Stunning traditional villages are sprinkled all over the Ziz Valley portraying the countless years of Berber culture and oasis style living. These mud houses are usually placed on the river Ziz’s edge and encompass gigantic acres of date palm groves and sloped fields providing a window into the agricultural and cultural history of Morocco. The various villages like Erfoud and Rissani along with small communities demonstrate the use of mud bricks in building the houses, the presence of narrow passageways, and the existence of the small squares where people are still living the same way as their ancestors. A visit to these villages will bring the travelers in close touch with the real Moroccan culture, the local artistic crafts, and the tranquil pace of the oasis life.
Architecture & Village Layout
Adobe houses and earth structures Narrow pathways and group courtyards Walled areas for safety from desert hazards
Oasis Life & Agriculture
Date palms farming and water supply Growing of grain, olives, and fruits Relieance on Ziz River as a major source of sustainance for the community
Local Culture & Traditions
Berber (Amazigh) ancestry Costumes and handicrafts Celebrations and community gatherings
Primary Villages in Ziz Valley
Erfoud: Noteworthy entry point to the Sahara and paleontological areas Rissani: Ancient transit point and traditional markets Less populated areas indicating classic adobe dwellings
Getting to the Villages
Foot tours and taking pictures Going through local markets and getting crafts Talking to locals in a polite manner
The Ideal Time to Travel
Spring season (March–May): Flowering of palms and pleasant climate Fall season (September–November): Full of fruits and cooler weather
Tips for the Visitor
Wear clothes that cover you and act according to the local people's ways No taking pictures of persons unless you ask for it Occlude trip with Ziz Gorge and Ziz Valley Oasis Desert conditions require water and sun protection