Zagora Province

A desert-edge province in southeastern Morocco, known for the palm oases of the Draa Valley and trips to the Saharan dunes.

Zagora Province lies in southeastern Morocco, with the Draa Valley running through it from north to south, lined with large date palm groves and mud-brick kasbah villages. The provincial capital, Zagora, is the traditional starting point for trips into the Sahara, and is home to the famous "Tombouctou 52 jours" signpost. Farther south is M'Hamid, the base for the Chigaga dunes, where you can ride camels and camp in the desert. Autumn through spring is the best time to visit; summers are scorching. Gateways are Zagora Airport, or by road from Ouarzazate.

Destinations

• Zagora & Draa Valley
• Ouarzazate

Itineraries

• Draa Valley & Erg Chigaga 4x4 Adventure – Drive south along the Draa Valley to the end of the road, then take a 4x4 into the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga
• Marrakech-Sahara Dunes Round Trip – Cross the Atlas Mountains, pass kasbahs and gorges to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night in a tented camp.
• Classic Imperial Cities & Sahara Loop – Head north from Casablanca to the Blue City and Fes, then cross the desert and gorges to Marrakech.
• Marrakech City and Day Trips – Use the medina as your base for day trips to Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira, the Ourika Valley and Agafay.
• Andalusia to the Sahara Crossing – Cross the sea from Seville via Tarifa, traveling through the Blue City, Fes, and the desert to Marrakech