Draa-Tafilalet Region

Drâa-Tafilalet Essentials

Drâa-Tafilalet spans from the High Atlas Mountains to the Algerian border, encompassing Morocco’s most iconic desert landscapes. The region features the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and the cinematic hubs of Ouarzazate, where major film studios operate. Key natural landmarks include the narrow limestone canyons of Todra and Dades Gorges, alongside the massive sand dunes of Erg Chigaga. The area is defined by its preserved earthen architecture, ancient palm oases, and the historic caravan routes that once connected the Sahara to Marrakech.

Drâa-Tafilalet Essentials — Map

cliff williams / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Kasbah de Aït Ben Haddou

A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of a fortified village made of earthen clay. This ksar represents traditional pre-Saharan habitat and has served as a filming location for productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Rodrigo Silva / CC BY 2.0

B

Aghbalou N Todra - aka Todra Gorge

A series of limestone river canyons in the eastern High Atlas Mountains. The canyon walls rise up to 400 meters high, narrowing to just 10 meters wide at the most dramatic point.

Antony Stanley / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Taourirt Kasbah

A well preserved Kasbah offers a nice insight into the Moroccan history.

Rosino / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Gorges du Dades

Deep ravines carved by the Dades River, known for the 'monkey fingers' rock formations and a dramatic winding mountain road. The valley is lined with numerous traditional fortified kasbahs.

Zouavman Le Zouave / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Atlas Film Studio

Many of famous movies and TV shows were made in these studios, which are considered as the largest film studios by area in the world.

Pedro Carvalho / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Telouet Kasbah

The former 18th and 19th-century seat of the Glaoui family power. While the exterior is in ruins, the interior remains decorated with intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and fine stucco.

G

Kasbah Amridil

A 17th-century fortified residence in the Skoura oasis. This well-preserved kasbah, once depicted on the Moroccan 50-dirham note, contains its original olive press, bread ovens, and traditional living quarters.

GaetanP123 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Erg Chigaga rq shqaq

One of Morocco’s two major Saharan ergs, stretching approximately 40 kilometers. These remote dunes reach heights of 60 meters and are situated near the border of the Iriqui National Park.

Igor.skokan / Public domain

I

Fint Oasis

Only 10 km from Ouarzazate lies entirely different world. Peaceful Berber oasis tucked in a tiny valley.

Herc83 / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

M'Hamid

This small, secluded village is a convenient starting point for the trips in desert ranging from camel overnight trips to quad bikes.

Judd Fink / CC-BY-SA

K

Maadid Ksar

The Morocco's largest fortified village. Walk its narrow streets and soak up in its genuine ancient atmosphere.

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Musée du Cinéma

Cinematography geeks will love this place – it is full of old cameras and other movie equipment as well as a number of props which you can…

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Desert & Mountain Camps Iconic Kasbahs & Forts Viewpoints & Natural Beauty Cultural and Historical Sites