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Tinghir Morocco is an oasis town in the southeast of the country, set between the High Atlas and the Saghro mountains. Today most travelers know it as the gateway to the Todra Gorge, but the town has its own story. A green palm grove runs for about 30 km along the river, with earthen villages, a kasbah on the hill and an old Jewish quarter. This guide covers where Tinghir is, what to see, how to get there and how it fits into a trip to the Sahara.
Where is Tinghir Morocco?
Tinghir, also written Tinerhir or Tineghir, sits in the Draa Tafilalet region, with the High Atlas to the north and the Saghro range to the south (Wikipedia). In 2009 it became the capital of the new Tinghir Province. The town had 44,239 people at the 2024 census (City Population).
Tinghir lies on the main road between Ouarzazate and Errachidia. Ouarzazate is about 160 km to the west, and Errachidia is about 130 km to the east (Routard). From Marrakech, plan on about 360 km and a full day of driving (Places of Juma). If you fly in from the east, read our guide to Errachidia Airport.
The Tinghir oasis and palm grove
The heart of Tinghir is its oasis. The Todgha River leaves the Todra Gorge and waters a green valley about 30 km long and about 4 km wide (Wikipedia). Date palms grow here with olive, fig and pomegranate trees, and old canals carry the water to each field (Routard).
From the road above the town, the Tinghir palm grove looks like a green river between red mountains. In addition, earthen villages, called ksour, line its edges. Some are still lived in, while others are slowly returning to the earth. To learn how these villages were built, see our guide What Is a Kasbah?.
Things to do in Tinghir Morocco
Walk through the palm grove
A walk in the Tinghir oasis is the best way to see daily life. Along the way you pass small gardens, water channels and farmers at work. Local guides lead short walks through the gardens and up to a hill with a view over the valley (Places of Juma). Wear good shoes, because the paths run along narrow canal walls.
See the Glaoui kasbah ruins
The town is built in terraces around a hill. On top stand the ruins of an old kasbah of the Glaoui family, who once ruled much of the south (Routard). As a result, the ruins are a landmark you will see from many parts of town.
Visit the old mellah
Tinghir also has an old mellah, the former Jewish quarter (Routard). Jews and Amazigh families lived side by side here for generations, but no Jewish families remain in Tinghir today. Later, their story was told in the film Tinghir Jerusalem: Echoes from the Mellah, made in 2013 by Kamal Hachkar, a French Moroccan director from Tinghir (Times of Israel).
Go to the Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge begins about 15 km north of Tinghir (Routard). First, the road follows the palm grove upstream, until the red walls close in to a narrow canyon. Read our full Todra Gorge Morocco guide for the walk, the climbing and the best time to go.
Explore the souk
The Tinghir souk is a lively place to buy fruit, spices and local goods (Routard). However, ask your guide or hotel which day the market is busiest during your visit.
When to visit Tinghir Morocco
Tinghir has a dry desert climate, with only a few rainy days a year. Also, most of the rain falls in autumn and winter (Wikipedia). Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking in the oasis, while summer days are hot, so start early. In addition, after heavy rain, check conditions before you walk in the Todra Gorge. For month by month advice, see the best time to visit Morocco.
Tinghir on the road to the Sahara
Tinghir sits right on the classic route from Marrakech to the dunes. Many travelers combine it with the Dades Valley and the Monkey Fingers hike, then continue east to Erfoud and the Tafilalet, home of the Medjool date. From there, it is then a short drive to Merzouga and a night in a Sahara desert camp.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour crosses this valley, and our guide to the 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech helps you choose the right length. Finally, once in the desert, see things to do in Merzouga.
FAQ: Tinghir Morocco
Is Tinghir Morocco worth visiting?
Yes. Tinghir has a 30 km palm grove, an old mellah and the Todra Gorge close by. Besides, it is an easy stop on the way to the Sahara.
How far is Tinghir from the Todra Gorge?
The Todra Gorge is about 15 km north of Tinghir, along the road through the palm grove.
How far is Tinghir from Marrakech?
About 360 km by road, which is a full day of driving with stops.
Is Tinghir the same as Tinerhir?
Yes. Tinghir, Tinerhir and Tineghir are different spellings of the same town.
How long should I stay in Tinghir?
One night is enough for the palm grove and the Todra Gorge. However, stay two nights if you want to hike or climb.
Want to walk the Tinghir oasis on your way to the Sahara? Tell us your dates and we will plan the route for you.
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