The Gold Caravan's Last Secret — Zagora

Your journey begins in front of the 'Timbuktu 52 days' sign in Zagora, installed in the 1930s by the French colonial administration. This site, visible less than 500m from the historic quarter, is more than just a road sign; it symbolizes Zagora's role as a departure point for trans-Saharan caravans to sub-Saharan Africa between the 17th and 19th centuries. It was here that goods were loaded and final provisions were made before venturing into the desert, making Zagora a true Gateway to the Sahara and a major trade hub for Draa-Tafilalet.

Less than 300m on foot, you reach the Place de l'Indépendance, the beating heart of Zagora. Built in the 1950s, after Morocco's independence in 1956, this 2-hectare square, lined with palm trees and administrative buildings, served as the main gathering point and a site for traditional weekly markets. Here, news from the caravans arrived, deals were concluded, and the city's identity was forged, linked to the figure of Mohammed V, whose reign marked the era of central square construction in Moroccan cities.

Continue your path towards Kasbah Amezrou, an ancient 17th-century fortress in the Amezrou district of Zagora. Built from pisé over 1.5 hectares, it was the historical residence of the Draa region's pashas under the Alaouite dynasty. Partially restored in 2005 by the National Office of Historic Monuments, this kasbah bears witness to the authority and wealth generated by trans-Saharan trade. 800m on foot from the starting point, its paved alleys lead you to Ksar Amezrou, a fortified village from the 16th century.

Ksar Amezrou, spanning 3 hectares and composed of 400 pisé houses grouped around the kasbah, is a site of crucial historical importance. It housed collective granaries (agadirs) dating from the 18th century, essential for storing dates and cereals from commercial caravans. This ksar, located 900m from the 'Timbuktu' sign and crossed by the pedestrian path along the Zagora Palm Grove, is a living example of Draa-Tafilalet heritage and traditions linked to the Timbuktu Caravans. The palm grove itself, with its 1 million palm trees over 30 km², represents the economic anchor of this region since the 14th century.

Your exploration will finally lead you to Place Mohammed V, 400m from the 'Timbuktu' sign. Developed in the 1960s in homage to King Mohammed V, this 1-hectare square is an administrative center and a venue for local festivities. Surrounded by artisanal souks, it perpetuates the tradition of caravan products, such as dates and carpets. By traversing Zagora, you will have traced the footsteps of merchants and pashas, deciphering the clues left by history in every stone, every palm tree. You will take with you not only the secret of the caravans but also a deep understanding of this Gateway to the Sahara and its essential role in the history of Morocco and Draa-Tafilalet.