Private day tour in privat vehicle from Ouarzazate south through the magnificent Draa Valley Oasis, visiting kasbahs, museums and small villages that line the route of Morocco’s longest river, the River Draa.
Includes visiting the famous artisan potters of Tamegroute village, its Koranic library housing manuscripts dating to 14th century and a short camel ride to the Sahara dunes of Erg tinfou .
Zagora for a simple lunch. Alternatively you can opt for a delicious three-course lunch in the resplendant gardens of a boutique riad near Zagora.
This is a stunning road trip from Ouarzazate for those who want a taste of the Sahara, the oases and the historic kasbahs of the great southern caravan route.
Group size from 2 – 5 people sharing. All ages and fitness levels. Approx 4 hours drive in each direction on and off-road. English-speaking tour driver/guide.
Departure from Ouarzazate
Starting early from your hotel in Ouarzazate we drive through:
- Rocky gorges of the Jbel Saghro mountain range
- The twisting pass of Tizi n Tinififft
- The market town of Agdz, famous for its dates and dominated by the Jbel Kissane mountain
Journey along the Draa River
We take off-road along the banks of the Draa River, passing through Berber hamlets with villagers:
- Tending their goats
- Working in tiny terraced fields
- Washing clothes along the river banks
About the Draa River:
- Longest river in Morocco (1,100 km)
- Flows from the High Atlas Mountains and disappears in the Sahara
- The Draa Valley is a magnificent and important oasis of palm trees, date farming, fruit groves, and agricultural produce
- Kasbahs and settlements line the valley, once the main sub-Saharan caravan trade route for gold and spices
Historical Visit – Tamnougalte
- The Kasbah des Caids at Tamnougalte is a 16th-century Kasbah on the ancient spice route to Marrakech
- Once a thriving trade centre
- Includes a museum with architectural remains, artifacts, and utensils used by Berber, Arab, African, and Jewish inhabitants
Lunch in Zagora
N.B. For those opting for the luxury lunch option:
- We reach Zagora by lunchtime
- Choice of lunch venue and style:
- In the gardens of a boutique riad in the nearby palm groves
- At a luxury oasis boutique guest-house with swimming pool
Afternoon Visits
After lunch, we continue south:
- Tamegroute pottery: famous for green-glazed ceramics
- 13th century Zaouia: includes a Koranic library open to non-believers
- Erg Tinfou desert: opportunity to explore and enjoy a camel ride
Return to Ouarzazate
- Departure around 3pm
- Direct return via the Draa Valley
- Arrival at approx. 6/7pm
You return having experienced one of the most beautiful road trips in all Morocco and having learned a little about the local culture and traditions.
Included in the Tour
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle, fully licensed and insured for tourist transport
- Professional dedicated driver
- English-speaking or French-speaking guide/escort
- Off-road drive along the Draa River and Berber villages
- Visit of Kasbah des Caids at Tamnougalte (entrance not included)
- Short visit to Tamegroute pottery workshops and Zaouia (library entrance not included)
- Camel ride in the Erg Tinfou dunes
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel/riad in Ouarzazate
- English-speaking in-country 24hr customer hotline
- Local tourist taxes
Not Included in the Tour
- Entrance fees to museums, monuments, and Zaouia library
- Lunch (optional luxury lunch available at extra cost)
- Drinks with meals
- Tips/gratuities (guidance on budget provided at booking)
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meal plan: Lunch included (according to your choice)
