Ziz Valley flows from the High Atlas Mountains to the southeastern Sahara along the Ziz River. This long valley is one of Morocco’s most remarkable landscapes, filled with palm groves, historic villages, and rocky gorges. When you plan a trip here, the best way to experience it is by renting a car. Public transport is limited, and many sites are far from major towns. Our Ziz Valley travel guide takes you through its geography, history, cultural highlights, attractions, and practical travel details.
The best way to reach the Ziz Valley is by landing at Fes Sais International Airport, as it is the nearest major international airport. It is recommended to book your car rental online in advance so that your vehicle is ready upon arrival. Once you land, you can pick up the car at the airport and begin your journey south.
The drive from Fes to Ziz Valley covers about 263 kilometres and takes about 4 hours. You will travel mainly along the N8 and N13 highways, passing through farmlands, forests, and mountain passes. The road conditions are generally good, but drive carefully through winding stretches. This route has a smooth connection between northern Morocco and the desert landscapes of the valley. As you get closer, the scenery changes from green hills to rocky gorges and wide palm groves.
Before exploring Ziz Valley’s history and culture, it’s important to understand its scale and geography. It stretches more than 300 kilometres through Morocco, connecting mountain regions and desert oases. The valley has always been a lifeline for communities that depend on the river for farming and water.
The Ziz River begins near Rich, a small town south of the Middle Atlas. From here, it carves through canyons before flowing past Errachidia and down into the Tafilalt Oasis. Eventually, the water disappears beneath the sand at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The river provides irrigation for villages and is surrounded by palm groves. This valley combines rugged mountains, fertile palm belts, and desert dunes in one journey. You will see Jurassic cliffs, thousands of date palms, and villages with mudbrick kasbah. It is one of the most rewarding Ziz Valley attractions for travellers who want scenery, culture, and history,
The geography of the Ziz Valley changes dramatically along its course. Here are the best things to see on a Ziz Valley road trip:
The Oued Ziz isn't a large river, but it brings life to Morocco's driest areas. It waters oases and palm groves, which makes farming possible in an otherwise empty area. Along the way, it feeds towns like Errachidia, Erfoud, and Rissani.
The Ziz Gorge is one of the most dramatic parts of the valley. The road goes through striped cliffs and rises steeply on both sides. The Tunnel du Légionnaire, which French colonial troops dug in 1928, is the way to the south. Driving here passes through tight turns, narrow lanes, and steep hills, especially on National Route 13 (N13). There are places along the 55 kilometre road through the gorge where you can stop and take pictures.
As the valley widens, the scenery changes. A dense canopy of date palms stretches along the riverbanks, forming one of the largest palm belts in North Africa. These palm trees are centuries old and remain vital for the economy and daily life. Alongside dates, villagers grow figs, pomegranates, quince, and almonds, using ancient irrigation systems that guide river water into small plots. The palm groves are productive and beautiful. You will see the deep green of the oasis rising against the surrounding arid plateaus and Jurassic cliffs.
Villages such as Aoufous lie in the heart of these groves. Walking or cycling through the oasis lets you discover hidden corners, meet locals, and enjoy Moroccan hospitality. During autumn, the valley comes alive with the date harvest. In Erfoud, this is celebrated with the annual Date Festival, where you can taste fresh produce, visit cooperatives, and see cultural performances. These palm groves stretch more than 125 kilometres along the Ziz River.
The Ziz Valley has been at the centre of Morocco’s history for centuries. Trade, dynasties, and faith have all passed through this landscape.
These are the places where you can stop, eat, and learn about daily life around Ziz Valley.
Here are several Ziz Valley attractions worth visiting on your road trip:
The Ziz Valley Road stretches about 190 kilometres, connecting Rich and Errachidia. You pass through canyons, palm groves, and ksours along this road. Each bend reveals a different view, from arid mountains to fertile belts of green. This route is less crowded than other tourist roads.
The Tafilalt Oasis is one of the biggest oases in Africa. It extends across 125 kilometres and includes countless date palms. For centuries, it has supported agriculture and caravan trade. Today, it remains the heart of life in the Ziz Valley, sustaining villages and towns with water and shade.
Throughout the valley, you will notice mudbrick kasbahs and ksours. Some are abandoned, while others are still inhabited. They were initially built for defence and family protection. Kasbahs like Amerhidil and the fortified ksours near Rissani stand as architectural treasures.
At the southern end of the valley lies Merzouga, home to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Rising up to 150 metres, these dunes stretch for 30 km. Camel treks, desert camps, and sunrise views here make a perfect way to end your Ziz Valley journey.
The Ziz Valley also has a rich ecosystem supported by the river and oases. The most important crop in the valley is the date palm. Alongside it, villagers grow almonds, figs, and pomegranates. Farming methods use ancient irrigation channels that guide river water to small fields. These techniques have been passed down through generations.
The valley is home to unique species. You may see Barbary macaques, sand cats, and even large birds like the Egyptian vulture or golden eagle. The palm groves create a haven for birds and mammals that would not survive in the wider desert. The qanat systems of the valley allow water to move underground and feed the palm groves. These techniques make farming possible despite the region’s arid conditions. Observing them offers insight into the resilience of the communities here.
When you explore Ziz Valley, there are many ways to enjoy its landscapes and culture.
The valley and surrounding mountains offer hiking trails. Routes take you through cedar forests, rocky plateaus, and oases. Trek itineraries often connect Fes, Midelt, and the valley before reaching Merzouga.
At the southern edge of the Ziz Valley is Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. These dunes are among Morocco's most iconic landscapes. You can set out on camel treks from here, following the same paths that caravans once took across the Sahara. Most travellers spend the night in desert camps to enjoy traditional Berber meals, listen to local music, and watch the stars without city lights. For those who prefer a faster pace, 4x4 tours are also available. Whether you choose camels or vehicles, this desert extension is one of the most top Ziz Valley attractions.
Some parts of the Ziz River are good for kayaking and rafting, but the weather and water flow can change things. These things don't happen as often as hiking or camel rides. The river’s course changes as it leaves the craggy gorges near Errachidia and flows south through a chain of oases for about 100 kilometres. Because the Ziz River flows through one of Morocco’s driest regions, these water-based activities are highly seasonal. Spring and autumn, when the river runs higher, are the best times to try them.
The Ziz Valley lies in a region where temperatures vary sharply between seasons, so planning your visit at the right time is essential. The best months are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the climate is mild, with pleasant daytime temperatures that make driving, hiking, or exploring villages comfortable. Autumn is also the date harvest season, particularly around Erfoud, when the valley hosts cultural festivals and markets dedicated to this vital crop.
Summer travel is more challenging. From June to August, temperatures often climb above 40°C, especially in the lower valley near Merzouga and the desert edge. While it is possible to travel at this time, you must plan carefully, avoid midday heat, and carry plenty of water. Winter brings cooler weather, especially in the Middle Atlas near Rich and Midelt.
Travelling through the Ziz Valley is like stepping into Morocco’s living history. You see palm groves stretching for miles, kasbahs standing strong after centuries, and a river that has shaped life between the High Atlas and the Sahara. Rent a car in Morocco with Final Rentals to access affordable deals, easy pick up at Fes Sais International Airport, and a wide choice of vehicles. Final Rentals offers unlimited mileage, so you can drive freely from Fes to Errachidia, stop at scenic viewpoints, and continue south to Erfoud, Rissani, and Merzouga without limits.
