Ounila

Ounila is a river in southern Morocco and the name of the surrounding valley in the Atlas Mountains. The river rises in the High Atlas and flows westward through the Ouarzazate Province in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, passing through a deep gorge and a string of Berber villages before reaching the broader Draa River watershed.

The Ounila Valley is known for its scenic canyon, cliff faces, and traditional earthen architecture. Villages such as Tamdaght and others perch above terraces that have long been cultivated with date palms, cereals, and vegetables, using river irrigation. The valley is closely associated with the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the edge of the valley, which is a major tourist and historical landmark.

Hydrology and climate are typical of the central Atlas foothills: a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall and a dry summer; river discharge is seasonal, peaking in spring with snowmelt. The gorge is prone to flash floods following heavy rains.

Economy and recreation: Agriculture and livestock farming populate the valley’s slopes, while tourism—especially day trips from Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou—centers on the dramatic landscape, old settlements, and cinema locations. The area has attracted filmmakers and photographers seeking its distinctive Berber architecture and dramatic scenery.