Things to Do in Zagora & the Draa Valley

Zagora is the closer Sahara option, around 7 hours from Marrakech through the Draa Valley's palm groves, with the dunes of Erg Chigaga reachable on a 2-day trip. Erg Chigaga sees fewer visitors than Merzouga's Erg Chebbi and the drive crosses genuinely empty desert, though the last stretch to camp is usually done by 4x4 rather than on foot or camel. It suits travellers who want a real desert night without giving up three or four days of their trip.