Things To Do
in Zaouiet Says

Zaouiet Says is a small rural town in Morocco characterized by a close-knit community, agricultural landscapes and traditional Moroccan architecture. The town acts as a quiet local hub for surrounding villages, where weekly markets and family-run businesses set the daily rhythm. Visitors will find a slower pace of life, friendly residents, and easy access to olive and argan groves as well as nearby hills.

Zaouiet Says is a good base for low-key cultural encounters and day trips into more touristed towns or natural areas nearby.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Zaouiet Says
morning
:

Arrive at Zaouiet Says and settle into your accommodations, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains. Take a leisurely stroll around the village to absorb the unique rural atmosphere and cultural heritage. Meet some friendly locals who may share stories about their daily lives in this picturesque setting.

afternoon
:

Savor a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local eatery, where you can sample authentic dishes like tagine and couscous. After lunch, embark on a guided walking tour of the village, discovering hidden gems such as local artisans and traditional markets. Engage with the artisans to learn about their crafts and perhaps buy a handmade souvenir.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a tranquil evening while having dinner under the stars. Join a local family for a home-cooked meal, experiencing the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. Conclude the night by gathering around a fire for storytelling, immersing yourself in the rich oral traditions of the region.

day 2
Exploring the Atlas Mountains
morning
:

After breakfast, set out for a thrilling day hike into the nearby Atlas Mountains. The exquisite landscapes and breathtaking views will leave you in awe as you navigate through valleys and hills. Equipped with a local guide, learn about the flora and fauna native to this stunning region.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch amidst the mountains, taking in the serene beauty of your surroundings. Continue your trek to explore hidden waterfalls or traditional Berber villages nestled in the hills. Capture memorable photos of the picturesque vistas and the charming architecture you encounter.

evening
:

Return to Zaouiet Says, where you can freshen up before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on your day of adventure while indulging in delicious Moroccan cuisine. As night falls, consider a short walk to admire the stars illuminating the clear desert sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-10
Coffee or mint tea$0.50-2
🚌Local bus or shared taxi (short trip)$0.50-3
🧳Taxi or private transfer (short local ride)$3-12
🏨Guesthouse / simple room per night$15-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Moroccan experience with friendly locals
  • Low tourist density—quiet, relaxed atmosphere
  • Good base for exploring nearby agricultural landscapes and small natural areas
  • Affordable prices for food and lodging
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage
  • Fewer dining and entertainment options at night
  • Public transport and ATMs may be limited—reliant on nearby towns
  • Medical facilities are basic; serious care requires travel to larger cities
  • "Salam / Salam alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Bslama" - Goodbye
  • "Besh-hal?" - How are you? (Darija)
  • "Lla y-khellik" - Please (polite request, Darija)
  • "Kadeer taman?" - How much does it cost? (Darija)
  • "Maa shukran, ma n-kolsh meat" - No thank you, I don't eat meat

Places to Visit in Zaouiet Says

Visit one of these nice places.

Town center and market

Vibrant scenes of daily life, colorful produce stalls and traditional architecture—best in the morning when vendors set up.

Local mosque and alleys

Photogenic geometric shapes, doorways and narrow lanes that capture traditional Moroccan townscapes.

Olive and argan groves

Rural landscapes with gnarly trees, terraced fields and farming activity—great for golden-hour shots.

Nearby hills and viewpoints

Short hikes yield panoramic views of the town, cultivated valleys and distant ranges—excellent at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zaouiet Says

Local cuisine in Zaouiet Says reflects broader Moroccan home cooking: hearty tagines, stews, freshly baked bread, and sweet mint tea. Meals emphasize seasonal produce, olive oil and traditional spice blends. Most food is prepared in family kitchens or small roadside cafés; dining is informal and communal. Visitors will find strong Arabic and Amazigh culinary influences, with simple, rustic flavors.

Zaouiet Says Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tagine

Slow-cooked stew (meat or vegetables) with preserved lemon and olives; available at local family restaurants and home kitchens.

Must-Try!

Couscous

Steamed semolina often served with vegetables and meat on Fridays or special occasions; commonly found at market eateries and family homes.

Harira

Hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils and chickpeas, often eaten to break fast during Ramadan and sold at markets or cafés.

Msemen / Beghrir

Flatbreads and pancakes commonly served at breakfast or as snacks with butter, honey or cheese from local vendors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Souk (local market)

Typical weekly market where villagers sell produce, olives, spices, bread and clothes; ideal for trying fresh olives, local cheeses and grilled skewers.

Roadside Stalls

Small stalls near the main road serving brochettes (grilled meat skewers), sandwiches and tea—great for an inexpensive, authentic bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Zaouiet Says experiences a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters with most rain falling between November and March. Spring and autumn are temperate and comfortable, ideal for outdoor activities. Temperatures can drop noticeably at night in winter, while summer afternoons can be quite hot inland. Local microclimates around hills or groves may be slightly cooler and greener than open plains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress Conservatively

Modest dress is appreciated—cover shoulders and knees in public to respect local norms, especially for women.

