Zagora & the Draa Valley
Zagora stands out more for the Draa Valley and its palm groves than for its dunes, which are small next to the great ergs. It is an honest option if your time is limited and you adjust expectations.
Road time vs. Sahara time
Qualitative assessment- Logistical effort
- High
- Outbound
- A punishing single day
- Return / onward
- A punishing single day
Experience balance: Balanced. A reasonable split between travel and experience, with little slack for long delays.
Travel times are under review, so we show no hours or percentages. The assessment combines each leg's recommended pace with your days.
Honest expectations
If you picture a sea of dunes to the horizon, Zagora may disappoint. If you value valley scenery and villages, it is worthwhile.
The Draa Valley
Palm groves, ksour and kasbahs line much of the road from Ouarzazate. They are the real reason for the trip.
Beyond Zagora
Following the valley leads to M'Hamid, the starting point for Erg Chigaga, with more days and logistics.
Keep reading
Big dunes versus a shorter drive: what you gain and lose with each option.
The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gateway to the south beyond the High Atlas.
Enter start, end, days, profile and group, and get a reasoned destination with the alternatives ruled out.