Zagora the gateway to the great desert

Zagora is dominated by the conical mountain Jebel Zagora. The Almoravids erected on the Jebel Zagora a Kasbah, of which remains are still visible today, also offers a fantastic panoramic view from above. The most important street is the Avenue Mohammed V, where all important facilities can be found. Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah leads to Hotel Tinsouline, which has several well-stocked grocery stores and restaurants. In Avenue Mohammed V, there are a few banks on the left, opposite the pharmacy and a bakery. Further to the left are the simple hotels Des Amis and Vallée du Draa with nice restaurants, opposite the post office. The Avenue Mohammed V finally ends at a large roundabout, behind which lies the palatial construction of the provincial administration. From the roundabout, a new road leads to the new airfield. At this corner is also a replica of the caravan guide set up. The road to the airport continues on the N12 to Foum Zguid.

Worth seeing is the picturesque souk on Wednesday and Sunday, on the outskirts of Zagora, on the road to Foum Zguid. While only a few years ago, the inhabitants of far-flung areas came to the market on mules and parked these brave pack animals in a place that might like to meet their fellow species there, today most traders are motorized. Unlike many other markets in South Morocco, many women are dressed in pretty, embroidered black shawls among the market visitors. Status symbol of women is a key, usually well visible somewhere attached to clothing. This means that she is the mistress of the house and has the keys. And while the merchants and most buyers of the souq are men, one corner is reserved for women. There, women wrapped in black cloths sell self-made or cultivated goods and beauty products. Zagora has always been a market and trading center for this region. During the past few years, various crafts and services were added, and desert tourism also plays a significant role in the city’s economy. Following the N9 through Zagora, after crossing the Oued Draa, you will reach the Palmeraie of Zagora and the picturesque Kasbah village of Amezrou. This is a much more pleasant place to stay, especially in the summer heat, so here are the most beautiful hotels located. This date palm oasis is still the center of agriculture today. On small plots, beans, cabbage, onions, barley, herbs and other vegetables are grown in spring. Harvest time is already in April. A walk or a picnic in the Palmerie should not be missed.