Morocco is home to numerous landscapes and terrains, and the desert is one of those. And when we talk about desert we talk about oases. Oases is part of Moroccan natural wealth especially in the region of Tafilalet in the east of the kingdom. This region is home to one of the largest oases in the world, known as Ziz Valley.

Region of Tafilalet

With an area of about 89000 km² / 34363 Square Miles the region of Tafilalet is one of the biggest regions of Morocco. This region has about 1.7 million inhabitants of which 25% is in the Province of Er-Rachidia.

In terms of languages, the official spoken languages in the region is Arabic and Amazigh (Tachelhite and Tamazight of the High Atlas). French, English, Spanish, German, and even Russian are spoken among tourism experts!

Tafilalet is also known for its attraction of tourists. The region is known for its tourism vocation and has a large number of classified hotels, inns, and lodges. The main touristic places are Merzouga and Ouarzazate.

Ziz Valley

The Valley of Ziz is one of the biggest oases in the world and the biggest in Africa! It is located between Er-Rachidia and Erfoud when crossing the region via the 13th national road. The valley is crossed by the river with the same name (River Ziz Ghriss or Oued Ziz Ghriss). With its valley walls and multiple ancient Kasbahs and Ksars where local people lives, the oasis lends a clear idea about the magnificent experience that is waiting for its visitors.

The source of the River of Ziz Ghriss is located near Rich (Small town in the middle Atlas) and it continues its way to the Sahara desert and crosses the borders to Algeria. The river is surrounded by a 125 km belt of palm groves alongside the river. While you are on the 13th national road (N13), you will find many spots to stop and take great photos of the river running through the green landscape of the Ziz Valley.

The best way to discover the valley and its oases is to leave the main road and to go through the multiple tiny secondary roads that leads to the oases villages. There you can meet the local people, try their food, culture and way of life.

Food in these villages is fresh and plentiful. The main agricultures of the valley are dates at the first place, figs, pomegranates and quince. You can witness the farmers using ancient irrigation methods and farming techniques that have been passed down from generation to the next one.

The village of Aoufous

The main village of the valley is the village of Aoufous. It is located at the heart of the palm groves of the valley. The village is very calm and the locals are friendly. Exspect to be invited for tee or food by the those kind people.

You can rent a bicycle to discover the village or you can do it on foot. It is always a unique experience to explore the villages of the region and to discover the rich culture of Tafilalet.

Moroccans are known for their hospitality and generosity, and the people of this region are even more so.

If your Moroccan journey is leading you to the Sahara, Merzouga, or Taous, make sure to take some time to explore the oases and valleys you will encounter in the way to your destination. That will certainly be a time to remember.