Zagora Morocco
At first glance, Zagora city might not seem like a place you would like to visit. Rather modern in appearance, it seems like a regional administrative center. Unlike Fez and Meknes, you will not find the historical architectural wonders. The name Zagora is derived from “Tazagort,” a mountain that lies by the shore of Draa Valley, overlooking the city.
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Standing at the edge of the Sahara Desert, Zagora Morocco welcomes visitors with its iconic sign reading "Tombouctou 52 days" – a testament to its historical significance as a desert trading post. While summer temperatures soar to a scorching 44.9°C (112.8°F), this gateway town sits at an elevation of 700 meters, making it slightly cooler than its neighboring desert settlements.
As the last major stop before the vast Erg Chigaga dunes, Zagora offers you an authentic Saharan experience. From the bustling bi-weekly souk showcasing local crafts to the annual Transaharan Film Festival in June, this oasis town along the 1,100-kilometer Draa River presents countless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're planning to explore the surrounding date palms that produce over 30 varieties of dates or embark on a desert expedition, this guide will help you discover the best of what Zagora has to offer in 2025.
Zagora cannot be known for its major architectural monuments, even though it dates back to the 13th century. However, Zagora remains an interesting spot to discover the southeastern part of Morocco.
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Location of Zagora
The city is located in the region of Souss-Massa-Drâa in southern Morocco. It lies on the slopes of the black sugar loaf hill that is called Jbel Zagora and is surrounded by some beautiful Kasbahs. The city’s population is 65,000, and it borders with Ouarzazate to the north, Errachidia to the east, Tata to the southwest, and by the borders Algerian-Moroccan to the southeast.
History and Importance of Zagora
The old name of the city was Draa, after the valley of Draa. By the twentieth century, the city was renamed “Zagora” 17 Saadyin emperors governed Morocco between the period of 1554 and 1659. Sultan Ahmed El Mansour (1578-1603) paid attention to the city. He established it as a customs point for camel caravans making round trips to and from Tombouctou.
Back to the sixteenth century, Zagoras played an important role in Morocco’s trade during the Saadyin reign, as trade caravans passed the Draa Valley when coming from the sub-Saharan regions. Besides, the strategic position of the valley has become a medium to collect legal fees generated by the trade.
Things to know in Zagora
There are a variety of things to do in Zagora. The multi-ethnic population of the city contributed to its diversity. It is a combination of the African-Arabian civilizations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful region starting from the splendid Sahara to getting introduced to the culture of the city. Reddish-colored mountains, oases, wadis, and the huge sand dunes of the region are also a pleasure to the eye. Furthermore, Zagora is a gold mine for art-decor, cinema, and architecture lovers.
The city is surrounded by endless palm groves of the Drâa Valley which has one of the most breathtaking desert landscapes. The desert offers peace, holiness, and purity.
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