Zagora
Zagora, south-eastern Morocco, a lovely modern town in the Draa River Valley surrounded by an oasis of palm grooves and magnificent mountain peaks. Zagora is the perfect base from where to explore the Draa and embark on excursions to the Sahara Desert.
The town exudes a surreal atmosphere yet is extremely welcoming and you will often be invited to share a cup of mint tea whilst browsing the craft stores. The town has a good selection of splendid hotels, some with inviting pools beating off the harsh heat, stunning ornate guest houses and for those on a tight budget there are many mid-scale hotels that will let you overnight on roof terraces or in nomad tents for a very reasonable price. Restaurants serve traditional Moroccan cuisine or alternatively have a meal at one of the hotels. Throughout the year Zagora hosts exciting festivals such as the special festival to commemorate a Sufi saint as well as a national festival of Morocco, the Fete du Trone.
The Wednesday souk of Zagora is a vibrant affair where locals display their handicraft and produce from the fertile valley. Take a photo at the popular tourist road sign indicating the days it would take to travel to Timbuktu on foot and camel, explore the golden dunes of Tinfou which is particularly breathtaking at dawn and dusk, or go on a guided camel trekking excursion to discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of the region and to visit the many Berber villages along the way. Zagora is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life whilst enjoying the treasures of Mother Nature.
