If you’re in the mood for adventure, follow our itinerary to discover the hidden treasures of the desert in central Morocco.
From majestic dunes to verdant oases and traditional villages, our itinerary through central Morocco will leave you breathless with wonder. Throughout this journey, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of this region. So get ready for an extraordinary getaway in the heart of the pearls of the Moroccan desert.
Cross one of the first desert gateways at M’Hamid El Ghizlane
Start your journey to discover the pearls of the desert in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, a small rural commune nestled on the edge of the Sahara, close to the border withAlgeria. Its evocative name, « the plain of gazelles », bears witness to the natural wealth that once characterized this region. Immerse yourself in its history as you stroll through its narrow streets and admire its earthen architecture, which provides protection from sandstorms.
As you continue your journey along the Drâa River, you’ll gradually see the landscape transform into an arid, vegetation-free desert. The extreme temperatures in summer and the violent winds that blow the sand are reminders of the harshness of this region. But this is where the beauty of the Moroccan desert lies.
The dunes of the immense Erg Chegaga
At the heart of our exploration of the wonders of central Morocco liesErg Chegaga, one of the country’s largest sand dune massifs. Around 50km from M’Hamid El Ghizlane and 98km south of the town of Zagora, this impressive desert stretches 40km long and 15km wide. Its majestic dunes (some up to 300m high) offer a breathtaking panorama.
Erg Chegaga, still unspoilt and rarely visited, offers an authentic desert experience. To get there, you can use adapted means of transport such as a 4×4, a dromedary or simply walk. Once you arrive, you’ll be instantly rewarded by the tranquility and serenity that reign here.
Stroll through the impressive Todgha Gorge
One of the highlights of our itinerary in central Morocco is the crossing of the Todgha valley, situated at an altitude of 1300m, below the majestic Grand Atlas mountains. These spectacular gorges stretch for more than 30km, and are crossed by theOued Todgha, which feeds the valley and its lush palm grove.
In the midst of this arid, rocky region, ingenious irrigation systems have created veritable green oases. The palm grove, with its almond, pomegranate and olive trees, creates an enchanting landscape where tamarisk and oleander diffuse their typical fragrance.
Venture along the winding road of the Dades gorges
Immerse yourself in the Dades Gorge Valley, a 25km stretch between Boumalne and Imdiazen. Let yourself be dazzled by the fabulous landscapes, where dwellings blend into the rock, creating majestic settings. Follow the winding course of theoued du Dadès, which carries its waters from the High Atlas over a 200 km stretch to theoued Drâa.
You’ll marvel at the incomparably beautiful palm groves bordered by imposing cliffs reaching 500m in height. The freshness provided by the vegetation along your route will invite you to recharge your batteries. You can even go all the way down to the bottom to stroll along the river. Take the spectacular road that winds its way through these monumental walls and let yourself be transported into lunar landscapes.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the majestic Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou
On your itinerary through central Morocco, you won’t want to miss the splendor ofAït-Ben-Haddou. Located 190km from Marrakech, this small Moroccan town is a veritable architectural gem. The ksar, a group of walled earthen buildings, offers a unique insight into the region’s traditional habitat.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets and marvel at the houses that stand proudly within the defensive walls of this fortress. The Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar, a Unesco World Heritage site, will take you back in time to discover buildings dating back to the 17th century.
This picturesque village has also been the setting for numerous films, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Spend a night in a bivouac in the Zagora desert
Let yourself be captivated by the fascinating journey through the Zagora region. Located in the south-east of the country, this picturesque town is the gateway to the Saharan desert. Located just a few dozen kilometers from the Algerian border, it will dazzle you with its astonishing landscapes. A forest of tamarisks and acacias welcomes you, while reddish mountains and verdant oases follow one another along windingwadis. But what attracts visitors most of all are the desert’s endless sand dunes.
Take time out for a morning climb up the slopes of Djebel Zagora. Once at the summit, it offers breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings. Continue your journey by exploring the Tinfou dunes, accessible to all vehicles, then spend a night in a bivouac. This is your chance to contemplate the magnificent desert sunsets and sunrises. And don’t miss a visit to the town of Tamegroute, famous for its desert library and the craftsmanship of its potters.
The fascinating history of the Ksar of Amezrou
The ksar of Amezrou is a charming traditional village at the foot of the ancient « kasbah of the Jews ». Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the preserved 18th-century architecture. The gates of the bastions will guide you to the central street, where you can visit the small synagogue. It bears witness to a time when this ksar was home to a large Jewish community. Be sure to discover the local specialty: silver work. The jewelry is handcrafted with Berber and African motifs.
Facing a lush palm grove, the Amezrou ksar contrasts with the ochre color of the mountain and village. You can also admire the Tagmadert castle, perched on the summit, offering protection and domination over the town. Explore further and discover the mausoleums scattered throughout the palm grove, bearing witness to the presence of scholars in this region.
The vast Skoura palm grove
On your itinerary through central Morocco, a must-see stopover is Skoura, just 40km from Ouarzazate. This tourist destination boastsan impressive 25km² palm grove. You’ll marvel at the beauty of the many date palms, which mingle with verdant gardens filled with olive, almond and pomegranate trees.
The people of Skoura live mainly from agriculture, growing olives, almonds, alfalfa, barley and other fruit trees. By exploring the lively markets and typical villages of this region, you can fully immerse yourself in the daily life of its locals. Be sure to visit the region’s famous red earth kasbahs, remarkable for their singular architecture and thick walls. We recommend a guided tour of theAmridil Palace to learn more about Skoura’s history.
The Drâa Valley and its enchanting landscapes
Discover the magnificent Drâa Valley, with its green oases, endless palm groves and impressive rock formations. The valley’s fascinating history dates back to prehistoric times, and has been marked by trans-Saharan trade since the 16th century. Its watchtowers and ksours bear witness to its eventful past.
In the town ofAgdz, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous kasbah of caïd Ali and stroll through its orange grove. Continuing on, you’ll marvel at the wild, unspoilt landscapes that stretch between Agdz and M’Hamid. A visit to Tamnougalt is also a must, with its gigantic fortress offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding oases and ksours. Once in M’Hamid, you can venture out into the desert sand dunes, either on foot or by camel.
Immerse yourself in Berber culture at Tinejdad
Tinejdad is a charming town located between the Grand Atlas and the Saharan Atlas. Accessible via the N-10 linking Errachidia to Ouarzazate, it welcomes you to its lively streets and friendly atmosphere. Discover its magnificent ancient fortresses and marvel at their traditional architecture.
Tinejdad is also renowned for its picturesque museums, where you can immerse yourself in Berber culture. Don’t miss the Lalla Minouna Springs Museum and the Oasis Museum. Learn more about the importance of these resources in the daily lives of the local people. You can also take advantage of the Tinejdad palm grove, a peaceful refuge for many species of birds, to recharge your batteries in the midst of nature.
As you’ll have gathered, this journey through central Morocco is full of sensations, between desert, palm groves and mountains. So, are you ready to plunge into the heart of the Moroccan desert and discover the gems hidden there? Share your suggestions and experiences in the comments below and inspire other travelers to explore this captivating region.