Draa Valley and Zagora: Palm Groves, Kasbahs and the Road to the Desert
The Draa Valley is a ribbon of palm groves, villages and kasbahs that follows the Draa River for roughly 200 km from Agdz, south of Ouarzazate, to Zagora and M'Hamid on the edge of the Sahara. It is the route of the classic 2-day Zagora desert trip from Marrakech and an alternative road towards the dunes of Erg Chigaga.
Highlights of the Draa Valley
The Tizi n'Tinififft pass
South of Ouarzazate, the road climbs through the Jbel Saghro foothills, with views of eroded black and ochre rocks, before dropping into the valley at Agdz.
Agdz and the Kasbah of Tamnougalt
Agdz, below the distinctive Jbel Kissane mountain, is the start of the palm grove. Nearby, the ksar of Tamnougalt is one of the most impressive earthen villages in the south, once the seat of a local caid.
The palm grove
Millions of date palms line the river, sheltering gardens of wheat, henna, vegetables and fruit trees. A walk with a local guide reveals the irrigation channels and the shady microclimate of the oasis.
Zagora
The main town of the valley is known for the famous "Tombouctou 52 jours" sign, a reminder of the caravan routes to Timbuktu. Nearby small dunes host desert camps. The village of Tamegroute, south of Zagora, is known for its green pottery and an old Koranic library.
M'Hamid El Ghizlane
At the end of the road, M'Hamid is the gateway to Erg Chigaga: read our Erg Chigaga guide.
Zagora dunes vs Merzouga
Zagora's dunes are much smaller than Erg Chebbi's, but they are closer to Marrakech (about 7 hours), which allows a 2-day trip with one night in a camp. For high dunes, choose Merzouga. Compare both in Merzouga vs Zagora.
Best time to visit
October to April. Date harvest takes place in autumn; summer is very hot in the valley.
How to visit
Our 2-day Zagora desert trip from Marrakech crosses the Tizi n'Tichka, stops at Ait Benhaddou and follows the Draa Valley to a camp near Zagora, with a camel ride at sunset. For costs, see Sahara desert tour prices, and for the first part of the route, the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
The Draa is Morocco's longest river; Wikipedia's Draa River article covers its geography.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert Trip with Camel Ride & Camp — from €79 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate Day Trip over the High Atlas — from €39 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Erg Chigaga: Morocco's Wild Desert Dunes Beyond M'Hamid
- Things to Do in Ouarzazate: Film Studios, Kasbahs and the Gateway to the Sahara
- Stargazing in the Sahara: When and Where to See the Milky Way in Morocco
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zagora from Marrakech?
About 360 km, roughly 7 hours by road via the Tizi n'Tichka pass and Ouarzazate.
Are there sand dunes in Zagora?
Yes, small dunes near the town host desert camps. The big dunes are at Erg Chigaga beyond M'Hamid or at Merzouga.
Is the Draa Valley worth visiting?
Yes. Its palm groves, kasbahs and oasis villages make it one of the most beautiful valleys in southern Morocco.
Can you visit Zagora in 2 days from Marrakech?
Yes. A 2-day trip includes the drive, a camel ride, a night in a desert camp and the return to Marrakech.
Main photo: TASSINE Ilyas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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