A desert town at the edge of the Sahara with weekly markets, date palm groves, and Berber settlements. Camel caravans still trek from here into the sand dunes.
Zagora lies at the edge of the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco, where the Draa Valley meets the desert dunes. You'll find ancient kasbahs rising above palm groves, a twice-weekly souk selling fresh dates and watermelons, and the iconic "Tombouctou 52 Jours" sign marking this former caravan stop. From here, you can trek into Erg Chigaga's massive dunes or explore Morocco's largest date palm oasis along the Draa River.
Climate and When to Visit
Zagora experiences extreme desert temperatures throughout the year. Summer days regularly reach 44°C (112°F), while winter nights can drop below freezing. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) have milder temperatures ideal for desert activities. The date harvest runs from September to November, when you can taste more than 30 varieties of locally grown dates. Spring brings the watermelon season, with fresh melons grown in the surrounding desert farms.
The Draa Valley Oasis
The Draa River, Morocco's longest waterway, flows through the desert landscape around Zagora. Date palms and family gardens line both sides of the river for kilometers. Walking paths connect the gardens, where you can see traditional irrigation channels and farming techniques in action. In summer evenings, families gather at the riverside boardwalk, and children swim in the seasonal waters.
Markets and Street Life
Every Sunday and Wednesday, vendors set up their stalls in the city center souk, organizing themselves by product type - fresh produce, live animals, clothing, and household goods. During autumn, date farmers add their stalls to sell the seasonal harvest. Local artists have painted murals throughout the streets around the market, adding color to the desert town.
Desert Excursions
The dunes of Erg Chigaga stretch beyond Zagora's outskirts. Local guides organize overnight desert camps, camel treks, and 4x4 excursions into the Sahara. For a quick desert experience, head to the Tinfou dunes at sunrise or sunset. Berber guides lead trips ranging from short camel rides to multi-day desert crossings. Many camps include traditional music performances and guided stargazing.
Annual Festivals
Several celebrations take place throughout the year. During the Moussem of Sufi saint Moulay Abdelkader Jilali, religious pilgrims gather while musicians perform Sufi music. The Festival of Nomads in M'Hamid includes camel races, poetry readings, and music performances. These events typically occur in spring and autumn, with exact dates following the Islamic calendar.
Getting There and Around
You can fly directly to Zagora Airport from Casablanca, or drive from Ouarzazate (2.5 hours) or Marrakesh (6-7 hours). The city center is compact enough to walk through, with petit taxis available for longer distances. Desert excursions and day trips depart from most hotels and local travel agencies.
