Draa Valley

Overview of the Draa Valley

The Draa is Morocco’s longest river, stretching over 1,100 km. The valley of the same name begins south of Ouarzazate, between Agdz and M'Hamid, beyond the imposing landscapes of the High Atlas on the way to the desert and the Algerian border. From one end to the other, there are nearly 200 km along which the river—a symbol of life—irrigates palm groves and crops before disappearing into the desert sands.

Along this flourishing valley, oleanders, date palms, and acacias blend with the ochre earth. A stunning landscape whose shifting colours are at their most magnificent at dawn and dusk. But the Draa Valley is also remarkable for its oases, ksour (fortified villages), and kasbahs (citadels) made of rammed earth, scattered along the route.

Key details

Type of place: scenic route.

Tourist interest: (recommended).

Theme:

Location:

Local time: Heure : Draa Valley

Main towns:

Length: 260 km.

Altitude:

Website:

The route

What to see and do

The main appeal of this route lies in its beautiful landscapes and the discovery of the many ksour and kasbahs lining it. Additionally, the surrounding area is ideal for "adventure" or "Saharan" tourism, particularly around M'Hamid.

Itinerary

The distance between Ouarzazate and M’Hamid is 260 km via the N9, the road that follows the Draa River. However, some points of interest are not directly along this route and may require small detours via secondary roads. If you plan to visit all the stops, expect a journey of roughly 300–350 km, which can be done in a long day by car. Note that there are alternative routes for those with a 4x4.

km 0/km 260: Ouarzazate

Often the starting or ending point for many travellers, though the valley itself only begins at Agdz, reached via the Tinfifft Pass (1,700 m) and its scenic landscapes. Just before Agdz, 10 km from the main road, you can visit the Draa waterfalls in the village of Tizgui.

km 70/km 190: Agdz

This town on the old caravan route linking Marrakech to Timbuktu marks the start of the Draa Valley but doesn’t hold much tourist interest. From Agdz to Zagora, over nearly 100 km, the road winds alongside the river, crossing from one bank to the other. This stretch offers the chance to discover several oases, citadels, and fortified villages.

km 80/km 180: Ksar Tamnougalt

Just after Agdz, this fortified village is one of the oldest still standing in the Draa Valley.

km 100/km 160: Tansikhte

About 30 km after Agdz, near the village of Tansikhte, several 4x4 tracks lead into the erg. These routes reveal a lunar landscape, along with several ksour and kasbahs, before reaching Zagora in 3–4 hours.

km 115/km 145: Kasbah Ouled Otmane

One of the most impressive kasbahs in the valley.

km 160/km 100: Ksar Tissergate

The town is home to a lovely kasbah housing the Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Draa. It showcases objects, clothing, and jewellery linked to the lives of the region’s inhabitants.

km 165/km 95: Zagora

The largest town in the valley, Zagora boasts a vast palm grove and serves as the starting point for many types of treks in the area. Here, you’re at the gateway to the desert. Next to the town, the Ksar Amezrou is exceptionally well-preserved, with its narrow streets and underground galleries surrounded by imposing ramparts.

km 180/km 80: Tamegroute

This desert town hides a 17th-century zaouia (religious centre). Its madrasa houses a stunning public library containing nine-century-old manuscripts, precious scientific treatises, religious works, and illuminated Qurans. Tamegroute is also known for its small underground town and pottery workshops.

km 185/km 75: Tinfou

Just after Tamegroute, in Tinfou, you’ll see the first sand dunes associated with the image of the Sahara.

km 260/km 0: M'Hamid

The endpoint or starting point for this oasis, now one of the highlights of Saharan tourism in Morocco.

Climate and weather

Transport

The ideal way to explore is with your own transport, allowing you to set your own pace and choose your stops. However, you can also discover the landscapes of the Draa Valley by bus or shared taxi, though visiting the various ksour and kasbahs scattered along the route may be challenging if you’re short on time.