Zagora

The Museum of Arts and Traditions of the Draa Valley, situated within the historic Ksar Tissergate near Zagora, offers an immersive journey into the cultural heritage of southeastern Morocco. Housed in a 16th-century fortified village, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts that depict the daily life, customs, and traditions of the Berber and Tuareg communities of the Draa Valley. Visitors can explore thematic rooms featuring traditional tools, agricultural implements, musical instruments, and household items, providing insight into the region's historical way of life.Exhibits also include displays on traditional medicine, water management techniques, and local crafts, all thoughtfully arranged to reflect the area's cultural practices.

M’Hamid El Ghizlane, often simply called M’Hamid, is a remote oasis town in southeastern Morocco, situated at the edge of the Sahara Desert and approximately 24 km from the Algerian border.Known as the "Plain of Gazelles," it marks the end of the Draa Valley and the last settlement before the vast dunes of Erg Chigaga. Historically, M’Hamid was a significant stop on trans-Saharan trade routes, where caravans would rest before continuing their journey.Today, it serves as a gateway for travelers seeking an authentic desert experience, offering camel treks, 4x4 excursions, and overnight stays in traditional Berber camps under star-filled skies. The town comprises two main areas: M’Hamid El Ghizlane (the newer part) and M’Hamid Bali (the older section), characterized by its ancient mud-brick ksour (fortified villages) and palm groves.Visitors can explore the remnants of these historic structures and gain insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

The Zaouïa Naciria in Tamegroute is one of the most important religious and cultural centers in southern Morocco. Founded in the 17th century by the Naciri family, this spiritual complex played a central role in spreading Islamic teachings and literacy throughout the Draa Valley and beyond. At its heart lies a beautiful mosque and a koranic school (medersa) that once attracted students from across North Africa and the Sahel. The most impressive feature, however, is the ancient library, which holds over 4,000 rare manuscripts written in Arabic and Amazigh. These texts cover a wide range of subjects, including Islamic law, astronomy, medicine, poetry, and even mathematics—some dating back nearly 1,000 years. The Zaouïa is still active today, hosting religious gatherings and Sufi practices. Visitors are welcome to tour the site with a local guide, who can share stories of the Naciri family and the influence this place once held as a spiritual and intellectual hub of the Moroccan desert.

The Tinfou Dunes, located just 5 km south of Zagora, are often called the “gateway dunes” of the Sahara. These golden sand dunes rise unexpectedly from the rocky desert landscape, offering a first glimpse of the vast Sahara for travelers who may not have time to venture deep into the desert. Though not as large as Erg Chigaga or Merzouga, Tinfou is easily accessible and still delivers an unforgettable desert experience. Visitors can enjoy short camel rides, climb the dunes for panoramic views of the Draa Valley, and watch spectacular sunsets that paint the sand in rich hues of gold and red. It's a peaceful spot to feel the magic of the desert without a long journey. Nearby, you’ll find nomadic-style camps and friendly locals offering tea and stories.

The Zagora Desert, in southeastern Morocco, offers a peaceful and authentic alternative to the more touristic Merzouga dunes. While the nearby dunes like Tinfou and Erg Chigaga are smaller, the experience is just as magical—ideal for travelers seeking calm, culture, and a taste of the real Sahara. Zagora is famously marked by the sign “Timbuktu 52 days,” a nod to the ancient camel caravan routes. Visitors can enjoy camel treks or 4x4 adventures into the desert, spend the night in traditional nomad tents, and enjoy local food and music under starry skies. The region is known for its warm Berber hospitality and stunning views of palm groves, rocky plateaus, and the winding Draa Valley—one of Morocco’s longest oases.

Tamegroute is a historic village nestled in Morocco's Draa Valley, just south of Zagora.Its name, meaning "last place before the desert" in Amazigh, reflects its role as a final stop for caravans journeying into the Sahara. Renowned for its distinctive green-glazed pottery, Tamegroute's ceramics are crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations.Artisans utilize local clay, copper oxide, and natural pigments, firing their creations in ancient kilns fueled by palm wood.The result is a unique, earthy green hue that has become emblematic of the village's artisanal heritage. Beyond its pottery, Tamegroute is home to the Zaouia Naciria, a 17th-century Sufi religious complex.This site houses one of Morocco's oldest libraries, containing thousands of manuscripts on subjects ranging from theology and astronomy to medicine and poetry.Visitors can explore this rich repository of knowledge, gaining insight into the village's spiritual and educational significance.