Errachidia

Drâa-Tafilalet

Gates of the Sahara, Land of Oases

Drâa-Tafilalet is the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara. From the majestic dunes of Merzouga to the kasbahs of the Drâa Valley, this region offers the most spectacular landscapes in the Kingdom.

1.6 million

Population

88,836 km²

Area

18 inhabitants/km²

Density

3% of national GDP

GDP

Errachidia

Capital

Desert

Climate

Histoire

The Drâa Valley was a major caravan route linking Timbuktu to Morocco. The fortified kasbahs protected the oases from raids. The region was the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty (17th century).

Géographie

The region stretches from the Todra Gorges to the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The desert climate is extreme: up to 50°C in summer, frost in winter. The oases dot this arid territory, true miracles of greenery.

Economy & Key Sectors

Les moteurs économiques de la région Drâa-Tafilalet

Saharan tourism

Bivouacs, camel treks, 4x4, astronomy

Cinema

Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, international productions

Dates

Tafilalet palm groves, 3 million palm trees

Solar energy

Noor Ouarzazate plant, largest in the world

Key Figures

580 MW

Noor

20/year

Film productions

3 million

Palm trees

500,000/year

Desert tourists

Tourism & Discoveries

Drâa-Tafilalet is the Morocco of oriental dreams. The dunes of Merzouga at sunrise, the dizzying Todra Gorges, the kasbahs of Aït Ben Haddou: unforgettable images.