A valley shaped by one river
Everything in the Draa Valley depends on the river. Its water feeds palm groves, oases and small farms along the whole length of the valley, and villages of earth and mud brick line both banks.
Around 225,000 people live here. The people of the valley are known as the Drawa; outside the region the name mostly refers to the dark skinned inhabitants who form the largest part of the population. The valley matches the province of Zagora, with 23 villages and two towns, Zagora and Agdz.
The six oases of the upper Draa
The upper valley runs for about 200 km and is divided into six oasis stretches, each with its own palm groves. From north to south:
- Mezguita, around Agdz and Tamnougalt
- Tinzouline
- Temata
- Fezouata
- Ktaoua
- Mhamid, where the paved road ends
Highlights along the road south
After crossing the Anti Atlas, the road reaches Agdz and the kasbah of Tamnougalt. Further south, Zagora was the cradle of the Saadian dynasty that ruled Morocco in the sixteenth century and is known for its sign reading "Tombouctou 52 days". Eighteen kilometres beyond, Tamegroute is home to the Zaouia Naciria, one of the largest in Morocco, a library of old manuscripts and workshops making the village’s green pottery. Seven kilometres further are the first dunes, at Tinfou.
The date harvest runs from August to October, when the palm groves are at their busiest.
One day or a night in the dunes
If you only have a day, our Zagora and Draa Valley day trip follows the palm groves through Agdz and Tamnougalt to Zagora, Tamegroute and the Tinfou dunes, with lunch in Zagora. Note that the Tamegroute library is closed on Saturdays.
For a night in the Sahara, the Mhamid and Erg Chigaga desert tours travel the full length of the valley, and both Erg Chebbi tours return to Ouarzazate through Agdz and the upper Draa. Opening days and routes can change, so check before you travel.
Questions and answers
How long is the Draa Valley?
The upper Draa valley stretches for about 200 km, from Agdz to Mhamid, in six oasis sections.
Can I see the Draa Valley in one day from Ouarzazate?
Yes. Our Zagora and Draa Valley day trip covers Agdz, Tamnougalt, Zagora, Tamegroute and the Tinfou dunes and returns the same afternoon.
When is the date harvest?
From August to October.
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.