Draa Valley -- Land of a Million Palms

The journey begins with the climb over this 1,660-metre pass, where the Anti-Atlas folds unfold in a palette of rust, ochre, and purple. A viewpoint near the summit reveals the first glimpse of the Draa Valley stretching south -- an endless ribbon of green palm groves flanked by barren mountains. The geological strata exposed in the road cuttings make this a geology textbook come to life.

The first significant town in the Draa Valley is a natural lunch stop surrounded by lush palm groves. The old kasbah quarter, dominated by the imposing Kasbah of Caids, overlooks the palmerie. A guided walk through the palm groves reveals the traditional irrigation system of khettaras (underground channels) and the three-tier agriculture: date palms above, fruit trees in the middle, and vegetables at ground level.

One of the most impressive and best-preserved kasbahs in the Draa Valley, this 16th-century fortress was the seat of the Mezguita Berber tribe and later a French colonial administrative centre. The guided tour reveals a labyrinth of rooms, corridors, and terraces with views across the palmerie. The walls of rammed earth are decorated with traditional geometric patterns, and the restored sections show the kasbah's former grandeur.

The backbone of the valley is Morocco's most extensive date palm oasis, stretching over 200 kilometres along the Draa River. An estimated six million date palms produce prized Medjool, Boufeggous, and Jihel varieties harvested in October. Walking or cycling through the groves reveals a world of dappled light, birdsong, and centuries-old irrigation channels. The harvest festival in October is a vibrant celebration.

The largest town in the Draa Valley and the traditional gateway to the Sahara. Zagora is famous for the road sign reading "Tombouctou 52 Jours" (Timbuktu -- 52 Days by Camel), a reminder of the ancient caravan routes. The Wednesday souk draws villagers from across the valley. Jebel Zagora, the rocky mountain behind the town, rewards a one-hour hike with sunset panoramas over the desert horizon.

A centre of Islamic scholarship since the 17th century, home to the Nassiri zaouia and its Koranic library containing rare illuminated manuscripts, medieval maps, and astronomical texts. The village is equally famous for its distinctive green-glazed pottery, still produced in underground kilns using centuries-old techniques. The pottery cooperative welcomes visitors to observe the process and purchase pieces.

A small but photogenic erg (sand dune field) offering an accessible taste of the Sahara. While not on the scale of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga, the Tinfou dunes provide a convenient sunset camel ride and an introduction to desert landscapes for those without time for a deeper desert excursion.

The Draa Valley is lined with dozens of ksour (fortified villages), many perched dramatically on hillsides above the palms. These communal fortified settlements, built from the same earth they stand on, represent one of Morocco's most distinctive architectural traditions. Many are still inhabited, while others are slowly returning to the earth. Timidarte, Tissergate, and Ouled Othmane are among the most photogenic.