The Draa Valley and Tamegroute: Stops on the Way to Zagora

The short answer: The Draa Valley is a long ribbon of date palms and mud-brick villages that runs from Agdz to Zagora and beyond. The best stops are the viewpoints above Agdz, the kasbahs and ksour along the river, and Tamegroute, a village known for its green-glazed pottery and an old religious library.

From Ouarzazate to Agdz

South of Ouarzazate the road climbs over the Jbel Bani hills before dropping into the valley. From the pass, the first view of the palm grove below is one of the highlights of the trip. Agdz is a small market town with kasbahs at the foot of the Jbel Kissane mountain.

The palm groves and ksour

The Draa is one of Morocco's longest rivers, and its valley is one of the country's largest palm-growing areas. Along the road you will see ksour (fortified villages) and family kasbahs built of rammed earth, some still lived in, others slowly returning to the soil. A short walk in a palm grove, between irrigation channels and small gardens, shows how life in the oasis works.

Tamegroute

About 20 km south of Zagora, Tamegroute is famous for two things:

• Green pottery. Families still fire pottery in traditional kilns and glaze it in a distinctive green. Workshops welcome visitors.
• The library of the zawiya. The religious brotherhood of Tamegroute keeps a library of old manuscripts, including Korans and scholarly texts. Visiting hours vary and a small donation is customary.

The village also has covered alleyways that stay cool in the heat.

How to fit the Draa Valley into a trip

Tips

• Photograph kasbahs in the late afternoon light.
• Ask before photographing people, especially women and children.
• Dates are harvested in autumn; local markets sell many varieties.

Kasbah Tamnougalt

Near Agdz, the Kasbah of Tamnougalt is one of the largest in the valley, a former seat of local rulers with courtyards, towers and painted ceilings. Its location among the palms has made it a film set more than once. A local guide explains how families, granaries and defence were organised inside the walls.

How long to allow

From Ouarzazate to Zagora is about three hours of driving without stops. With the Agdz viewpoint, a kasbah visit, a palm-grove walk and lunch, plan a full day. Tamegroute adds about two hours including the visit.

Responsible visiting

• Pay the small entrance fees and use local guides at kasbahs; it keeps the buildings alive.
• Stay on paths in the palm groves: every plot is a family garden.
• Buy pottery directly from the Tamegroute workshops.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Draa Valley worth the drive?

Yes. Even without the desert, the palm groves and kasbahs are among the most photogenic landscapes in Morocco.

How far is Tamegroute from Zagora?

About 20 km, around 25 minutes by car.

See it with a driver: our 2-day Zagora desert tour follows the Draa Valley. Read our Zagora guide or ask for a free quote.

Plan it with us: Merzouga desert tours, Sahara desert in Morocco and Desert tours from Marrakech.