"Timbuktu 52 days of camel": all the mythology and fascination of the desert on the famous panel ... signs the ancient vocation of Zagora, the last leg of the caravan route before the immense solitudes hamadas. Today the city is often the most southern end of a trip to Morocco. For those who dream of great adventure here Saharan near Zagora can perform few short trips and yet exotic.

Administrative Centre and a large village near Wadi Dra at the edge of the palm groves of Ternate and Ferzouata, Zagora offers no particular character, but is still very lively (souk on Wednesday and Thursday). Its main street, shopping, ends at the famous sign.

Jebel Zagora. To reach the site of this fortress of the Almoravids, at the foot of a rocky outcrop, turn left in front of the barracks at the end of Main Street.

Having crossed the Dra, take the left track Tamgrout 3 km further, turn right.

Runway, very narrow and winding, which leads to the summit offers a stunning panorama of the river, palm groves, the surrounding desert, with the distance, the bare mass of Jebel Saghro.

The tour is even more interesting when there is at sunrise or sunset from the top of the gazebo overlooking the entire region. From the fortress built in the XI, there remains in place only a few walls in ruins.

Amazrou is the goal of a superb ride, preferably be carried out in late afternoon and accompanied by a child who will guide you to the first dunes of the desert.

Maybe you will have the opportunity to be invited to take a mint tea in one of these wonderful enclosed gardens, close to the dunes. Children will also lead you to the kasbah of the Jews, remember a large community here, who established a tradition of handcrafted jewelry and silver work (but watch out for fake ...) continue with the Berbers. The palm is full of beautiful orchards hidden behind high walls due to high winds that blow at times.

Around Zagora.

1 - Tamgrout. (18 Km south-east). Tamgrout owes its fame to a major zaouïa whose influence was exerted over the entire valley Dra, the Dades, the Sub and even the Anti-Atlas.

The library was created at the zaouia XVII, Abu Abdallah Mohammed Bou Naceur, founder of the Koranic school, which brought the works of all Arab countries. One can see from the 4000 manuscripts, illuminated Korans, the oldest dated XI. It is possible, led by a guide, visit the tomb of the benefactor of this university that welcomes students always. In the courtyard of the mausoleum stay patients who hope to receive a miraculous healing. See also, the pottery workshops located in the open air, outside the enclosure the village.

In return, 1.5 km before Zagoura, we can follow a trail to the left to get to Amazrou.

2 - Mhamid (88 km to go after a day trip). The route follows the left bank of Dra. After passing Tamgrout, she runs through a landscape of dunes further, then crosses the river, beyond Anagam, goes down to $ Tagounit, large oasis of a dozen Ksour extending in the District Klaoua (souk Sunday and Thursday). From

Tagounit goes north-east track towards Nesrate oasis at the foot of Jebel Tadrart; beautiful dunes.

3 km further to the left just before the Tizi beni Selmane, a trail leads to the necropolis of Foum Rjam, overlooking the bend of Dra.

This cemetery is unique in Morocco, is composed of hundreds of conical mounds, some of them several meters in height. At the center of each, opening shows the location of the dead. Excavations have established that the necropolis dates from 800 BC Further south, one sees the old Jewish village Tidri.

It then crosses the Tizi Beni Selmane to 747 m above sea level in the chain of the same name. The road descends to a broad sandy plain before passing through a beautiful grove in the center of which stands the Ksar Oulad Driss. Further extends the palm of Mhamid (73 Km)

Mhamid (88 Km) is the administrative center of the last means Dra. The town is located near the elbow which is the wadi curving sharply to the west toward the Atlantic Ocean that reach, if ever. The weekly market on Mondays, traditionally frequented by men in blue, camel nomads of the desert, saw its reduced activity in response to the problems faced by Morocco on the border crossings.

In the oasis, Ksar ruined, known as el Allouj Kesbt of the height of the European Legion, still testifies activity in this region of Dra average at the end of the sixteenth, at the time of Saadi, at a time when trade with Sudan were very important. The name of this reminds Ksar of an expeditionary force, composed largely of Christians. succeeded in seizing Timbuktu during the reign of Ahmed el Mansour (1578-1602).

See also the small mausoleum of Sidi Allal Ben Jbira. According to local tradition, it would have happened one day during a flood Dra, floating on its waters.

to see again in the region.

The Dra valley

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Tiznit Zagora



Behind a beautiful crenellated walls of ocher-colored pink, Tiznit hides Medina, a Jewish quarter and a méchouar worth a visit. The city is also famous for its handicrafts, especially the Berber jewelry and finely wrought weapons. A young
market town. Tiznit was founded in 1882 under the reign of Moulay el Hassan (1873-1894), during an expedition launched by the central government for the submission of the sub and neighboring regions of the Anti- atlas. She soon became a center of trade with the West, where flocked products of the country. In 1912, the pretender El Hiba proclaimed himself sultan and recognized as such throughout the sub, rallied to his cause many "blue man" who, like him to Mauritania. It was also their clothing, which earned him being called the "Sultan blue. Visit

Tiznit.

