Draa Valley on your Morocco tour
- Route from Ouarzazate to Merzouga: Drive the Draa Valley south to Zagora, then east via Foum Zguid or back north via Rissani. A 2-day detour that adds immense richness to any desert circuit.
- Erg Chigaga via M'Hamid: Continue past Zagora to M'Hamid and the remote Erg Chigaga dunes — Morocco's wildest Sahara. Requires 4x4 for the last 50km.
- Day trip from Ouarzazate: Drive the valley to Zagora and back in a long day (8h). Better as an overnight to catch the valley at dawn and dusk light.
What to see in the Draa Valley
Palm Oasis Drive
200km of continuous date palm oases along the N9 road — a ribbon of green against the ochre hammada plains. The contrast between the verdant valley and the surrounding desert is breathtaking at every viewpoint.
Tamnougalt Kasbah
The Draa Valley's finest 17th-century kasbah — the ancient seat of Berber governance in the valley. Extraordinary mud-brick architecture with carved plaster interiors and a warren of cool vaulted rooms.
Zagora & the Sign
The historic town at the valley's end, famous for the iconic 'Timbuktu 52 days by camel' signpost. Gateway to Erg Chigaga — Morocco's most remote Sahara dune field.
Erg Chigaga Gateway
Continue south through M'Hamid to reach Erg Chigaga — Morocco's wildest, most remote Sahara. The last 50km is off-road 4x4. Far fewer tourists than Merzouga, with vast empty dune fields.
Date Harvest (October)
The autumn date harvest transforms the valley — local women climbing to pick dates from 10m palms, sacks of yellow and amber Medjool dates at roadside stalls, and the warm scent of fresh dates in the air.
Agdz Viewpoint
The hill viewpoint above Agdz town (the valley gateway) gives the finest aerial view of the Draa Valley in its entirety — the palm ribbon curving into the distance, kasbahs dotting the edges. Best at golden hour.
