How to get to Zagora

Zagora is a vibrant city in the Draa River valley in south-eastern Morocco, known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and a historic stop on caravan routes. If you have decided to travel to Zagora for its sand dunes and palm groves, you can use the local airport or choose an overland route by bus or car. When planning how to reach Zagora, travellers often combine the journey with sightseeing at the picturesque mountain passes and oases along the way.

The fastest way to reach your destination is by plane. The city is served by its own airport, Zagora (OZG), with flights most commonly connecting through Casablanca. This is the most convenient option, allowing you to avoid long overland transfers and arrive immediately at the gateway to the desert.

Although some travellers consider flying into neighbouring Ouarzazate as an alternative, a direct flight to Zagora saves significant time and energy. The flight over Moroccan territory offers impressive views, and arriving directly at the local airport makes the start of your trip as comfortable as possible.

There is no direct railway connection to Zagora, as the city does not have a train station and the national rail network does not extend that far south. A train journey is only possible as part of a combined route: tourists cover the main distance by rail to major cities at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and then transfer to road transport.

Since the railway ends significantly further north, it is not possible to reach the dunes exclusively by train. Travellers face a picturesque transfer by bus or taxi via Ouarzazate or Errachidia. This combined option allows you to see a variety of landscapes, exchanging the comfort of the train for the charm of mountain winding roads and oases.

Bus services connect the "Gateway to the Desert" with key regions of the Kingdom, offering tourists a budget-friendly and incredibly scenic mode of transport. The most popular and shortest route leads from Ouarzazate: covering 160 kilometres along the winding highway through the Draa River valley will take about 3–4 hours. Outside the window, ancient clay Kasbah fortresses and endless date palm groves will drift by, turning a standard transfer into a fascinating excursion.

For travellers coming from the east, the route from Errachidia is suitable, spanning about 300 kilometres, which the bus covers in an average of 5 hours. A longer journey awaits those departing from Beni Mellal: the distance of 470 kilometres requires patience for 8–9 hours of travel, however, this route is compensated by breathtaking panoramas when crossing mountain passes.

Travelling by car turns into an adventure of its own, especially if you depart from the city of Ouarzazate: the road, approximately 160 kilometres long, will take about 3 hours and passes through the picturesque Draa River valley. A rental car offers the freedom to stop for photos against the backdrop of palm groves and ancient fortresses, while a ride in a collective "grand taxi," popular in the country, allows you to save money and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. The route from the east, from the city of Errachidia, is about 300 kilometres and requires on average 4–5 hours of driving through desert landscapes.

Those heading from the city of Beni Mellal will have to cover 470 kilometres, which will take at least 7–8 hours, but the views of changing natural zones from the Atlas foothills to rocky plateaus compensate for the fatigue. A private transfer for such long distances will cost significantly more than a bus, however, it is the most comfortable way to reach the "Gateway to the Desert" with air conditioning and without transfers. The road surface on the main highways leading to Zagora is generally of good quality, but one should be attentive on narrow sections of the winding roads.

Preparing for a trip to Zagora requires attention to the region's climatic features, as this is truly the gateway to the Sahara. To ensure your journey goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will help you avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and Belongings: Prefer clothing made from natural fabrics that covers your shoulders and knees to protect yourself from the scorching sun and to show respect for local traditions and modesty. Be sure to bring a warm fleece jacket or windbreaker: in desert areas, temperature changes are very sharp, and nights can be genuinely cold.
2. Transport: The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. For trips over longer distances, use "petit taxis" (small taxis). It is important to always agree on the price of the trip in advance, before getting into the car, as meters are not always used.
3. Finances: In Zagora, as in many small southern towns, it is preferable to use cash — Moroccan dirhams. Bank cards are accepted in major hotels, but it will be difficult to pay with them in souvenir shops and small cafes, and there are few ATMs in the city.
4. Health and Safety: It is categorically not recommended to drink tap water; buy only bottled water and use it even for brushing your teeth. Also, always carry sunscreen with a high protection factor and a head covering.
5. Communication: Although English is becoming more popular in the tourism sector, French remains the main foreign language. Knowing a couple of polite phrases in Arabic (for example, a greeting) always brings a smile and gains the favour of the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: Moroccans are very hospitable but value the observance of personal boundaries. Never photograph people without their explicit permission, especially women. If you are invited into a home for tea, remember that it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a room with carpets.
7. What to Avoid: Beware of overly intrusive "guides" on the streets offering to show the way or take you to the "best shop." Most often, this is a way to lead you to a merchant who will pay them a commission included in the cost of your purchase.
8. Extra Tip: Zagora is famous for its dates, with over 30 varieties grown here. Be sure to visit the market to taste and buy fresh dates — they are the best local delicacy and an excellent gift to bring back from your trip.

By following these simple practical tips, you will be able to feel confident and safe in this colourful corner of Morocco. Proper planning will allow you not to be distracted by domestic trifles and to fully focus on the magic of the desert.