A Drâa Valley Oasis: The Essential Travel Guide to Agdz
- Malika
- Jul 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Set amidst a spectacular expanse of desert terrain dotted with palm groves, the town of Agdz is located well off Morocco’s beaten tourist track. It lies along an ancient caravan route that connect Marrakech to the far-flung trading hub of Timbuktu and served as a resting place for weary travellers making the arduous journey across the Sahara Desert.
Serving as a gateway to the Drâa Valley, this riverside town is watched over by the imposing peak of Jebel Kissane, which forms part of Morocco’s Anti-Atlas range. It really is a spectacular setting - I could sit on a terrace and watch the light transform the landscape all day.
Most tourists pass straight through Agdz en route to the Sahara, but it’s well worth a stop due to its incredible views, earthen architecture and authentic atmosphere. For history buffs, it’s a fascinating place to overnight on the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, renowned for its magnificent mud-brick fortifications.
Over the years, Agdz has played a crucial role in the exchange of goods, ideas and cultures, making it an interesting destination on a journey through Morocco’s southern reaches.
In this Essential Travel Guide to Agdz, discover the best things to do in Agdz, as well as inspiring places to stay and the ideal time to visit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best things to do in Agdz
Explore the Route of 1000 Kasbahs
Agdz is located in a region of Morocco that’s renowned for its kasbahs, with hundreds dotting the surrounding landscape. Taking in the entire Route of 1000 Kasbahs takes at least two days but there is plenty to see within a couple of hours’ drive of Agdz.
Within the town itself is the Kasbah of Caid Ali, a 19th-century mud-brick structure with a maze of rooms and incredible views from its rooftop terrace. It's still owned by the descendants of the caïd (local administrator), who operate the guesthouse next door - stop in here if you'd like access to the kasbah.
Nearby is the town of Tamnougalt, a former caïd residence with a couple of crumbling old kasbahs to admire. Because of their dilapidated state, it’s best to appreciate them from afar.
From Agdz, you can also visit the town of Aâgoubt and the Kasbah of Oulad Othmane, a beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress where you can spend the night. Complete with a swimming pool offering stunning views, this is one of the most authentic kasbah hotels in Morocco.
Further south lies the village of Tamegroute, which was the historical heart of a Sufi order known as the Nasiriyya. It’s renowned for its glazed ceramics (if pottery is on your Morocco shopping list) and is home to a buried kasbah that’s well worth a look.
For more information about exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, including maps and a suggested itinerary, check out my detailed article here.
Best things to do in Agdz
Shop at the Thursday market
Taking place each Thursday, this open-air souk is a lively event that draws in villagers from the surrounding communities. In my opinion, experiencing it is one of the best things to do in Agdz.
Locals come not only to pick up essential supplies but also to sell their homemade goods and fresh produce. It’s a great place to get a feel for local commerce, as well as photograph stalls with spices, dates and olives piled high.
In one corner of the souk, you’ll find the butcher's stalls, where locals gather to select the freshest cuts of lamb, beef and poultry for their evening meals.
Best things to do in Agdz
Explore the palmeraie
Backed by the tagine-shaped summit of Jebel Kissane, the Agdz Oasis is a wonderful place to experience local agriculture. It’s irrigated by a network of small canals known as “seguias”, which have been used for centuries in this part of Morocco.
With its shady palm trees and welcoming locals, the palmeraie is a captivating spot to escape to on hot summer days. Hire a local guide in Agdz for a more immersive experience and to help translate with the agricultural workers you meet along the way.
Take a dip at the Tizgui Waterfall
Just a few kilometres outside Agdz, the Tizgui Waterfall is a picturesque cascade that's well worth a look if you're in the area. While not towering in height, its gentle flow tumbles over a rocky cliff into a pool framed by palm and fig trees.
Best things to do in Agdz
Drive through the Drâa Valley
Agdz serves as a gateway for exploring the Drâa Valley, with one of the most magnificent stretches being the 95-kilometre road connecting to Zagora. Along the way, there are several opportunities to get off the N9 and explore the palm-dotted villages that fringe the banks of the Oued Drâa.
In Zagora, you can soak in the laid-back ambiance of this Amazigh community before continuing to M’Hamid, the gateway to the Erg Chigaga dunes.
Watch the sunset over Jebel Kissane
As the sun begins to sink toward the horizon, head up the hill towards the government building that stands prominently atop the rise overlooking Agdz. From here, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, with the majestic Jebel Kissane mountain forming a stunning backdrop.
It’s the perfect way to end a day in Agdz and appreciate the natural beauty of this hidden corner of Morocco.
Travel guide to Agdz
How to get to Agdz
By car
Agdz is located around 70 kilometres from Ouarzazate and can be reached in just over an hour by car. From Marrakech, it’s around 260 kilometres or 4.5 hours to Agdz. This journey takes you up and over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers spectacular views across the Atlas Mountains.
To learn more about driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here. If you're going to rent a car in Morocco, I recommend you do so through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
By bus
Both CTM and Supratours have regular buses from the centre of Ouarzazate to Zagora that pass through Agdz. The journey takes around one hour. Most of these buses begin their journey in Marrakech - if you're travelling to Agdz from the "Red City", expect it to take around 5.5 to 6 hours.
Bus tickets can be purchased online directly with the companies or you can compare options (and buy tickets) at 12Go.
Share taxis are also available from Ouarzazate to Agdz and depart once full.
Travel guide to Agdz
Best places to stay in Agdz
Lovingly renovated and decorated with Amazigh rugs, this authentic kasbah is run by the wonderful Mustafa and his family. It's located around five kilometres from Agdz in the ksar village of Tamnougalt, so it's best to have your own vehicle. The views of the surrounding oasis and the mountains in the distance are nothing short of spectacular.
Best places to stay in Agdz
Featuring traditionally styled rooms and private terraces, this affordable hotel in Agdz includes delicious breakfasts in all of its stays. Bikes can be rented onsite for exploring the town and guided hikes can be arranged on request. It's located in the north of town and within easy reach of restaurants and cafes.
Best places to stay in Agdz
On the northern edge of Agdz, this beautiful hotel offers spacious rooms and an inviting swimming pool. It has been designed to resemble a kasbah but with all the mod-cons, including complimentary Wi-Fi. Delicious breakfasts and dinners are served onsite.
Best places to stay in Agdz
Best time to visit Agdz
While Agdz can be visited throughout the year, the most enjoyable times are from October to December and March to June, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. This is an ideal time for exploring the town and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs while taking in the beautiful desert landscapes nearby.
Summers can be brutally hot (so it’s best to avoid July and August) while the nights in January and February can be quite chilly. If possible, coincide your visit with a Thursday when the Agdz Market takes place.