Best of Zagora

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Zagora

In the heart of the Draa Valley, the small city of Zagora is known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. A palm grove and craggy mountain peaks lie just outside of town, along with some traditional Berber villages. Before heading off into the sun-baked wilderness, you can learn about ancient traditions at Zagora’s fascinating ethnographic museum, enjoy a meal in a garden-style setting and spend the night in one of the town’s atmospheric boutique-style inns.

You can climb onto a camel for an excursion into Zagora’s palmeraie - one of the largest palm groves on the planet. You’ll pass through tiny villages in the oasis and can stop at a Berber dwelling for a classic mint tea. A short drive southwest of town, the dunes of Tinfou immerse you in the sights and sounds (incredible silence) of the desert. You can spend the night in a Bedouin tent and watch a sunset and a sunrise over the sands. For equally impressive views, you can make the hike to the top of Jebel Zagora for a panorama over the city and the desert beyond.

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Unique Cultural Experiences in Morocco

Morocco's distinct and authentic culture (unchanged in many ways) is perhaps the primary reason to explore the country. You'll find traditional villages that still live today as they have throughout history. Cities like Casablanca and Chefchaouen lift the veil and let you see the way locals live day-to-day. Visit small towns and Berber villages in the mountains, peruse artisan collectives, and get off the beaten path to discover Morocco's incredible countryside.

Get off the beaten path to explore ancient kasbahs and palm groves near Zagora

Luxury Adventure in Southern Morocco - 10 Days

See the best of the Sahara Desert and High Atlas mountains in style with this 10-day Moroccan itinerary that starts and ends in Marrakesh. On the journey from the "Red City" to the vast sand dunes and back, you'll meet the local Berber people and local artisans, ride bikes and camels, and sandboard or quad bike at Erg Chebbi. After each day, you'll return to a luxurious sanctuary at top-rated riads, hotels, and kasbahs.

Marrakech, Desert Tour & Essaouira - 7 Days

Combine culture, desert adventures, and seaside relaxation with this 7-day trip from Marrakech. Wander Marrakech's medina, exploring its souks and fondouks. Cross the High Atlas mountains and explore Morocco's desert, filled with fortified kasbahs and old caravan routes. Relax in Essaouira as you enjoy fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the seaside ramparts.

Essaouira's ancient city walls along its harbor

Marrakech, Quick Desert Tour & Essaouira - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary starts in Marrakech and combines culture, adventure, and relaxation. Wander Marrakech's souks and fondouks, discover the ornate mosques and madrasas, and experience lively Jemaa el-Fna Square. Cross the High Atlas mountains and spend a few days exploring Morocco's desert, filled with fortified villages and old caravan routes through hidden oases, before ending your stay in the seaside town of Essaouira.

Venture across the dunes to a luxury desert camp in Erg Chigaga

Moroccan Luxury Odyssey: Marrakesh to Erg Chigaga Desert - 7 Days

If you've always wanted to explore the Sahara Desert, this lavish Moroccan odyssey takes you there. Your weeklong luxury journey begins and ends in Marrakesh, where you'll explore the "Red City" before starting a circuit to the mesmerizing Erg Chigaga desert dunes. Along the way, you'll traverse dramatic landscapes, cross the High Atlas mountains, experience Berber culture, and visit Zagora, Ouarzazate, and Aït Benhaddou.

Settle into your Azalaï Desert Camp in the hollow of the Chigaga dunes

Desert Elegance: The Luxury of Morocco's Southern Landscapes - 14 Days

Opulence and adventure intertwine on this luxury 14-day Moroccan tour. Start in Marrakesh, then journey out to the palm-lined oases and rolling dunes of the desert before going to the Atlantic coast. Ignite your sense of adventure with private hot-air balloon flights, camel rides, cycling tours, kitesurfing lessons, and private cultural tours. Along the way, you'll indulge in fine dining, intimate village lunches, hammam spa experiences, and stays at exquisite 4- and 5-star riads and resorts.

Experience Morocco's mountains, dunes, and beaches on this guided tour

Southern Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains & Atlantic Ocean - 16 Days

Let a private driver take you through the epic landscapes of southern Morocco on this 16-day tour. Starting and ending in the "Red City" of Marrakesh, you'll trek through the picturesque Toubkal National Park and wander the winding alleys of Aït Benhaddou. Then, ride a camel to a luxury camp in the Sahara and sip mint tea with villagers before heading to the palm trees of Zagora. Soak in the sunny beaches of Essaouira and end with a traditional hammam experience back in Marrakesh before departing.

Palm trees line the fortified walls in Taroudant

Marrakech, Atlas Mountains & Essaouira - 9 Days

On this nine-day itinerary, starting in Marrakech, go off the beaten path to explore Morocco's culture and landscapes. Cross the Atlas Mountains and enjoy an off-road adventure to discover Ouzoud and the country's tallest waterfalls before riding a camel to your desert camp near Zagora. Next is Taroudant, a fortified town with excellent souks that are easier to navigate than those in bigger cities, ending your stay in the laidback coastal city of Essaouira.

Snow-capped peaks over Marrakech, Morocco

Winter Adventure in Southern Morocco - 10 Days

This 10-day guided tour takes you through southern Morocco and the wonders of the desert during the (slightly) cooler winter months. Your adventure begins in the colorful city of Marrakech, where you'll stroll the medina and take a food tour of Moroccan cuisine. Then, it's off to Essaouira to see argan oil in production and tree-climbing goats! Visit Berber nomads and spend a night in the desert, before closing your tour with an invigorating spa day at a traditional hammam.

Morocco Coast to Desert Adventure - 12 Days

Discover Morocco from coast to desert on this well-rounded trip that starts and ends in ever-vibrant Marrakesh. After the souks of the Red City, head to Essaouira, where you can enjoy the sea breezes and laid-back atmosphere. Pass the beautiful beaches of Agadir to reach Taroudant, then set off into the Sahara, where you'll sleep under the stars and live like a nomad in the Erg Chigaga dunes, learn pottery-making in Zagora, and explore the enchanting villages of Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou.

Visit southern Morocco's Youssef Ibn Tachfin reservoir and dam

Mysteries of Southern Morocco: A Journey From City to Desert - 13 Days

This 13-day guided tour takes you deep into the mountains and deserts of southern Morocco. Start in historic Marrakesh, where you'll barter for goods at traditional souks and walk through the greenery of the Marjorelle Gardens. Then, it's off to the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir for some sun and surf. Hike to the old fortress of Agadir Tasguent, ride camels under desert skies and brush up on your nomadic skills in Erg Chigaga, and tour real-life movie sets in Ouarzazate.

See desert towns such as Ouarzazate, known as the door of the desert

South Morocco Adventure: Marrakesh to Essaouira, Imlil, Skoura & Erg Chigaga - 14 Days

Discover southern Morocco's deserts, mountains, and coastline on this two-week tour that starts and ends in buzzing Marrakesh. You'll journey into the Atlas mountains to meet Berber locals and hike the Imlil Valley before descending into the Sahara Desert. Ride a camel into the vast Erg Chigaga dunes, where you'll camp under the stars and spend a day with the region's nomads, then head to the coastal city of Essaouira for seaside relaxation and a Moroccan cooking class.

The Sqala du Port, a square defensive tower in Essaouira

South Morocco Adventure: Marrakech to Essaouira - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary takes you on an exciting adventure through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Fly into Marrakech and explore its gardens and spice markets before heading to the High Atlas for hiking and great views. Then cross into the desert to wander through kasbahs and oases. Loop back toward the coast to check out the artsy, breezy town of Essaouira before finishing off with a hammam experience and food tour back in Marrakech.

Other popular travel destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh · Fes · Moroccan Desert · Chefchaouen · Merzouga · Casablanca · Rabat · Essaouira · Ouarzazate · Aït Benhaddou · Atlas Mountains · Boumalne Dades · Tangier · Meknes · Todra Gorge · Imlil · Agafay · Asilah · Taroudant · Skoura · Agadir · Bin El Ouidane · Agdz · Kalaat M'Gouna · Draa Valley

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