The Road of the Thousand Kasbahs
Between Ouarzazate and Tinghir, earthen fortresses rise above palm groves and rose fields. A short guide to one of Morocco's most beautiful roads.
On the way from Marrakech to the Sahara, the road follows a valley lined with kasbahs: fortified houses of earth and straw built by Berber families and caravan merchants. Travellers call it the Road of the Thousand Kasbahs.
Ait Ben Haddou
The most famous of all is not a single kasbah but a ksar, a fortified village, climbing a hill above the river Ounila. Listed by UNESCO, it has appeared in many films. Walk up to the old granary at the top for the view.
Ouarzazate and Taourirt
Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, is home to the kasbah of Taourirt and to large film studios. It is a good place to stop for lunch.
Skoura
An oasis of palm trees hides some of the most beautiful kasbahs, such as Amridil, still lived in and open to visitors.
Kelaat M'Gouna and the Rose Valley
In spring, the valley fills with small pink Damask roses, used for rose water and cosmetics. A festival celebrates the harvest every May.
Boumalne Dades
The road then enters the Dades valley, with its red cliffs and rock formations, before reaching the Todra gorges.
All our tours from Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Agadir to the desert follow at least part of this road.
