Why stop in Agdz
Agdz is the gateway to the Draa Valley. You reach it after the winding road known as the Zig Zag, and the first thing you notice is Jebel Kissane, the mountain that dominates the town. South of the bridge, the road follows the river and its palm groves all the way to Zagora.
The town itself is practical: restaurants, a pharmacy, shops and a date market. It is a good place to break the journey south, and a calm base if you want to explore the oasis on foot.
Tamnougalt, the meeting point
Tamnougalt, whose name means the meeting point, is the main kasbah of Agdz. It was the capital of the Mezguita oasis and the home of its caid, and it sits on the left bank of the Draa.
Its history is tied to the Glaoua family. After taking control of land from Telouet to Taourirt in Ouarzazate, they wanted the Draa Valley too. Hammou Glaoui, the family’s military leader, besieged Tamnougalt for 17 days with 5000 men and cannons until it raised the white flag.
Getting to Agdz
Agdz is 65 km south of Ouarzazate. Shared grand taxis make the trip regularly for about 30 DH per seat, and the road continues south along the Draa to Zagora. Fares and journey times change, so check locally before you go.
Sleeping in the Mezguita palm grove
Many guest houses and riads offer bed and breakfast in and around Agdz. Several sit on the edge of the Mezguita oasis, built in kasbah style with views over the palms. A night here makes a gentle first stage before continuing down the Draa.
Agdz on Ouarzazate Tours itineraries
Our Zagora and Draa Valley day trip passes through Agdz and visits Tamnougalt. The Mhamid and Erg Chigaga desert tours follow the same road south, and both Erg Chebbi desert tours return to Ouarzazate through Agdz and the upper Draa Valley.
Questions and answers
How far is Agdz from Ouarzazate?
65 km to the south. A seat in a shared grand taxi costs about 30 DH; fares can change.
What is Tamnougalt?
The main kasbah of Agdz and former capital of the Mezguita oasis, on the left bank of the Draa. It was besieged by the Glaoua for 17 days.
Which Ouarzazate Tours trips pass through Agdz?
The Zagora and Draa Valley day trip, the Mhamid and Erg Chigaga desert tours, and the return leg of the Erg Chebbi desert tours.
Read before you go
More places nearby
All destinations
Ait Ben Haddou
A fortified village of packed earth from the seventeenth century, on the old caravan road and on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987. Thirty kilometres from Ouarzazate.
Telouet Kasbah
A weathered earthen palace from 1860 in the High Atlas, home of the Glaoui family, with painted cedar ceilings and Andalusian style rooms behind its crumbling walls.
Taourirt Kasbah
The kasbah at the heart of Ouarzazate, a former Glaoui residence on Boulevard Mohamed V with Amazigh patterns outside and carved cedar, painted walls and zellige inside.