Ziz Valley:The Lush Palm Grove on the Road to Merzouga

Where is the Ziz valley and where does the river come from?

Rising in the Middle Atlas near Errachidia, the Ziz river carves a spectacular channel for nearly 200 kilometres through the arid mountains before reaching the Tafilalet palm groves, offering a striking contrast between bare rock and lush vegetation.

This unique geographical route explains why the N13 road, which follows the valley, is considered one of the finest in southern Morocco, alternating deep gorges, stony plateaus and green oases over several dozen kilometres.

What is the Legionnaire Tunnel?

Built during the French protectorate to ease the road passage through the mountain, the Legionnaire Tunnel stretches for about one kilometre.

Driving through it is a highlight of the journey, before the sudden opening onto a stunning panorama.

Immediately after the tunnel's south exit, a purpose-built viewpoint lets you admire the whole valley below: the river's meanders, the dense palm grove and villages clinging to the rocky slopes.

It is one of the most popular photo stops on the entire road to Merzouga.

What is there to see in the palm grove and traditional villages?

Out of the gorges, the valley widens into a continuous palm grove of over 20 kilometres, one of the longest in Morocco, dotted with mud-brick ksour and Berber villages that have lived for centuries to the rhythm of traditional irrigation by seguias.

This tiered agriculture, combining date palms at the top, fruit trees at mid-level and vegetable crops on the ground, illustrates ancestral know-how in making optimal use of water and shade in an arid environment.

What is the Hassan Addakhil dam for?

Built in the 1970s upstream of Errachidia, the Hassan Addakhil dam regulates the sometimes violent floods of the Ziz river and supplies water to the entire Tafilalet palm grove, securing agriculture throughout the valley downstream.

Its reservoir, visible from the road, contrasts with the surrounding aridity and makes for a pleasant stop to observe the local aquatic wildlife, including migratory birds passing through on their Saharan crossing.

How long does it take to cross the Ziz valley towards Merzouga?

For most travellers coming from Fès or Meknès, the Ziz valley is the obligatory passage to Merzouga, generally covered in 3 to 4 hours with several photo stops, as part of a complete desert itinerary.

After crossing the valley, travellers reach Erfoud and then Rissani before the final 45 minutes of track leading to Merzouga.

Booking an organised excursion from Marrakech lets you enjoy the stops fully without worrying about driving on these mountain roads.