The Draa Valley: Palm Groves, Kasbahs and the Road to the Sahara
South of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley unrolls like a green ribbon through the desert: a long oasis of date palms, earth-built kasbahs and small villages, all the way to the edge of the Sahara. It is the classic road from Marrakech to the dunes, and one of our favourite places to ride and walk. Here is our local guide.
Quick answer: The Draa Valley is a long palm oasis in southern Morocco that runs from Agdz past Zagora to M’Hamid El Ghizlan, the gateway to the Sahara dunes. Highlights are the palm groves, the kasbahs, the old Koranic library of Tamegroute and the desert beyond M’Hamid. The best seasons are autumn, winter and spring. Three of our tours go through the Draa: the Atlas to Sahara cycling tour, the Caravan Road gravel tour and the Sahara desert trek.
Where Is the Draa Valley?
The Draa river comes down from the High Atlas near Ouarzazate and flows south-east through the desert. Its valley is lined with palm groves from Agdz to Zagora and on to M’Hamid El Ghizlan, where the road ends and the sand begins. From Marrakech, you cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to reach it.
What to See in the Draa Valley
- The palm groves: date palms, gardens and irrigation channels along the river, with the desert just beyond.
- Kasbahs and ksour: fortified earth villages, some still lived in.
- Agdz and the Tizgui waterfall: a small oasis town at the top of the valley, and a waterfall in the palm groves nearby.
- Zagora: the traditional gateway to the Sahara.
- Tamegroute: its Koranic library dates back to the 11th century, and the village is known for its green pottery.
- M’Hamid El Ghizlan: the end of the road and the start of the dunes.
The Draa on Our Tours
By bike, Atlas to Sahara: on our Morocco Cycling Tour you ride along the Draa oasis to Zagora (55 km), visit Tamegroute, then ride into the Sahara over dry lakes and past small oases to a camp in the dunes of Erg Lihoudi. The next day the 4×4 crosses the dunes to Lake Iriqi, a dry salt lake, and you ride the flat lakebed to Foum Zguid.
By gravel bike, the Caravan Road: our Caravan Road Gravel Bike Tour drops from the Jebel Saghro down the old caravan route into the Draa, then rides an easy, mostly flat day through the oasis to the Tizgui waterfall.
On foot with camels: on our Sahara Desert Trek you drive down the Draa to M’Hamid and walk four days with camels through the dunes of Erg Mado, Erg Zahar and Erg Smar, following the dry bed of the Draa river. Read more in our Sahara desert trek guide.
| Tour | Duration | Type | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Mountains & Sahara | 8 days | Cycling | 1,100 € |
| Caravan Road | 8 days | Gravel bike | 1,100 € |
| Sahara Desert Trek | 8 days | Trekking with camels | 1,050 € |
Best Time to Visit the Draa Valley
- September to May: the best period, with warm days. Our Sahara treks run from September to May.
- June to August: very hot in the valley and the desert.
- Winter: sunny days but cold nights, especially in desert camps.
Draa Valley: FAQ
Where is the Draa Valley?
In southern Morocco, south of Ouarzazate. The oasis runs from Agdz past Zagora to M’Hamid El Ghizlan, at the edge of the Sahara.
How do you get from Marrakech to the Draa Valley?
By road over the High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), then south from Ouarzazate. It is a long day’s drive to M’Hamid, so most people visit on a multi-day tour.
Can you cycle the Draa Valley?
Yes. Our Atlas to Sahara cycling tour and our Caravan Road gravel bike tour both ride through the Draa oasis, with a 4×4 support vehicle every day.
When is the best time to visit the Draa Valley?
From September to May. Summer is very hot in the valley and the desert.
Plan Your Trip
See all our bike tours in Morocco and trekking tours, or contact us to plan a private trip to the Draa and the Sahara.
Do it with a local guide
Small groups or private tours from Marrakech · licensed local guides · 4×4 support or mules · reply within 24 hours.
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