From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 2m
Zamane Festival 2026 Dates and Details
Moroccan desert music festival runs 3-6 December in M’Hamid El Ghizlane.
In brief
Moroccan desert music festival runs 3-6 December in M’Hamid El Ghizlane. Moroccan singer Oum leads fifth Zamane Festival 3-6 December 2026 in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, with tickets starting at 350 dirhams (US$36) per day. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Zamane Festival Dates
The fifth Zamane Festival runs Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026 in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, southeastern Morocco.
Festival Venue
Events take place in four old ksour: Ksar Oulad Driss, Ksar M’Hamid, Ksar Zouiat L’hna and Ksar Bounou.
Headliner Artist
Moroccan singer Oum, born in Casablanca in 1978, is the first artist named for 2026 under the theme 'Ahidous Pride'.
Festival Theme
The theme 'Ahidous Pride' refers to a collective Amazigh dance combining singing, poetry and movement.
Ticket Prices
Festival passes cost 350 dirhams (about US$36) for one day and 1,000 dirhams (about US$103) for all four days.
Full Board Packages
Four-night hotel packages start at 4,800 dirhams (about US$492) per person with two people to a room.
US Travel Requirements
US citizens need no visa for stays of 90 days or less in Morocco, per State Department guidelines.
Moroccan Advisory Level
Morocco carries a Level 2 'exercise increased caution' advisory issued on 4 September 2026.
Getting There
M’Hamid El Ghizlane lies about 95 km (60 miles) south of Zagora, roughly 90 minutes by road.
Organiser Details
Joudour Sahara, a local group with Saharan roots, runs the festival and a music school, pilot farm and anti-desertification work.
Festival History
Zamane began in 2022 with cultural and environmental heritage themes and has grown to the biggest event in southeastern Morocco.
2025 Festival Details
The 2025 edition featured Grammy nominee Bombino and over 225 performers, including 150 young musicians.
2026 Line-Up Status
Joudour Sahara has named only Oum for 2026; full line-up and daily program remain to be published.
Travel Tips
Visitors should pack warm clothing for cool desert nights and check local transport schedules for the remote location.
What's Next
The festival will run 3-6 December 2026 with Oum leading the 'Ahidous Pride' theme and full details to follow.
The takeaway
Moroccan singer Oum leads fifth Zamane Festival 3-6 December 2026 in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, with tickets starting at 350 dirhams (US$36) per day.
