Zagora is the main town of the Draa Valley, one of Morocco's longest palm groves. The road from Ouarzazate crosses the Anti-Atlas, then follows the oases and ksour of Agdz. The dunes near Zagora are smaller than those of Merzouga but quicker to reach; for the big dune seas, you need to continue to M'Hamid and Erg Chigaga, a trip that requires a 4x4.
- 1 to 2 nights
- Oct – Apr
- from 300 MAD
- Desert, Culture, Road trip, Adventure
- Travellers wanting a first desert experience without going as far as Merzouga, palm grove and pottery lovers
Why go
- A valley of palm groves and earthen ksour
- A desert night less than a day's drive from Marrakech
- Tamegroute's green pottery and Quranic library
Desert & oases
Draa palm grove
A walk between irrigated gardens and ksour, ideal late in the day.
Tinfou dunes
A small dune field south of Zagora, often combined with Tamegroute.
M'Hamid and Erg Chigaga
The big dunes at the end of the road, reached by 4x4 with a guide.
Culture & heritage
Tamegroute
Green-glazed pottery workshops and the library of the Naciria zaouia.
"Timbuktu 52 days" sign
A reminder of the old caravan routes to the south.
On the map
Experiences
Food
Tagines, sand-baked bread (madfouna) and dates from the palm grove, harvested in autumn.
Where to stay
Palm grove
Earthen guesthouses among the gardens.
Desert camps
Nights in tents near the Tinfou dunes or at Erg Chigaga.
Getting around
The road from Ouarzazate runs via Agdz and the Tizi n'Tinififft pass. Buses from Marrakech and Ouarzazate. A car is recommended for the valley.
Budget
- 300 MAD
- 800 MAD
- 2,000 MAD
When to go
- Jan ✓
- Feb ✓
- Mar ✓
- Apr ✓
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec ✓
October to April. Summer is very hot.
Combine with
Plans that stop here
Tips
- For big dunes, choose Merzouga or Erg Chigaga with an overnight stay.
- Check what a "desert" trip from Zagora includes: some stay close to town.
Where next?