If you have a desire for adventure, follow our itinerary to discover the hidden treasures of the desert in
central Morocco
From the majestic dunes to the green oases, passing through the traditional villages, our itinerary in the
center of Morocco will amaze you with its landscapes. During this expedition, you will be fully enveloped
in the splendor of this area.
So, get ready to live an extraordinary getaway in the heart of the pearls of the Moroccan desert.
Cross one of the first gates of the desert at M’Hamid El Ghizlane
Start your journey to discover the pearls of the desert in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, a small rural town nestled
on the edge of the Sahara, near the border with Algeria. Its suggestive name, “the plain of gazelles”,
testifies to the natural wealth that once characterized this region. Immerse yourself in its history by
walking through its alleys and admiring its earthen architecture, which protects from sandstorms.
Continuing your journey along the Draa River, you will gradually see the landscape transform into an arid
desert without vegetation. The extreme temperatures in summer and the strong winds that blow the sand
remind us of the hardness of this region. But it is here that the beauty of the Moroccan desert lies.
The dunes of the immense Erg Chegaga
The wonders of central Morocco can be fully experienced by venturing into the heart of the region, where
the erg Chegaga, one of the largest sand dune massifs in the country, awaits exploration.About 50km
from M’Hamid El Ghizlane and 98km south of the city of Zagora, this impressive desert stretches over
40km long and 15km wide. Its majestic dunes (some reaching up to 300m high) unfold a breathtaking
panorama.
The erg Chegaga, still preserved and little frequented, offers you an authentic desert experience. To
access it, you can use an adapted means of transport such as a 4× 4, a dromedary or simply walking.
Once you arrive, you will be instantly rewarded by the tranquility and serenity that reign in these places.
Stroll in the middle of the impressive Todgha Gorge
One of the highlights of our itinerary in central Morocco is the crossing of the Todgha Valley, located at an
altitude of 1300m, below the majestic mountains of the Grand Atlas. These spectacular gorges extend
over more than 30km, crossed by the Wadi Todgha which feeds the valley and its lush palm grove.
In the middle of this arid and rocky region, real green oases are emerging thanks to ingenious irrigation
systems. The palm grove, with its almond, pomegranate and olive trees, creates an enchanting
landscape where tamarisks and oleanders diffuse their typical fragrance.
Embark on the twisting route of the Dades Gorges.
Dive into the valley of the Dades Gorges, a 25km stretch between Boumalne and Imdiazen. Let yourself
be dazzled by the fabulous landscapes where the dwellings blend into the rock, creating majestic
decorations. Follow the winding course of the Dades Wadi, which carries its waters from the High Atlas
over a course of 200 kilometers to the Draa wadi.
You will be amazed by the palm groves of incomparable beauty bordered by imposing cliffs reaching
500m high. The freshness provided by the vegetation throughout your route will invite you to recharge
your batteries. You will even have the possibility to go down to the bottom to walk along the river. Take
the spectacular route that crisscrosses in the hollow of these monumental walls and let yourself be
transported into lunar landscapes.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the majestic Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
During your route through the center of Morocco, you will not be able to miss the splendor of Ait-Ben-
Haddou. 190km from Marrakech, this small Moroccan town is a real architectural jewel. The ksar, a set of
earthen buildings surrounded by walls, offers a unique vision of the traditional habitat of the region.
Walking through its narrow streets, you will be amazed by the houses proudly erected inside the
defensive walls of this fortress. The ksar Aït-Ben-Haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, will
take you back in time by making you discover buildings dating from the seventeenth century.
This picturesque village has also been used as a setting for many films, which makes it a fascinating
place.
Spend a night in a bivouac in the Zagora desert
Let yourself be captivated by the fascinating route through the Zagora region. Located in the south-east
of the country, this small picturesque town is the gateway to the Saharan desert. Located a few dozen
kilometers from the Algerian border, it will dazzle you with its amazing landscapes. A forest of tamarisks
and acacia trees will welcome you while reddish-hued mountains and green oases will follow one
another, along winding wadis. But what attracts visitors the most are the huge endless sand dunes of the
desert.
