A Holiday in Zagora

Zagora seems without prospect at first sight: a one-street, modern market town with a big collection of hotels and government buildings. As the region's main staging post for journeys to the outer reaches of the Sahara, it attracts far more tourist awareness than it deserves in itself - not to mention the hustlers trying to hook up with potential clients for camel treks.

Two things, however, redeem it. The first thing is Zagora's location: this is, without a doubt, the most dynamic stretch of the Draa. You only have to walk a mile or so out of the town to find yourself in the middle of the palms and oasis cultivation. The second thing is a distinct air of unreality. Directly behind the town rises the peculiar Hollywood-Sunset Mountain, and at the end of the main street is a mock-serious road sign to Timbuktu.

Another draw for Zagora is its fabulous festivals. The Draa's big event, the Moussem of Moulay Abdelkader Jilali, is celebrated here during the Mouloud and other national festivals, such as the Fete du Trone, are always entertaining.

Zagora is an easy place to get around in. Almost everything of importance is on the main street, Boulevard Mohammed V, or the lower Avenue Hassan II. Across the river to the southeast is the palmary and hamlet of Amazrou. This is a good alternative base with a fast-growing collection of cosmopolitan hotels and campsites.

Zagora and Amazrou have a good selection of hotels and some nicely located campsites. Travelers who are on tight budgets should also note that many mid-scale hotels will let you bed down on roof terraces or in nomad tents for very reasonable prices.

Zagora has some excellent places for trekking and camels can be hired on almost every corner. The people of Zagora are very helpful and welcoming and will often invite you for tea while shopping at their craft markets. Zagora is the perfect place to unwind and to forget about the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

 

 



User Comments & Reviews: 1 Comment(s)

Page 1 of 1

Dr Mohammad Shahidullah, Prof of Community Medicine - 2010-07-14 14:09:11

Arab Berbers cultural norms and its identical significance differentiated from other tribes of the world. Its persistence also enacted by Arabic Language which is the first language of the World and its purity and exactness possessed by Morocco and its neighboring countries. Knowledge seeker will able to enjoy the ancient naturality of traditional festivals, crafts and Arabian hospitality. So none should miss it.

Reply to this comment

>> Back to Top





Combine Flights?












Password Reminder

Or sign in using one of the following providers:

Latest Travel Articles

Talented Entertainer Gad Elmaleh

Born in Casablanca on April 19, 1971, Gad Elmaleh is an actor and comedian of French-Moroccan desc... read more

The Beautiful Birds of Zaër Forest

Located near the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, the spectacular Zaër Forest offers some of Mor... read more

Morocco Mall in Casablanca

Promoted as the biggest shopping mall in Africa, the Morocco Mall on the outskirts of Casablanca... read more

The Spectacular Oases of Akka

The Moroccan town of Akka is located near the Algerian border in the Tata Province of the Guelmi... read more

Morocco Shines in CAF U-23 and Qualifies for Olympics

Moroccan football fans are no doubt delighted that their national U-23 team has qualified to com... read more

More Articles