Zagora — A Gravel Cycling Guide
Zagora is the oasis town on the Draa, halfway between Ouarzazate and the desert — the last real town before the pistes run south toward M’Hamid and the sand. It is a natural resupply and overnight on the Draa Valley Loop, and the gateway town for desert riding on the southern Draa.
The town
Zagora sits on the Draa river about 170 km south of Ouarzazate, in a palm oasis at the edge of the desert. It is famous for the old road sign reading “Timbuktu 52 days by camel” — a relic of the trans-Saharan caravan trade. For cyclists it is the last real town before the pistes run south to M’Hamid and the sand, making it a key resupply and overnight on the Draa corridor.
The riding
Zagora is a stop on the Draa Valley Loop (95 km, easy) and the Draa Valley Gravel day ride. The riding here is palm-grove piste and Draa-corridor gravel — flat to rolling, fast and firm. South of Zagora the pistes run toward M’Hamid and the desert, getting sandier and emptier.
Difficulty and surface
Easy to moderate. The Draa corridor is flat to rolling with minimal climbing; the discipline is heat and water. The surface is compacted desert gravel and palm-grove piste, with sandier sections to the south. 40c tyres are right; 45c if you are heading south toward the sand.
Quick facts
Water and resupply
Zagora is a proper town — shops, cafés, guesthouses, water. It is the place to resupply before heading south into the emptier desert. South of Zagora, services thin out fast; fill up here. Read water and resupply.
Season and tours
October to March is prime. Summer is dangerously hot. Zagora is a stop on the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour (day four) and the Draa Valley to Sahara Edge expedition. See the Draa Valley guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Zagora?
On the Draa river about 170 km south of Ouarzazate, in a palm oasis at the edge of the desert. It is the last real town before the pistes run south to M’Hamid and the sand.
Is Zagora on the Draa Valley Loop?
Yes — it is a key stop and resupply on the Draa Valley Loop (95 km, easy) and the Draa Valley Gravel day ride. The riding here is palm-grove piste and Draa-corridor gravel.
Can I ride south from Zagora into the desert?
Yes — south of Zagora the pistes run toward M’Hamid and the desert, getting sandier and emptier. Resupply in Zagora first, as services thin out fast to the south.
When should I ride around Zagora?
Ride Zagora October to March, when the oasis is mild by day and cold at night and the pistes stay firm. Summer heat in the oasis is dangerous and should be avoided.