Ziz Valley
The Ziz Valley is one of those drives that surprises people: after the dry country around Midelt, the road drops into gorges and then a long green ribbon of palms stretches out below.
What stands out
Why this place stays with people
- Ziz Gorges
- Palm-filled valley viewpoints
- Legionnaire's tunnel
- Old ksour along the river
Best time to go
Good year-round. Spring and autumn light is especially good for the viewpoints.
From the driver's seat
It's on the road between Fes and Merzouga, so it usually comes as part of that longer drive rather than as a trip of its own.
Visitor guide
Your guide to Ziz Valley
How long to stay
A drive with stops, one or two hours.
Getting there
Between Midelt and Er-Rachidia, on the road from Fes to Merzouga.
Worth seeing
- The Ziz gorges and the old tunnel on the road
- Viewpoints over the palm-filled valley
- The lake behind the Hassan Addakhil dam
Good to know
- Ask to stop at the viewpoints. The best ones are easy to drive straight past.
- The light is best in the late afternoon.
Routes through here
Ways to make it part of the trip
Ziz Valley, your way
Tell me when you're coming
Send your dates and who's travelling, and I'll suggest the best way to fit it into your trip.