Zagora is the main stop that comes on the way going to the Sahara desert. It is also the big town on the way to Erg Chigga which is one of the famous dunes of the Moroccan desert. Usually, tourists don’t spend much time in this town but this destination has its charm. It is one of the great places to experience the traditional life of Moroccan people and there are also outstanding sceneries and unique sites.
Top 7 Reasons To Visit Zagora:
Draa River
The longest river of Morocco Draa River is almost 1100km long. This river passes through the town of Zagora but mostly it is not full of water. There is a dam in Ouarzazate that stops the flow of water and the water only comes when its gates are opened. In summer the river is full of water and you will find children swimming in there.
The Vast Palm Grove
If you are fond of palm trees then you are lucky because there are some gardens filled with date palms and these gardens are stretched for miles between the river and the city. There are 30 varieties of dates present in this region. The dates in this town are the best in the country.
Biggest Souk in the South
There is a traditional souk in Ouarzazate and every Sunday there are a lot of vendors in this souk out of the city center to sell their goods. The souk has different sections for vegetables, meat, fruits, and live animals. You will also find traditional clothes, toiletries, local handiwork, and furniture. There is also an attached market that sells used goods like tents, clothing, and bicycles that typically come from Europe. During the late season, you will also find a giant date market here.
Street Art
In Zagora, you will also find colorful streets in the North of Asilah. In the past year, the local association has asked talented young people to paint the streets and make the streets bright next to the city center. You will find paintings of palm trees and other local gems on the streets.
Watermelons
You may never think of growing watermelons in the desert but you will find them here in Zagora. In the last few years, the soil in the surrounding area has become the best place for growing melons. As the temperature of the region is high the cultivation starts early. They harvest the melon in April. In April and May you will find a lot of buyers in the town trying to negotiate deals. In these months you will also find food trucks sealing food and drinks to the dealers in the market. When you visit Zagora try the delicious watermelons.
Road to Timbuktu Painting
If you are wondering how much is the distance between Zagora and Timbuktu then it’s almost a 52-day trip by camel. For many centuries camels were the means of transport from Marrakech to the Sahara and then reached Timbuktu in Mali. Zagora was the famous stop during this journey along the desert that is also known as the “Salt Trail”. There are many Moroccan Sultan who have made a lot of wealth by doing trade through this route and you will find their historical paintings in the city.
Dinosaur Park
You will also find two dinosaurs off the main road along the city and they are standing tall in front of the gates of the small park. The Triceratops and T. Rex statue was created by Amer Oubani a local artist. Morocco is full of fossils and minerals and some dinosaur fossils are also found here.
Conclusion
When you are visiting the Marrakech you can also visit this city of Zagora and spend a night in the Oasis. You can plan your next trip with Marrakech DMC and make your journey unforgettable.