Duration: one to two hours after walking in the city, especially for busy bazaar on Thursday.

From Agadir we enter the port Bab Oulad Jarrar. Past and a bridge instead of the Pasha, veer to the left via the street from the Hospital to meet the méchouar, true heart of the city. Its vast polygon bordered by shops protected by striped awnings used to both parking, bus station and location for the busy market on Thursdays.

Leaving the place, from the bottom, left and along the streets that line the walls, we win the souk of jewelers whose stalls are arranged around a small rectangular square. It contains silver Berber jewelry sometimes original, but still worked in a fairly coarse. Weapons inlays, another specialty of Tiznit, are more finely cut and sometimes decorated with silver filigree. Bine seeking, you may be lucky enough to discover some ancient brooches or bracelets heavy.

In place of the Pasha, Bab el Khémis win past the mosque, whose minaret is topped by oddly poles. They were placed there to say that the souls of the dead could rest.

A little further on the left is the blue source of Lalla Tiznit. It's actually a simple cement basin which has no other interest than his legend: a converted sinner would have withdrawn from this source and near to the site of the present Tiznit, have founded a town has disappeared.

Continue beyond this source through the streets Igui Tfliouine n and N to the double wall Tourgue we Revenue Is Bab Targua. By going up and going west to the next gate, Bab el Khémis, nice view over the palm and olive groves.

surroundings Tiznit.

Aglou Sidi Moussa (17 km north-west by a good tarred road). It is the range of Tiznit, very attractive because of the intense heat that prevails in this town in summer. At the end of this beautiful beach on the right you will see in the cliff and cave dwellings occupied by fishermen (fun souk donkeys and camels on Tuesday).

to see again in the region:

Agadir (91 km north); Goulimime (108 km south-west); Tafraoute (107 Km east), Sidi Ifni (75 Km south west).

From Tiznit.

1 - From Tiznit Tafraoute (107 Km by road 7074, paved but narrow) 20.5 km

: Assaka Blagh or left on asif Tazeroualt. After crossing an arid steppe is elevating in gentle undulations, we reached the foothills of the Anti Atlas. It then engages in a groove of argan trees planted where the squirrels frolic.

40 km: road right to the zaouia Sidi Ahmed (11km) or Musa.

Hence a track leads to Iligh (4km), former capital of the partly abandoned Tazeroualt district. The XVI XIX, Tazeroualt was ruled by marabouts Idrisids, descendants of the saint Sidi Ahmed ou Moussa (died 1563). His son, Sidi Bou Ali AIMD, both marabout warrior, was able to be a stronghold of independent central government. nothing remains of this former residence of some marabouts Koubbas where lie the founders of this small dynasty.

Km 57.5: Col du Kerdous. Opportunity to stop at the hotel located on a hill that skirts the road, and from its terrace offers a magnificent view.

60 km: the right track for Ifrane Anti-Atlas.

67.5 Km: Tizourhan beyond which it leaves the plateau by engaging in a throat where grow many almond trees.

98 Km: Arba n Tafraout; market Ammeln Wednesday. Shortly thereafter, décourvre superb views over a gorge green, very narrow and flanked by massive rock in strange forms.

102 Km: Affella Wadag village with houses decorated, nearly a agadir.

109 Km: Tafraoute.

2 - Tiznit Goulimine by Sidi Ifni (131 Km by road 7064.7109 and 7129).

Exit Tiznit westward toward Mighleft.

26 Km: leave on left Souk el Arba du Sahel, on the banks of asif n Tiouinite which we descend the valley.

35 km: it reached the Atlantic coast Gouzizim established in adessus viewpoint of the ocean. Along the winding road up to Sidi Ifni coastline embellished by the fall in the foothills of the Anti Atlas in the sea 44 Km

: borj of Mighleft on the left audessus a small town run by the souks.

47 Km: we cross the river Salogmad Near its mouth, marabout Sidi Mohammed.

75 km Sidi Ifni.

Beyond Sidi Ifni, you can sue a coastal trail wins Assaka wadi, or river Nun, near its mouth. Along the gorges of the wadi, one arrives at the village Tiséguenane, then Goulimine.

95 km Souk el Arba de Mesti (souk Wednesday). Continuing in this arid mountain travres languid shapes, we arrive to a wide stony plain.

131 Km: Goulimine. From here you may return Tiznit by the direct route which passes by Bou Izakarn (108 km).

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Ouezzane



On the road to Tetouan in Meknes, Ouezzane s' leans to the north slope of Jebel Bou Hellal.ville siante since Moulay Abdallah, has remained a religious center of reference and a place of pilgrimage.

Full of charm, white medina is full of staircases, vaulted passage and arches. The city is devoid of hotel infrastructure, we will step in Chefchaouen, Fez and Meknes.

