Zagora
Zagora is where the Draa Valley starts to thin out into desert. It's a working town rather than a postcard, but it sits right in the palm groves and makes a sensible overnight on the southern road.
Why this place stays with people
- Timbuktu caravan sign
- Palm groves of the lower Draa
- Jbel Zagora viewpoint
- Small dunes nearby for a first taste of sand
Autumn through spring. Summer is very hot this far south.
Zagora's own dunes are small — if the big dunes are the goal, Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi is the real destination, and Zagora is a good stop on the way.
Your guide to Zagora
Worth seeing
- The famous “52 days to Timbuktu” sign
- The view from Jbel Zagora above the town
- The palm groves, and Tamegroute's pottery nearby
Good to know
- Zagora's dunes are small. If big dunes are the dream, choose Merzouga or Erg Chigaga.
- It's closer to Marrakech than Merzouga, which makes it the usual two-day desert trip.
- Summer is very hot. Spring and autumn are much better.
Planning a visit to Zagora
How far is Zagora from Marrakech?
About 360 km — roughly 7 hours with stops, over the Tizi n'Tichka pass and down the Draa Valley. The whole road is paved.
Will I see big sand dunes in Zagora?
Honestly, not the big ones. Zagora's dunes are small. What you get is the Draa Valley, palm groves, kasbahs and a real desert atmosphere. For the tall dunes you need three days and Merzouga.
Is Zagora worth it on a 2-day trip?
If two days is all you have, yes — it's the only desert that works in that time. Just go in knowing it's a lot of road: about 14 hours of driving over the two days.
Ways to make it part of the trip
2 Days · 1 Nights2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
Two Days to Zagora$230–$310 per person · accommodation included
5 Days · 4 Nights5-Day Erg Chigaga Desert Tour from Marrakech
Erg Chigaga, the Deep Desert$790–$1060 per person · accommodation included
9 Days · 8 Nights9-Day Morocco Crafts Tour: Fes to Marrakech
The Craft Road$1350–$1820 per person · accommodation includedTell me when you're coming
Send your dates and who's travelling, and I'll suggest the best way to fit it into your trip.