Essential Travel Guide to Zagora: A Gateway to Timbuktu
Looking for the best things to do in Zagora or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting there and the best tours in this essential travel guide to Zagora.
Perched at the base of its namesake mountain, Zagora is a captivating desert town. It lies along the Drâa River in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of southern Morocco.
Zagora’s strategic position along a trade route leading into the Sahara Desert has long made it a popular stopping point for travellers making their way between Marrakech and the legendary city of Timbuktu.
Today, Zagora is the last major town before reaching M’Hamid and the Erg Chigaga dunes, an enchanting setting for overnight desert experiences.
While many tourists only pause briefly in Zagora before pushing onward, the town is a fascinating destination in its own right. Largely untouched by the trappings of modern tourism, it offers a chance to immerse themselves in the rhythms of traditional Moroccan life, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.
From its bustling souk to its serene palm groves, Zagora boasts several authentic attractions that make it worth spending a night or two before continuing to the Sahara Desert.
In this Essential Travel Guide to Zagora, discover the best things to do in Zagora, as well as inspiring places to stay and the ideal time to visit.
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Best things to do in Zagora
Explore the Route of 1000 Kasbahs
Zagora is located in a region of Morocco known for its kasbahs, with hundreds scattered across the surrounding landscape. These historic fortresses were originally built for wealthy families and have strong ties to Amazigh cultural traditions.
In my opinion, visiting some of the area’s kasbahs is definitely one of the best things to do in Zagora. While it takes at least two days to explore the entire Route of 1000 Kasbahs, there are plenty of sights to see within just a couple of hours’ drive of the town.
Not far from Zagora is the village of Tamegroute, which has long been known as a hub of religious education. It was once the focal point of the Nasiriyya, a Sufi group that held great sway in the Islamic community.
In addition to its famous pottery, Tamegroute also boasts an underground kasbah, built to provide relief from the intense summer heat.
You can also explore the town of Agdz on a day trip from Zagora, where you’ll find the Kasbah of Caid Ali. This 19th-century mud-brick building has a labyrinth of rooms and sweeping views from its rooftop terrace. It’s still owned by the caid’s descendants – entrance can be gained by stopping by their hotel next door.
Nearby is Tamnougalt, a former residence of local administrators, with a few old kasbahs to admire. Due to their deteriorating condition, it’s best to look at them from a distance.
For more information about exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, including maps and a suggested itinerary, check out my detailed article here.
Admire the street art
In recent years, the streets of Zagora have been transformed into a canvas, rivalling the northern coastal city of Asilah. A local community association has spearheaded an initiative to breathe new life into the town’s residential areas, with young artists recruited to create hand-painted murals depicting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the most popular subjects are landscapes featuring the iconic palm trees and traditional kasbahs that dot the region.
Find the Timbuktu mural
If there’s one mural you shouldn’t miss, it’s the painting that indicates how far it is from Zagora to Timbuktu. For centuries, the only way to reach this fabled destination was by caravan, a gruelling 52-day journey across the Sahara Desert.
This famous mural at the western edge of Zagora serves as a reminder of this arduous trek and the town’s role in connecting Timbuktu with the markets of Marrakech.
Wander through the palmeraie
This part of Morocco is renowned for producing some of the finest dates you’ll ever taste. If you’re a fan of dates, wandering through the nearby palmeraie is one of the best things to do in Zagora.
Over 30 unique varieties flourish in the hot, dry climate. Apparently, the intense heat and arid conditions are the secret to the dates’ exceptional sweetness and flavour.
From September through November, the date harvest is in full swing. Local farmers can be seen tending to their precious crops and bringing in the bountiful yields.
But even outside of the harvest season, the palmeraie is a fascinating place to wander, with shaded paths leading through rows upon rows of stately, frond-topped trees.
Shop at the bi-weekly market
Zagora has long been a commercial hub along the historic trade routes that traversed the Sahara Desert. Even today, it remains a lively junction and meeting place, host to one of the largest markets in Morocco’s south.
Twice a week (on Wednesdays and Sundays), shoppers and traders congregate in the town to exchange a wide array of goods. Experiencing this buzz of commercial activity is one of the best things to do in Zagora.
Aside from an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, there’s an entire section dedicated to Zagora dates. Plus, you’ll find piles of spices and aromatic herbs. At the market, you can browse an eclectic mix of hardware and tools, not to mention traditional handicrafts.
If you’re visiting in April or May, be sure to taste the freshly harvested watermelons that are famous in the region.
