Traveling to Morocco? Do not miss to visit the oases, these green boxes hidden in the desert are well
worth the detour.
The Moroccan desert, with its vast arid landscape and its wild beauty, is home to hidden treasures: the
oases. These natural jewels offer a real well of freshness in the middle of these stretches of golden sand.
In this article, discover six exceptional oases that deserve to be explored during your trip to the Moroccan
desert. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of these palm groves, where the lush vegetation and the
crystal clear water sources create a real haven of peace.
Explore the oasis of Fint on the back of a donkey
Among the oases of the Moroccan desert, the Fint Valley stands out for its natural beauty and its cultural
richness. Located about ten kilometers from Ouarzazate, this palm grove surrounded by rocks offers an
enchanting landscape, where majestic date palms and orchards thrive along the river.
It is also home to traditional adobe villages, where you can meet the locals. Soak up the tranquility of this
oasis while discovering the abundant flora by walking through palm groves, pomegranate trees and
oleanders. Let yourself be enchanted by a donkey ride, a hike or a walk in the middle of nature.
Immerse yourself in the Berber culture by tasting traditional dishes and participating in Moroccan cooking
workshops. Discover the local crafts of the village potters and learn about traditional practices such as
henna tattooing or the basics of the Amazigh language.
Immerse yourself in the abundant vegetation of the oasis of Tinghir
Located at an altitude of more than 1,300 meters above sea level in a mountainous region, the oasis of
Tinghir is famous for its abundant vegetation composed of palm trees and olive trees. It creates a striking
contrast with the surrounding arid landscape. This place also has a rich history as an important
crossroads of trans-Saharan trade. Today, the town of Tinghir has 40,000 inhabitants and lives from the
cultivation of date palms, olive trees and tourism.
During your visit to Tinghir, you will be amazed by the ancient ksours, the narrow winding streets and the
splendid gardens filled with thousands of trees. The fauna is also flourishing there, with a variety of birds
such as quails, wild boars and hoopoes. Don’t miss a trip to the weekly souk held every Monday on the
road to Ouarzazate, an unmissable experience where locals gather. Also explore the district of Ait el Haj
Ali, formerly the mellah, the Jewish quarter, for a typical atmosphere of the villages of southern Morocco.
Do not leave Tinghir without passing by the Kasbah of Glaoui. Perched on a rocky promontory, it offers a
breathtaking view of the palm grove. For a total immersion, go to the ikelane Afanour Mosque, nestled in
the heart of this oasis and renovated in a traditional style of the region.
Discover the caravan route in the oasis of Zagora
Discover the Zagora palm grove, a pearl nestled in the heart of the Moroccan desert. Former central
point on the trans-Saharan trade route, it offers a haven of greenery in the middle of the aridity. With the
imposing Zagora Mountain as a backdrop, you will immerse yourself in its history as a caravan center.
There is a great diversity of landscapes: oases of course but also orange dunes, imposing mountains
and tamarisk forests.
Renowned for the thousands of fruit trees that run through it, this oasis testifies to the fertility of this
place. Once a stronghold of the Almovarid dynasty, it is also the last city on the desert road. It is a real
fortress built to protect the country from invasions.
Be sure to visit the famous trans-Saharan film festival as well as the Jewish quarter with its synagogue
and local artisans. Also visit the Museum of arts and traditions of the Draa Valley, where you will learn
more about the history and culture of the region. For a panoramic view, head to the top of Djebel Zagora
to admire the sunrise and contemplate the palm grove. Also take advantage of camel races throughout
the year.
Just 18 km from Zagora is Tamegrout, where you can discover the largest religious center in the region.
This village houses a library containing precious manuscripts dating back to the 13th century.
Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Draa Valley
The Draa Valley, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, is full of amazing landscapes spread
over almost 200 km between Agdz and M’Hamid. During your excursion on the road connecting
Ouarzazate to M’Hamid, you will be enchanted by the flowery oases, the lush orchards and the palm
groves as far as the eye can see. Soak up the slow pace of local life by observing the harvesting of
dates, figs and almonds, the maintenance of irrigation canals as well as the grinding of henna.
Also make a stop in Agdz, a charming peaceful village at the foot of the Djebel Kissane We can explore
the Kasbah of Caïd Ali and enjoy a quiet walk in its orange grove..Admire the spectacular ksours of
Timidert, Tansikht, Igdaoun and Tinzouline, testimonies of the eventful history of the valley. Cross the
bridge overlooking the Drâa in Tamnougalt to arrive at a gigantic citadel that is sure to captivate you.
Go to the gates of the Sahara in the palm grove of Tafilalet
The Tafilalet palm grove, an oasis of exceptional beauty, is nestled between the mountains and the
desert of Morocco. It is crossed by the wadis Ziz and Gheris. They provide abundant water to fertilize
nearly a million date palms but also fruit trees.
Considered the last great oasis before the Sahara, it offers gardens where a peaceful and refreshing
atmosphere reigns. The life of local communities depends on water, the inhabitants have cleverly
adapted their use to preserve the ecological and aesthetic balance of the region.
Admire the ksars along the Rissani palm grove
Leave for Rissani, formerly the capital of Tafillalet, located between Erfoud and Merzouga, at the gates of
the Sahara. Discover the fascinating history of this ancient trans-Saharan crossroads by visiting more
than 350 kilometers. They tell about the highlights of this city. Do not miss the lively and vibrant souk
where you can taste the local speciality, the “madfouna” bread, and soak up the traditional atmosphere of
this market.
Just 2 km from the city center, in the direction of Erfoud, discover the ruins of Sijilmassa, a historical site
that will not leave you indifferent. These remains testify to its rich past as a legendary gold and ivory
counter on the road to Timbuktu.
For a complete experience, browse the Rissani palm grove, a circuit of about twenty kilometers. On your
way, admire the ksours of Ouirhane, Tabassamt, Irara, Zaouïet el Maati and Asserhine, real architectural
jewels. Not far away, to the south of the city, visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, a touching
manifestation of spirituality. Also explore the fortified cities Akbar and Oulad Abdelhalim, known for their
architectural splendor.
The oases nestled within the vast deserts of Morocco exude a captivating natural beauty and a
refreshing tranquility that is sure to captivate your senses.Immerse yourself in the lush vegetation, swim
in the clear water springs and let yourself be transported by the peaceful atmosphere of these palm
groves. Which one tempts you the most?
