Draa River, Ramsar wetland site and river system in southern Morocco
The Draa is a river system in southern Morocco that flows from mountains to the ocean, passing through several oases. Dams regulate the water to supply settlements and farmland throughout this arid region.
The river valley shows evidence of human settlement from the Stone Age, with early tools found at several sites. These discoveries show that people have lived along this river for tens of thousands of years.
Communities in the valley maintain oasis farming with traditional irrigation methods passed down through generations. The way locals manage water and grow crops reflects knowledge adapted to the dry climate.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is milder. Roads to the oases can become difficult after rain, so checking current conditions is helpful.
The riverbed area contains rock layers that preserve fossilized organisms thought to be extinct elsewhere. These geological deposits help scientists understand early life forms and ancient extinction events.
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