Photograph the dinosaurs
Tucked away just off the main road of Zagora is a Dinosaur Park. It features two prehistoric giants – a mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and a formidable Triceratops. These impressive statues, crafted by local artist Amer Oubani, serve as a reminder of the region’s palaeontological heritage.
Over the years, several significant dinosaur fossils have been unearthed in Morocco, offering invaluable insights into the ancient creatures that once roamed the earth. By immortalising these iconic dinosaurs in his work, Oubani aims to not only educate visitors but also to celebrate the connection between his homeland and the prehistoric past.
Drive through the Drâa Valley
Zagora lies within the Drâa Valley, home to some of Morocco’s most enchanting landscapes. One of the most magnificent stretches of road is the 95-kilometre route connecting to Agdz, a historic trade hub at the base of Jebel Kissane.
Along the way, there are several opportunities to get off the main road. You can explore the palm-dotted villages that fringe the banks of the Oued Drâa, with many of these date oases clustered with mud-brick houses.
If you drive in the opposite direction from Zagora, you’ll arrive in M’Hamid. This sleepy town serves as the gateway to the Erg Chigaga dunes and the Sahara Desert.
Best tours to and from Zagora
Due to its proximity to the Erg Chigaga dunes, Zagora is the perfect base for a Sahara Desert adventure. Aside from overnight experiences, there are full-day tours from Zagora to M’Hamid for those who don’t want to spend a night at a desert camp, as well as three-day trips if one night in the Sahara isn’t enough!
Full day trip from Zagora to Erg Chigaga
Including an off-road adventure through the dunes of Erg Chigaga, a visit to the Quranic library in Tamagroute and a camel ride to a desert village, this full-day trip from Zagora offers a well-rounded introduction to the Sahara.
Private one night desert tour from Zagora
This two-day experience includes transport from Zagora to M’Hamid, a camel ride in the desert and a night at a traditonal desert camp.
Private 3-day desert tour from Zagora
With an extra night at a desert camp (two in total), this three-day tour from Zagora offers an immersive Sahara experience, including camel treks, sandboarding and a visit to the Quranic library in Tamagroute.
How to get to Zagora
By bus
Both CTM and Supratours operate buses from the centre of Ouarzazate to Zagora, with the journey taking around three hours. Most of these buses begin their journey in Marrakech. If you’re travelling to Zagora from the “Red City”, expect it to take around 7.5 hours.
Bus tickets can be purchased online directly with the companies or you can compare options (and buy tickets) at 12Go.
Share taxis are also available from Ouarzazate to Zagora and depart once full.
By car
Zagora is located around 160 kilometres from Ouarzazate and can be reached in around 2.5 hours by car. From Marrakech, it’s around 350 kilometres or six hours to Zagora. This journey takes you up and over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers spectacular views across the Atlas Mountains.
You can find more information about driving in Morocco in my comprehensive article here.
I suggest renting a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, as they provide free cancellation and 24/7 support. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact automatics to manual vans, catering to all types of travel groups and driving preferences.
Best places to stay in Zagora
La Petite Kasbah
This charming riad in Zagora receives rave reviews for its welcoming atmosphere and tasty cuisine, along with its sunny terrace and refreshing pool. Aside from doubles, twins and triples, there are spacious family rooms available.
“What an absolute gem of a place.” – Katharine (read more reviews here)
Riad Dar Sofian
Surrounded by Zagora’s palmeraie, this beautifully adorned riad offers a selection of rooms and suites with views of the surrounding gardens. Delicious breakfasts are served each morning in the sun-dappled patio and there’s a pool where you can refresh during the heat of the day.
“Beautiful, relaxing hotel with wonderful outside area.” – Tanja (read more reviews here)
Oasis Tilogui
Situated along the route linking Tamegroute and Zagora, this charming hotel offers elegantly furnished accommodations and a spacious pool set amidst beautiful gardens. Intricately carved wooden doors lead to the rooms and suites, some of which cater to families.
“Wonderful accommodation with resort feeling.” – Henneke (read more reviews here)
Best time to visit Zagora
Zagora can be visited year-round. But the best times to go are usually from October to December and March to June.
During these months, the weather is ideal and the skies are clear. This makes it perfect for exploring the town and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, as well as enjoying the desert landscapes nearby.
It’s best to avoid July and August, as the summers in Morocco’s desert regions can be extremely hot. In contrast, the winter nights in December, January and February can be quite chilly. If you can, plan your visit to coincide with Zagora’s market days of Wednesday and Sunday.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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