis scenery and an easier camp.
- Tamegroute's library holds centuries-old manuscripts; photography inside is restricted.
Frequently asked
Is Zagora or Merzouga better from Ouarzazate?
Zagora (down the Draa) is closer and quicker, with palm-grove scenery and smaller dunes. Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is further east but has the tallest, most dramatic dunes. Choose by how much driving you want.
What is the Draa Valley known for?
It follows the Draa, Morocco's longest river, lined with vast date-palm oases and mud-brick ksour. Highlights include Agdz, Kasbah Tamnougalt, Zagora and the pottery and library at Tamegroute.
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