Zagora

As is indicated by a historic signpost, at some 52 days journey from Timbuktu on the back of a dromedary, is a splendid oasis surrounding a town that, while now offering tourist services and structures of a good standard, is still proud of its long   and noble history. The presence of piles of stones representing the remains of ancient tombs scattered throughout the valley indicates that the area was already inhabited in very early time. It was in 1056 however, that Almoravide Abu Bakr (who would found the city of Marrakesh eight years later ) began the construction of a fortress here that later became the departure point for the ultimate conquest of power in Morocco. In fact, in the 16th century the Saadians, natives of this region, began the conquest first of Souss and then of the whole country at the time under the rule of the Merinid before undertaking the great advance that took them as far as Timbuktu. Today the city, lying 5 Kilometres to the north of Jebel Zagora on the banks of the Draa valley, which is the last stopping point before venturing into the heart of the dunes is visible only a few kilometers away and the desert sands engulf the last trickle of the river Draa , you will find many angencies organize trip to Zagora from Marrakech 2 days and 3 days. The best way to enjoy the truly splendid panorama is to climb the slopes of the grandiose and lonely rocky pinnacle of Jebel Zagora and admire, as far as the eye can see, the Draa Valley with its palm groves and vast sandy stretches lying between bleak rocky crags including the characteristic isolated mass of Jebel Sargho.