Greetings and Hospitality

Greet people with a friendly salam/bonjour and accept offers of tea or food when offered; it's polite to reciprocate warmth and small gestures.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women. Many locals are happy to pose if asked respectfully.

Religious Respect

Be mindful during prayer times and Ramadan; avoid loud behavior near mosques and observe local customs.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zaouiet Says is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime rates; petty theft can occur so keep valuables secure and carry minimal cash. Roads can be narrow and poorly lit—drive cautiously and avoid walking on busy roads after dark. Respect local customs to avoid social friction and carry a copy of ID; register with your embassy if staying long-term. Drink bottled water if unsure about tap water and take standard mosquito/heat precautions in summer.

Tipping in Zaouiet Says

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small change for café servers, 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and a few dirhams for guides or helpers.

Payment Methods

Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king in small towns—carry small bills and coins. ATMs are likely in larger nearby towns; some restaurants or guesthouses may accept cards but expect limited card acceptance locally.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers and productive farmland. Ideal for outdoor walks and market visits.

Summer

Can be hot and dry during the day, especially inland; mornings and evenings are more comfortable. Carry water, sun protection and plan activities for cooler hours.

Autumn

Pleasant weather, harvest activity and fewer tourists. Good for cultural visits and exploring surrounding countryside.

Winter

Mild to cool days with cooler nights and occasional rain; nearby higher ground can be chilly. Some rural services may slow down in bad weather.

Ramadan (dates vary)

Daily life shifts—many shops open at different hours and some daytime eateries close; evenings become more lively after sunset prayers.

Nightlife Guide

Zaouiet Says at Night

Nightlife in Zaouiet Says is quiet and community-oriented—expect cafés with tea and conversation, occasional family gatherings and local events. There are no large nightclubs; for bars, live music and late-night entertainment, you will need to travel to a nearby larger town or city. Evenings are a good time to experience local music, storytelling and relaxed social life.

Hiking in Zaouiet Says

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Foothill trails and local ridgelines

Short, accessible hikes on nearby low hills offer panoramic views of the town, olive groves and countryside—suitable for half-day outings.

Argan grove walks

Gentle routes through argan and olive groves where you can observe traditional tree harvesting and local biodiversity.

Day hikes to regional high ground

Longer day trips to higher terrain in the regional ranges provide more challenging hiking, varied scenery and cooler temperatures; consider a guide if unfamiliar with the area.

Airports

How to reach Zaouiet Says by plane.

Agadir - Al Massira Airport (AGA)

Major airport serving the Souss-Massa region with domestic and limited international flights; reachable by car or bus from nearby towns—useful gateway for international visitors.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Larger international airport with frequent flights; farther away but useful for more flight options and connections; accessible by road or intercity bus.

Smaller regional aerodromes

There may be smaller regional airstrips or seasonal charters in the wider region, but commercial service is limited—plan via Agadir or Marrakech for reliable connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Zaouiet Says is highly walkable within the town center and local neighborhoods; streets are compact and distances short. Some paths may be unpaved and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. For reaching surrounding groves or hills, you may need a taxi or private transport unless you plan a longer walk.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural Amazigh (Berber) and Arab communities

Population is primarily local Amazigh and Arab families engaged in agriculture, small trade and crafts; multi-generational households are common.

Seasonal market visitors and traders

Nearby villages converge on weekly markets, bringing a diverse mix of rural producers and traders from the region.

Young people migrating to cities

Many younger residents travel or move to larger towns for education and work, though they often return for family and festivals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport—local pickup games are common in open fields and schoolyards; community support for regional teams is strong.

Running and walking

Daily walking and informal running are common, with locals using village lanes and trails for exercise.

Equestrian and traditional events

In rural Morocco, horse-related activities and traditional equestrian displays may appear at festivals or local celebrations.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Zaouiet Says is light compared with cities, but main roads can be narrow and share space with livestock and bicycles. Public transport consists largely of shared taxis (grand taxis) and regional buses—schedules can be irregular so allow flexibility. Driving outside daylight hours can be challenging due to limited street lighting and road signage.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaouiet Says.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian dishes are common—vegetable tagines, lentil stews and couscous—but always confirm that broths are meat-free. Markets provide fresh produce for self-catering.

Vegan

Possible but requires care: many dishes use butter or eggs; ask vendors to prepare vegetable-only dishes or order salads and bread with olive oil.

Halal

Most meat served will be halal by default; pork is uncommon in local menus. Religious dietary norms mean fewer surprises for Muslim visitors.

Gluten-free

Bread, couscous and pastries are staples—gluten-free options are limited. Rely on grilled meats, salads and vegetable tagines, and communicate needs clearly.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical care and pharmacies are often available locally, but facilities are limited compared with larger cities. For emergencies or specialized treatment, the nearest full-service hospital will be in a larger regional town; plan transport options in advance. Travel health insurance and carrying a small first-aid kit and any necessary medications are recommended.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide