Best of 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.