Things to do · Draa Valley
South of Ouarzazate, the Draa is Morocco's longest river valley, an unbroken ribbon of palm groves, kasbahs and Berber villages running toward the desert at Zagora. Following it is one of the country's classic drives. Here is what to do along the way.
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Leaving Ouarzazate, the road climbs the Tizi n'Tinifift through the Anti-Atlas before dropping into the Draa. The pass offers wide views over barren ridges that make the green valley below all the more striking.
The town of Agdz marks the start of the palm groves, watched over by Jbel Kissane and dotted with kasbahs such as Tamnougalt. The old ksour here are among the finest in the valley.
The Draa palmeraie stretches for tens of kilometres, sustaining date palms, fruit trees and small fields watered from the river. Paths thread the gardens, passing earthen villages and hidden kasbahs.
Near Agdz, the kasbah of Tamnougalt was once the seat of the valley's tribal council and is among the oldest in the Draa. Its decorated rooms and small museum tell the story of caravan-era life.
The valley is studded with fortified villages, or ksour, many built of pisé and partly inhabited. Wandering them with a guide reveals communal granaries, narrow shaded lanes and centuries of Saharan trade history.
The Draa is famed for its dates, harvested in autumn and sold along the roadside in many varieties. Tasting them fresh from the palmeraie is a highlight of an October or November visit.
Laybys on the descents give sweeping views of the green palmeraie snaking between bare hills. Morning and late-afternoon light deepen the contrast between oasis and desert.
Villages along the Draa produce pottery, carpets and silver jewellery, and some host workshops open to visitors. Buying directly supports the valley's communities.
Restored kasbahs near Agdz and along the valley now welcome guests, with thick walls, courtyards and palm-shaded gardens. They make a tranquil overnight stop between Ouarzazate and Zagora.
Near Tamnougalt, large boulders painted by Belgian artist Jean Vérame add an unexpected splash of blue and red to the desert. They are a curious modern landmark on the southern route.
The valley road leads on to Zagora and the famous 'Timbuktu 52 days' camel sign, gateway to the dunes of the deep south. The full drive from Ouarzazate is the classic approach to the Sahara.
As the sun sets, the palmeraie glows gold and the surrounding hills turn violet. A terrace in one of the valley's guesthouses is the perfect place to end a day on the road south.
Heading south from Ouarzazate, the Draa palm groves begin around Agdz, about 70 km away over the Tizi n'Tinifift pass, roughly a 90-minute drive. The valley then runs south for many kilometres toward Zagora.
Ouarzazate to Zagora through the Draa Valley is about 165 km and takes roughly three hours without stops, but the kasbahs, palm groves and viewpoints reward a slower pace, ideally with an overnight stay along the way.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures, while the date harvest in autumn adds a special draw. Summers are very hot in the valley, and winter days are pleasant though nights can be cold near the desert.
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