01Culture
See the Timbuktu Sign
The painted sign reading 'Timbuktu 52 days' recalls the caravan route that once crossed the desert from Zagora by camel. It has become the town's signature photo stop and a reminder of its trading past.
Ouarzazate, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Things to do · Zagora
Things to do in Zagora
At the southern end of the Draa Valley, a few hours from Ouarzazate, Zagora is the historic gateway to the Sahara, marked by the famous 'Timbuktu 52 days' camel sign. Palm groves, dunes and old kasbahs surround the town. Here is what to do.
12 experiences
The best of Zagora
02Adventure
Ride Camels in the Tinfou Dunes
South of Zagora, the small dunes near Tinfou offer an accessible taste of the Sahara within reach of town. Short camel rides and sundowners on the sand are popular for those not continuing deeper to M'Hamid.
03Viewpoint
Climb Jbel Zagora at Sunset
A track and path lead up Jbel Zagora, the hill above town crowned by the ruins of an Almoravid fort. The summit gives sweeping views over the palmeraie and the Draa, especially fine at sunset.
04Nature
Explore the Palm Groves
Zagora sits amid a vast palmeraie watered by the Draa, its date palms and gardens crossed by shaded tracks. Walking or cycling among them is a cool escape from the desert heat.
05Kasbah
Visit the Kasbah of Amezrou
Across the river, the old Jewish kasbah of Amezrou is known for its silversmithing heritage and earthen architecture. Guides recount the history of the artisan community that once lived and worked here.
06Shopping
Browse the Wednesday and Sunday Souk
Zagora's lively souk draws people from across the valley to trade dates, livestock, spices and crafts. It is a colourful, authentic market and a window onto life in the deep south.
07Adventure
Spend a Night in a Desert Camp
Camps in the dunes south of Zagora offer tented stays with Berber music, dinner under the stars and camel rides at dawn. They are an easier desert experience than the longer trip to Erg Chegaga.
08Food
Taste Local Dates
The Draa around Zagora is famous for its dates, and the autumn harvest fills the souk with many varieties. Sampling and buying them is a must during a visit in the cooler months.
09Culture
Discover the Manuscript Libraries
The Zagora region preserves old zawiyas and libraries holding centuries-old Islamic manuscripts, a legacy of the area's role on the trans-Saharan scholarly route. Some can be visited with arrangement.
10Viewpoint
Photograph the Draa Palmeraie
The sight of dense green palms against the bare red Jbel Zagora and the wide desert horizon is classic southern Morocco. Early light and golden hour are best for capturing it.
11Day trip
Continue to M'Hamid and Erg Chegaga
Zagora is the last sizeable town before M'Hamid and the great dunes of Erg Chegaga deeper in the desert. Many Sahara expeditions from Ouarzazate pass through or set out from here.
12Nature
Relax in the Palm Gardens
Guesthouses set among the palmeraie offer shaded gardens and pools, a welcome rest after the drive down the Draa. They make a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding desert.
Frequently asked
How far is Zagora from Ouarzazate?
Zagora lies about 165 km south of Ouarzazate down the Draa Valley, roughly a three-hour drive over the Tizi n'Tinifift pass and through the palm groves. It is the main gateway town to the desert in the deep south.
Can you do a desert trip from Zagora?
Yes. Zagora is a popular base for shorter Sahara experiences, with camel rides and overnight camps in the Tinfou dunes nearby. For the larger dunes of Erg Chegaga, travellers continue to M'Hamid further south.
What is the best time to visit Zagora?
Autumn to spring is most comfortable, with the date harvest adding interest in autumn. Summers are extremely hot in this desert-edge town, so early morning and evening activity is best in the warmer months.
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