When planning their visit to Morocco many travelers include Dades Valley or Draa Valley on their itinerary.
Best explored by car or in a guided tour, both valleys give you a stunning view of Morocco’s unique landscape. Wondering when is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Dades and Draa Valley is from May to September, as it is the dry season and it is less muddy.
Best Things To Do in the Draa Valley
History:
Flowing from the High Atlas mountains and ranging 1,100 kilometres, the Draa river is Morocco’s longest river. Formed by the convergence of the Dadès River and Imini River, the Draa river became a powerful force carving its way through the Moroccan Landscape.
The Draa river travelled creating a path from Ouarzazate to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in what is now known today as the Draa Valley.
Although the majority of the Draa river has dried up, the Draa Valley is still inhabited by 225,000 people. Lined with oases, palm groves, hidden cave paintings, archaeological sculptures, and a rich agricultural landscape,
Draa valley is quick to attract visitors from around the world.
Visit a Berber village: There are many villages throughout the Draa Valley, with tours typically taking the time to visit one or more villages along the way.
In a tour, you may be given the opportunity to meet a Berber family, tour their living quarters, take a walk through their field or garden, eat a traditional meal of bread and tajine, and even participate in a cooking class. Here are some of the top villages to visit while in the Draa Valley:
- Ait Ouzzine
- Tansikht
- Rissani
- KasbahTamnougalt
Caïd’s Kasbah: At 170 years old, Caïd’s Kasbah is a historical building originally housing the local chief. Explore the 3 story mud brick structure and catch a view of the oasis below.
Mellah: In the village of Amezrou is the Mellah, the ruins of the quarters of 400 Jewish households. Take a tour of the ruins and learn more about the local history.
Musée des Arts et Traditions: Located in Zagora, you will find a small museum called Musée des Arts et Traditions.
Although small, this museum is a great place to learn more about the history and traditions of those living in the Draa Valley. You will also be able to view historical artifacts, including jewellery and pottery.
Erg Lihoudi: Close to the Draa River you will find Erg Lihoudi Sand Camps. Typically booked as an overnight excursion, Erg Lihoudi Sand Camps are a great way to explore the nearby sand dunes.
Most local tours include a camel ride, accommodations and a five-course meal in the Moroccan desert.
Erg Chigaga: Labelled as one of the most beautiful sand dunes in Southern Morocco, Erg Chigaga is on the top of tourists’ bucket lists when visiting the Draa Valley.
It’s best experienced by booking a desert camp excursion, so you can witness the stunning desert night sky, free of light pollution.
Visit the Library of Tamgroute: Located in the town of Tamgroute you will find a library that used to contain 50,000 pieces of Arabic writing.
Although it does not contain this level of work today, you will be able to see illustrations and works from long ago, including a Koran that is more than 900 years old.
Best Things to Do in the Dades Valley
History:
Similar to the Draa Valley, but situated in the North of Morocco, the Dades Valley was carved out by the Dades river.
The rushing water of the Dades River created a dramatic gorge on the mountainside, which is one of Morocco’s greatest natural sites.
Monkey Fingers: One of the most popular viewpoints in the Dades Valley is called Monkey Fingers. The errored sandstone forms finger-like shapes and is a notable landmark.
Café-Restaurant Timzillite: Labelled as having the most breathtaking view of the Dades Valley. Café-Restaurant Timzillite is a great place to stop and recharge, while taking in the view.
Hiking trails: There are several different hiking trails in the Dades Valley, and each gives you a unique viewpoint of this unique Moroccan landscape.
The most popular hiking trails are Monkey Fingers and Dades Gorge.
4×4 Excursions: Taking a 4×4 ride or excursion is a great way of exploring the various ruined kasbahs, interesting rock formations and viewpoints throughout the valley.
Boumalne: The capital of the Dades Valley is Boumaine, a small town built on the top of a mountain. A great place to view the valley below, with walking and bike rides as a common choice of transportation.
Musee des Sources de Lalla Mimouna: A small museum in Tinejdad, that contains the works of Zaid Abbou and Moroccan artefacts.
Attending the Festival of the Roses: In Kalaat M’gouna a 3-day festival celebrating the rose harvest in Dades Valley commences. You will be able to enjoy and witness dancing, singing and taste traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Both Dades Valley and Draa Valley are great places to visit on your next trip to Morocco. Each will expose you to a different part of Morocco’s history and natural landscape.
Whether you prefer to learn about the local culture and see historical sites or you just want to ride through the sand dunes and hike to the best vantage point, you will find both in either valley.