Take the time to make the morning ascent of the flanks of the Jebel Zagora. When you reach the peak,
you will be treated to a magnificent vista of the city and its surrounding areas. Continue your journey by
exploring the dunes of Tinfou, accessible to all vehicles and then spend a night in a bivouac. It will be an
opportunity to contemplate the magnificent sunsets and sunrises in the desert. Do not miss also the visit
of the town of Tamegroute, known for its desert library and the crafts of its potters.
The intriguing past of the Ksar of Amezrou is truly captivating.
The ksar of Amezrou is a charming traditional village located at the foot of the old “kasbah of the Jews”.
Stroll through its narrow streets and admire the preserved architecture of the eighteenth century. The
doors of the bastions will guide you to the central street, where you can visit the small synagogue. She is
the witness of a time when this ksar housed an important Jewish community. Do not miss to discover the
local specialty: silver working. The jewelry is handmade with Berber and African motifs.
Facing a lush palm grove, the ksar of Amezrou contrasts with the ocher color of the mountain and the
village. You can also admire the castle of Tagmadert, perched at the top, offering protection and
domination over this city. Explore further and discover the mausoleums scattered throughout the palm
grove, testifying to the presence of scholars in this region.
The vast palm grove of Skoura
During your itinerary in the center of Morocco, an essential stopover is essential in Skoura, just 40km
from Ouarzazate. This tourist destination is planted with a palm grove of an impressive size: 25km2. You
will be amazed by the beauty of the many date palms that mingle with the green gardens filled with olive,
almond and pomegranate trees.
The inhabitants of Skoura live mainly from agriculture, growing olives, almonds, alfalfa, barley and other
fruit trees. By exploring the lively markets and the typical villages of this region, you will be able to fully
immerse yourself in the daily life of its locals. Be sure to visit the famous red earth kasbahs of the region,
remarkable for their singular architecture and the thickness of their walls. We recommend a guided tour
of the Amridil Palace in order to learn more about the history of Skoura.
The Draa Valley and its enchanting landscapes
Discover the magnificent Draa Valley composed of green oases, palm groves as far as the eye can see
and impressive rock formations. The fascinating history of the valley, which dates back to prehistory, has
been marked by trans-Saharan trade since the sixteenth century. It reveals itself through the watchtowers
and the ksours testifying to its eventful past.
In the city of Agdz, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Kasbah of Caïd Ali and to walk in its
orange garden. As you continue, you will be amazed by the wild and preserved landscapes that stretch
between Agdz and M’Hamid. A visit to Tamnougalt is also essential, with its gigantic fortress with
breathtaking panoramic views of the oases and the surrounding ksours. Once in M’Hamid, you can
venture into the desert of sand dunes, either on foot or on the back of a camel.
Immerse yourself in the Berber culture in Tinejdad
Tinejdad is a charming city, located between the Great Atlas and the Saharan Atlas. Accessible by the N-
10 connecting Errachidia to Ouarzazate, it welcomes you in its lively streets and its warm atm
osphere. Discover its magnificent and ancient fortresses and let yourself be amazed by their traditional
architecture.
Tinejdad is also renowned for its picturesque museums that will allow you to immerse yourself in Berber
culture. Do not miss the museum of the sources of Lalla Minouna and the Oasis Museum. You will learn
more about the importance of these resources in the daily life of the inhabitants. Also take advantage of
the Tinejdad palm grove, a peaceful refuge for many species of birds, to recharge your batteries in the
middle of nature.
As you will have understood, this journey through the center of Morocco is full of sensations, between
desert, palm groves and mountains. So, ready to dive into the heart of the Moroccan desert and discover
the pearls that are hidden there? Share your suggestions and experiences in the comments below and
inspire other travelers to explore this captivating region.