Ziz Valley: a description and attractions

Large Ziz valley is formed in Morocco, especially on the southern slopes, due to the Atlas mountain range’s extensive length and variety of mountain ranges. Even if its rivers are not now flowing very quickly, they do allow for the formation of oases and green spaces that are home to interesting villages and cities. In this article, we focus on one in particular: the, which can be traversed almost entirely on several of our itineraries around the nation, particularly those that cross the Middle Atlas to reach the Sahara desert. Here, we provide some access codes to this setting.

What is the Ziz Valley like and where is it?

The same-named river, which flows for nearly 300 km from the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Algerian border, eroded the area that is now known as the Ziz Valley. The river is scarce in all portions, with a flow that is just a trickle and that at times of the year completely evaporates. Of course, it cannot be navigated.

This trickle of water enables the development of palm trees and even farming areas in its meadows, especially in the first kilometers. Additionally, there are man-made reservoirs like Hassan ed-Dhakil that have allowed a significant portion of the local population to practice agriculture.

The Ziz Valley eventually disappears into the Sahara, already in Algeria, unlike rivers at other latitudes, which end their courses in other rivers or the sea. On the other hand, in its southernmost area, for example in Erfoud, the landscape around it becomes more arid and rocky, anticipating its end.

The Ziz Valley's principal attractions

The vast Ziz Valley includes intriguing locations from many perspectives. The most significant town may be Errachidia, a modern metropolis with around 200,000 residents that the French helped to develop during the Protectorate since they built a significant military installation there. Although it lacks noteworthy landmarks, the city is full with amenities (including an airport) and can sustain important routes to the desert.

The further south you go, the more frequently international tourists go to Erfoud. The dinosaur and other prehistoric animal fossils, as well as the rocks mined for industrial purposes and manufactured in their workshops, are its principal draws.

The kasbahs and tiny walled towns in the Ziz valley are the most spectacular from a historical perspective. The ksar of Maadid, with its modest adobe walls and architectural style that alternates between decorative and militaristic, serves as an illustration of this.

As we have mentioned, every drive by car becomes worthwhile due to the panorama of contrasts made possible by the Ziz’s modest riverbed. We can name locations like Meski’s azure spring and the vibrant rocky gorges that accompany the tourist for miles.

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