The south of Morocco is full of natural treasures, historical sites, and breathtaking desert landscapes. If you are a fan of exotic travel and adventure, the regions of Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Agdz, Zagora, and Foum Zguid are must-visit destinations to explore. From the Drâa Valley to Foum Zguid, from lush palm groves to the sandy desert, fascinating scenery awaits you. Here is an overview of the wonders you can discover in these regions:
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a fascinating city that serves as an ideal starting point for your exploration of southern Morocco. Here, you can visit the famous Kasbah of Taourirt, an ancient fortress that immerses you in the history and culture of the region. Don't miss the Atlas Film Studios as well, where numerous films and TV series have been shot, offering a glimpse into the Moroccan film industry. Ouarzazate is a subtle blend of a modern city and an ancient historical core, adorned with the colors of the south, inviting you to venture into more distant lands, to the south or east.
Ait Ben Haddou
Just a few kilometers from Ouarzazate, you will find one of Morocco's most iconic sites: the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This earthen fortress, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a true architectural masterpiece. As you wander through its narrow alleys, you will be transported to a medieval world, admiring the earth houses, defensive towers, and panoramic views of the surrounding valley. You may recognize some familiar backdrops, as Ait Ben Haddou has served as a filming location for many movies, such as "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones." Take the time to enjoy a tea overlooking the riverbed or observe watercolor artists using saffron and spices to perfectly capture the kasbah's color nuances. In the small shops, you'll find local crafts such as rugs, jewelry, paintings inspired by this inspiring place, and other unique souvenirs. Finally, climb all the steps to the top for a magnificent view of the entire valley, where you'll realize the immense nature that surrounds you. Ait Ben Haddou is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see in Morocco.
Agdz
Continue your journey to Agdz, where you'll find all the charm of the small towns in southern Morocco. In Agdz, the color of the earth blends with that of the traditional earthen houses. The palm grove is impressive and marks the entrance to the famous Drâa Valley. Agdz is the perfect place to spend a relaxing and welcoming night.
Close by, you can visit the Kasbah of Tamnougalt, one of the oldest ksars (fortified villages) found in the Drâa Valley. Its strategic position allows us to imagine the significance of such a place in overseeing the ancient caravan route between Timbuktu and Marrakech.
Zagora
Further south, Zagora is the last major town before the desert. It was a crucial passage point for caravans traveling to or from Timbuktu, and it was also the starting point for the Almoravids' conquests, who built a fortress there. You can observe the impressive view of the city by gaining some height. Take the time to stroll through its palm grove and enjoy the coolness it provides.
For exploring the surroundings of Zagora, numerous excursions are available with interesting points of interest.
Among them is the town of Tamegroute, located about twenty kilometers away. It is known for its green enamel pottery, such as plates, dishes, tagines, and jars, all handcrafted on-site. Its reputation is also linked to its library of ancient manuscripts, a unique treasure. The library was established within the Zaouia Naciri and its collection was enriched by Sidi Mohamed Ben Nacer, who brought back high-quality works on various subjects such as science, astronomy, medicine, literature, religious texts, and several beautifully calligraphed Qurans, showcasing the richness and importance of Arab culture that spread throughout the world. Around 4,000 manuscripts were collected in total.
Zagora is also a starting point for reaching the dunes of the desert. You can continue down the Drâa Valley to reach the Chegaga dunes via M'Hamid El Ghizlane or choose a shorter route. In fact, by connecting Zagora to Foum Zguid, you'll access a lesser-known and therefore more wild area, reaching the dunes of Erg El Mhazil, the first dunes of the Sahara, more quickly.
Foum Zguid
Your journey to the southern dunes of Morocco takes you to Foum Zguid, a small town located at the gateway to the desert. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, discover the traditions, and experience the daily life of the desert inhabitants. Set off on the 4x4 tracks and embrace the vast stretches of sand, majestic dunes, and incredible sunsets that characterize this region. If you're seeking an authentic experience, spend a night at a desert camp, where you can admire a breathtaking starry sky and feel in harmony with nature.
To partially protect these vast, fragile, and unique landscapes, the Iriki National Park was established in 1994, with a conservation and reintroduction program for the animal species inhabiting this desert. You can learn more about the Iriki National Park by reading our article here.
This park extends to the Chegaga dunes, which are more well-known in tourism circles.
Erg chegaga
Erg Chegaga, located at the southernmost part of the Drâa Valley and east of the Iriki National Park, is famous for its large dune, the highest in Morocco, reaching a height of 300 meters. People come here to admire this incredible mass of sand that stands out in the landscape and to experience nomadic life for one or more nights in the heart of the dunes.
With the significant development of tourism in the area, you can now find luxury bivouacs at Erg Chegaga, offering all the comfort and luxury of a beautiful hotel in the unusual setting of the desert, as well as traditional and comfortable bivouacs. They offer activities such as camel rides and quad biking in the dunes.
For the more adventurous, following a nomadic guide on a trek and sleeping under the stars in a wild bivouac allows you to get closer to the soul of the desert.
As you can see, the south of Morocco is filled with cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you're interested in history, adventure, or simply the natural beauty of the region, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Agdz, Zagora, and Foum Zguid offer a unique and memorable experience. Get ready to be amazed by the magic of the Moroccan desert and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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