Our clients who will be enjoying Zagora as a destination will be arriving in Morocco from another point of entry. Your private transfer will be taking you to Zagora and will be dropping you at your accommodations.

Public transportation as it is known in a larger town or city is nonexistent in Zagora. Petits taxis are colored red and can take you to wherever you need to go. National Route 9 runs through town, which isn't necessarily a wide place, but a long one.

This town is fairly flat and compact, making it easy to walk around, but that's not really why people come to Zagora; it's used more as a base to explore the nearby desert in guided excursions.

Zagora is safe but, like Merzouga or Skoura, its proximity to the desert means that tourists should take care with personal safety related to heat and navigation. Engaging with established tour operators for desert excursions is recommended. If you do explore the town, stick to the areas within 100 feet of National Route 9.

Regardless of the destination, travelers should prioritize personal safety measures. This includes staying alert in public spaces, securing belongings, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth. Additionally, maintaining a respectful attitude towards local customs and traditions fosters positive interactions with residents and enhances overall safety.

In the Kingdom of Morocco, the official currency is the Moroccan dirham (written as MAD or dh). U.S. dollars are not accepted, and tips should be given where applicable in Moroccan dirhams. Credit card purchases are widely accepted in major urban centers across the country, as are debit card purchases with chip-tap technology. Cash is a better option in traditional markets, although even this is changing in many areas.

Arabic serves as the primary language of communication for Moroccans, with Modern Standard Arabic used in official contexts and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) spoken colloquially. Additionally, French holds significant importance due to historical ties, colonial legacy, and its status as a language of education and administration. English proficiency levels among the local population can vary. While English is increasingly taught in schools and universities, fluency levels may be higher among younger generations, especially those in urban areas (such as Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, etc.) and tourist-centric establishments.

Given the widespread use of French in Morocco's education system, government institutions, and business settings, travelers often find French to be a valuable lingua franca. Attempting French can facilitate smoother interactions with locals, particularly in formal settings such as hotels, restaurants, and administrative offices. While English may suffice in tourist hubs and upscale establishments catering to international visitors, travelers venturing into local markets, neighborhoods, and non-touristy areas may encounter a preference for Arabic or French. Embracing basic French phrases or using translation apps can bridge communication gaps and foster meaningful exchanges with Moroccans.

We recommend brushing up on such phrases as hello/goodbye (bonjour and au revoir), excuse me, please, and thank you (excusez-moi, s'il vous plaît, merci, respectively), "where is..." (où est...), "where are the toilets" (où sont les toilettes?), "how much is this?" (combien ça coute?), numbers from 1-10 (un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix) and similar phrases you can look up on your own time. These will help grease the wheels with locals, as they will appreciate your attempt at French.

Morocco is a popular tourist destination and locals know that not every tourist will necessarily respect their local customs, but if you want to put your best foot forward, there are some basic customs you should learn before departing.

Morocco, with its predominantly Muslim population, observes Islamic customs and traditions. Travelers should be mindful of Islamic practices, such as modest dress when visiting religious sites like mosques and mausoleums. It's respectful for both men and women to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women may consider wearing a headscarf when entering mosques. Dress outside religious sites can be more relaxed, but showing off too much cleavage or skin can make you the center of attention in ways you might not like (for men and for women), so look around and note what is the spectrum of dress for locals and choose from your outfits accordingly. For example, a bathing suit at the beach would be fine, but maybe not in a medina.

Moroccan culture places great importance on greetings as a gesture of respect and warmth. When meeting someone, a handshake accompanied by a sincere greeting, such as "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or "Sbah khir" (good morning), is customary. Maintaining eye contact during greetings conveys sincerity and goodwill. Keep in mind that a handshake might not be immediately extended to a female traveler from a man, although this is not a hard-and-fast rule the same way it might have been 20 years ago.

Sharing a meal in Morocco is a communal experience steeped in tradition. When invited into a Moroccan home for a meal, it's customary to wash hands before and after eating, often with a bowl of water brought by the host. During the meal, using the right hand for eating and refraining from touching food with the left hand is considered polite. Tea holds a special place in Moroccan hospitality, and the tea ceremony is a cherished tradition. When offered tea, graciously accept and savor the aromatic brew served in small glasses. It's customary to take at least three sips to demonstrate appreciation, and engaging in leisurely conversation while enjoying tea fosters camaraderie.

Moroccans value personal space and tend to stand closer during conversations compared to some Western cultures. While this proximity may initially feel unfamiliar to travelers and even anathema to the idea of personal space, respecting personal boundaries and adapting to local norms fosters smoother interactions and mutual respect. Likewise, explaining your own personal space needs (politely) will result in your Moroccan acquaintance accommodating those needs once they are made aware. When capturing moments in Morocco, particularly in more intimate settings or with locals, seeking permission before taking photographs is essential. Respect individuals' privacy and refrain from taking pictures in sensitive areas such as mosques during prayer times or markets without consent.

Bargaining, or "haggling," is a common practice in Moroccan souks and markets. While negotiating prices is part of the cultural experience, doing so with grace and respect is key. Maintain a friendly demeanor, engage in lighthearted banter, and be mindful of fair prices while appreciating the craftsmanship of goods. If you feel you are being hustled or get the feeling you are being price-gouged, disengage and leave. Do note that haggling outside the souks and markets of Morocco's medinas does not occur; prices are fixed everywhere else. You won't be able to talk down a price in a department store or boutique, for example.

In Zagora, shopping is mostly focused on local Berber crafts, including silver jewelry and Tuareg daggers. The small souks and roadside stalls along National Route 9 are gems waiting to be discovered. For those interested in cultural artifacts, shops near the Draa Valley offer items that reflect the rich history of the area.

There are more pharmacies and stores than can be found in Skoura if you need essentials, and these stores are self-service (if not exhaustively stocked), so selecting your necessity items (perhaps with the help of your guide) can be a little easier.

Nightlife in Zagora is minimal, similar to Merzouga and Skoura, with evenings typically centered around cultural experiences like local music at hotels or riads. It's a place for enjoying the stars and serene desert nights rather than seeking a party atmosphere.