The Wadi Draa – Paradise of Sahara
Wadi Draa is the longest river in Morocco at 1100 km. The two source rivers Dades and Assif n Tidili in the west of the Atlas Mountains are united near Quarzazate in El Mansour Eddhabi reservoir and the Draa flows out. As a river, it is only recognizable to Zagora. After that, usually only one stone river is perceptible. After rare heavy rains, the Draa transports the mass of water after its east-west crossing Morocco to the Atlantic Ocean.
A lucky child who enjoys the rare spectacle of marveling at snow-covered palm trees in the Draa Valley. Like on 29th January 2018 snow in Zagora. For a few hours, the Draa valley around Zagora was covered with snow. Already the following day the magic was over and everything went its usual course.
See the Draa Valley, dive into paradise, home for life.
Following the course of the river, lush palm forests run through the valley. Lush green of the world-famous date palms as far as the eye can see, about 200 km from Agdz to Zagora. The partly 100-year-old date palms in the Draa Valley produce their sweet fruits every two years. The dates contain many important nutrients and are as nutritious as almost any other fruit. For us the ideal trekking snack.
In the shade of the palm trees, gardens are laid out to grow fruit and vegetables. The Palmerie gives the nomads of the Draa valley work and food and makes the difficult life in the Sahara worth living.
From all important prehistoric periods finds of rock drawings exist. The Wadi Draa was obviously visited for many thousands of years. The controversial Venus of Tan-Tan was also discovered here. It is estimated to be between 300.000 and 500.000 years old. Various petroglyphs depicting elephants, rhinos and ostriches were also discovered in the Draa Valley. They are estimated to be between 4.000 and 6.000 years old. The oases of the Draa Valley invited people passing by to settle here, as these oases offer everything needed for a sustainable and lasting way of life.
