Are the Ziz Gorges a must-see?

Hi there, I’m planning a 16-day itinerary: Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, Skoura, Valley of the Roses, Dades Valley and Gorges, Todra Gorges, Tinghir, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, Tamegroute, Draa Valley, Nkob, Djebel Saghro, Boulmane Dades, and back to Ouarzazate. I’m debating whether to add the Ziz Gorges and then Telouet. Are the Ziz Gorges really worth the trip? Is the Telouet site (which is in ruins) really worth the detour? Thanks for your tips!

Are the Ziz Gorges landscapes really worth it?

Hi, For me, yes! This palm grove is majestic, and the road that runs alongside it overlooks it in some places—the view is stunning. Walking INSIDE the palm grove is also super pleasant. In my opinion, it’s worth making a detour. Stop in Erfoud: unnecessary.

Murielle

Hi there In my opinion, the Telouet site isn’t really worth it. On the other hand, the road from Ait Benaddhou to Telouet offers some stunning landscapes. Don’t miss it, in my opinion

I'm talking about the Ziz Gorges between Errachidia and the Legionnaire Tunnel on the road to Midelt, not the Ziz Valley heading toward Erfoud.

Hello, The grand halls of the Glaoui Palace in Telouet have been restored.

I'm talking about the Ziz Gorges between Errachidia and the Legionnaire's Tunnel on the road to Middelt, not the Ziz Valley heading toward Erfoud.

Ugh! Sorry... As for the gorges, I couldn't tell you if they're worth the detour.

I’m talking about the Ziz Gorges between Errachidia and the Legionnaire’s Tunnel on the road to Middelt, not the Ziz Valley heading toward Erfoud.

Hi there,

Yeah, if you’ve got the time, don’t miss this stunning, low-traffic route with landscapes that can feel almost lunar (my photo was taken on the road north of Errachidia). I can also confirm that the road from Telouet to Aït Ben Haddou is absolutely gorgeous.

Hi there, If they *are* avoidable, but you have to go east via Missour and Talsinnt, then Beni Tadjite.... uh, what? I don’t get it? 🤪 😏

Hi there.

I'm currently in a small village called Achbarou. I know this whole area well because I had to spend the entire COVID lockdown here. Between Er-Rich and Er-Rachidia, I think it's a really interesting site.

After Aït Khoujmane, and just before the gorges, you cross a mini-oasis called "Hamat Moulay Hachem" where thermal waters flow at around 32°C, about ten meters from the main road. Locals and those in the know come here to fill up their bottles for their drinking water.

A little further on, at Hamat Moulay Ali Cherif, just before the entrance to the gorges, there's also a thermal spa with an interesting curiosity. A few meters from the Ziz River, right in the open ground, there's a basin about ten meters wide, filled by an artesian spring with hot water (around 40°C). Very easy to access. Locals bathe here all day long—part of the day is reserved for women, the other for men. Depending on your gender and the time, don’t hesitate to go for a dip.

Right after that, you reach the gorges, which I love (though I might be a little biased, hehe). The Légionnaire Tunnel, of course, some stunning viewpoints, and just at the entrance to Aït Youssef, if you have time, there’s a small paved road leading to an old kasbah. It was once a Legionnaire barracks that built the road, and if you look closely, you’ll see a beautiful sculpture on the left mountainside—a large medallion commemorating the event. Ask at the village entrance.

That’s my little take on it—definitely WORTH SEEING!

The stunning gorges to explore are those to imitate, starting from Amellago toward Assoul and Ait Ani. Plus (we were on bikes), 2 km from Amellago, the very pleasant and welcoming Auberge d'Amellago was our best guesthouse during an 18-day trip last September.