Drâa valley, Kasbahs and heading for the Erg Chegaga desert
After the mineral landscapes of the High Atlas and the spectacular gorges of Dades, our family road trip in the south of Morocco continued towards more desert, but just as beautiful regions. This second stage led us through the Drâa valley , to the gates of the Sahara, passing through many adobe villages, sometimes abandoned, preserved kasbahs and green palm groves.
From Boulmane Dades to Zagora via Knoub and the Drâa valley: a magnificent road
Leaving Boulmane Dades, we crossed arid landscapes before reaching Knoub , a small village nestled between mountains and palm trees. This portion of the road remains little frequented by tourists, which gives it a raw and authentic charm. Here, life follows the rhythm of the sun, between irrigated cultures and discreet villages.
We stopped in Knout for lunch, then we drove on the famous the Drâa valley , circulating between the green palm groves, bordered by ocher mountains. This oasis stretches over hundreds of kilometers, dotted with fortified Ksour and ancient Kasbahs. We had the impression of traveling through a living postcard from southern Morocco, offering us a new panorama after each turn.
Night in the Kasbah Hnini in Oulad Yahia, near Zagora
We arrived in the afternoon at the Kasbah Hnini , in Oulad Yahia , not far from Zagora . We spent the night in this traditional, fully restored home, surrounded by palm trees.
We were welcomed around a mint tea and had planned to rest and enjoy the infinity pool, offering a magnificent view of the palm grove, the mountain and the silence of the desert. But there was a problem: the swimming pool was bright green and unfortunately not at all natural! No desire to swim there. What a disappointment! Finally, we were offered to enjoy the hotel swimming pool just below, belonging to the same owner: the Dar Hnini hotel. There was practically no one and we were able to read, enjoyed the swimming pool and relax. We returned to the Kasbah at the end of the afternoon and were able to savor an aperitif against the magnificent sunset before enjoying a delicious tagine.
From Agdz to Foum Zguid: the beginnings of the desert
The next day, after a buffet breakfast, we finished our coffee on the terrace overlooking the palm trees then we took the road towards Agdz , a peaceful village at the northern entrance to the valley. -We took the opportunity to buy wine at the Tazarine mini -market, so that it could taste it in the desert, under the stars. You will also find some shops that sell alcohol in Zagora and Ouarzazate (Carrefour Market). It must be said that even if alcohol is authorized in Morocco, the majority of small hotels do not have the license to offer it. You will find it without problem in more luxurious hotels. Besides, we were able to order it at the Kasbah Hnini and our hotel in Agadir, the Timoulay hotel.-
Then we took the road to Foum Zguid , passing through desert plateaus and shredded reliefs: a small permit of the Saharan adventure to come.
In Foum Zguid , a small crossroads between the inhabited world and the desert, we stopped for lunch before leaving for 3 hours of track in 4*4. Well, we're going to be honest, the few restaurants in the city only serve tourists who leave in the desert, but we still eaten delicious skewers, a good Moroccan salad and an orange juice in a hurry, surrounded by many wandering cats and dogs waiting for our remains ... Then we left our car a few hundred beings further, in the middle of the old village and we charged our bags in 4* Expected from this trip: Erg Chegaga .
Head on Erg Chegaga: at the gates of the Sahara
From Foum Zguid, it was in 4 × 4 that we continued our adventure, along, at the start, the old track of Paris-Dakar.
👉 In the next part, I will take you with us for two days out of time in the heart of the Erg Chegaga. Prepare for grandiose landscapes, spectacular sunsets and magnificent memories. Road trip part 3.