From village to political and religious center. The village of Mount Myrtle, or Dechra Jebel er Rihan, Ouezzane ancestor, in 1927 became the center of an important religious brotherhood, the Taibia, when the Sharif Moulay Abdallah, a descendant of Idris II, including a zaouïa Crea. The house was founded Ouezzane turn branches across the Maghreb.

Located on the edge of the old corn el Makhzen (territory under the administration of the sultans) and corn for "Siba" (territory beyond their authority) The zaouia of Ouezzane was beautifully positioned to become an instrument of political and religious influence. It became, indeed, very powerful. His ascendancy was exercised on a regional and national level until the last century. We reached the

zaouia, dominated by an octagonal minaret decorated with interlacing and zelliges, taking a street stairs at the bottom of the vast Independence. It then passes to the mosque of Moulay Ali Cherif.

In this neighborhood still several old houses belonging to the sheriffs of Ouezzane and their followers.

Beyond that, we will walk through the souks of carpenters and blacksmiths, before reaching the place Bir Enzarane, triangular. Surrounded by workshops of weavers, it is dominated by the Kasbah district. Grand bazaar on Thursday.

Further, we can enter and wander through the souks of fun and join the street Abdullah bin Lamlih which, cons up shrines, returns in place of Independence.

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CHAOUEN



Founded to fight. Moulay Rachid Ali, sharif of Jebel Alam, founded the city in 1471 to serve as a starting point for its attacks against the Portuguese in Ceuta and Ksar es Saghir. Kasbah, that we can still see, was built at this time.

A large contingent of Muslim refugees from Spain came the people from the late 15 th, as reflected in the district of el Rif Andalous. Chaouen passed in 1561 under the authority of the dynasty Saadian and enjoyed some prosperity under the Alawite dynasty.

Forbidden City. Chefchaouen, famous holy city and has more than twenty or mosques or shrines, was long forbidden to Christians, even though there were many Jews. At the foot of

djebels or Tisouka Kella (2050 m) and Meggou (1616 m) which together form the Jebel esh Chaouen (<< les Cornes>>), contains little Chaouen extraordinary monument. the charm of the city comes from its narrow streets where one does not hesitate to get lost: we always find its way.

Duration: 2 hours, We have gone around the medina. If we hurry, we will directly drive up Makhzen to or you reach the place Uta el Hamman. the sok of Chefchaouen is held Tuesday and Thursday.

We can start the tour by climbing up to the hotel Asmma. Her weight crushes the site somewhat, but the view on the medina can better appreciate the setup. Then join the modern city.

Avenue Hassan II, the main artery of the city Modern continues skirting the medina by the S. At one of its ends, instead Mohammed 5 is for its architecture, reminiscent of the English protectorate. S. of this section is held (Tuesday and Thursday) market. At the other end, Bab el Ain is the main entrance of the ancient city. Immediately the gate, we go up the alley to. which leads through the Medina up to a huge square that forms the real center of the city alive.

Place Uta el Hamman is, with its cafes, shops, kebab nonchalant its animation, the ideal place for a tea mint. on the right you will notice the great mocked the octagonal minaret, built in the late 15 th.

Kasbah: opens from 9 am to 13 am and 15 am to 18.30 also dates from the founding of the city in 1471. its crenellated wall hides a pleasant and peaceful Andalusian gardens and a small museum. At the entrance, or cell Abdel Karim, who had his headquarters here was taken prisoner by the Spaniards in 1926.

At the museum, we'll see palanquins of the last century, real wooden chest painted inside where 's the bride seated him on his wedding day, the gatehouse of the Rif, regional costumes and musical instruments. On the first floor, fans of Morocco may consult books in Arabic, English and French.

Medina to enter, take a street on the left at the bottom of the square. The cobbled streets' s raise between houses with whitewashed walls in the upper part. Besides white, the head affix these colors typical of Shun, blue and purple through green, colors that have the property of repelling mosquitoes. In this confused mass or whether the volumes are following suit this emerging and minarets that are available, they, in the nakedness of their raw materials, the arch of overlapping connects homes often betrays them due to a reminiscence Andalusian Muslim emigrants from Spain.

Shortly after leaving the place, left little interest caravanserai whose cells' s ordering around a tiny square yard. Through the Medina, you will certainly go to one of the many shrines that make up the city. The most important are those of Sidi Ben Yahia, founded in 1592, and Sidi el Hadj Cherif.

Continuing straight, you reach another city gate, Bab el Onsar, which leads east to the mountain, near the Wadi Lau, and saves (3 Km) source of Ras el Ma. It is at the end of a trail and descends into a nice cascade from which are set two small cafes. Along the way, many traditional mills and beautiful city views.

Going down into the city by the left wins it instead el Makhzen, continues to place Uta el Hamman, and where many bazaars. of, we may drop worm Bab El Ain taking the Avenue Hassan II, which saves beautiful view over the valley.

Hotel in Chefchaouen: Hotel Parador Chefchaouen, Rif hotel

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