Road of a thousand kasbahs
A journey through the valleys of southern Morocco, the land of the kasbahs: Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm grove, the Dades valley and the Todra gorges. Length and itinerary tailored to you.
About this tour
South of the High Atlas, between Ouarzazate and Tinerhir, lies a region known as the road of a thousand kasbahs. Its valleys are dotted with kasbahs and ksour, buildings of earth and straw raised over centuries by families and communities for protection and to store grain.
This route focuses on that landscape: oases and palm groves, mud-brick villages the colour of the mountains, and rocky canyons. It is a calmer trip than the desert routes, designed for stopping, walking and understanding how life has been lived in southern Morocco.
Highlights
The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ouarzazate and the Taourirt kasbah.
The Skoura palm grove and its kasbahs among the palms.
The Dades valley and the so-called Valley of Roses around Kelaat M'Gouna.
The Todra gorges near Tinerhir.
A sample route
The length and itinerary of this route are tailored to you. As a reference, a common route starts in Marrakech, crosses the High Atlas and heads east through these places:
Aït Ben Haddou and the Ouarzazate area.
The Skoura palm grove.
Kelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of Roses.
The Dades valley and gorges.
Tinerhir and the Todra gorges.
What about the desert?
If you are interested, it can also be combined with the Merzouga dunes. Tell us how many days you have and we will suggest an itinerary.
Who is this route for?
For travellers who already know the cities or want a quieter trip focused on earthen architecture, oases and valley life. It is also a good choice for photography lovers and easy hiking.
Good to know
The length and route are agreed when you request a quote, based on your dates and interests.
In spring the Valley of Roses is usually in bloom; ask about dates if you would like to see it.
Included services, the type of accommodation and the conditions are set out in your personalised quote.
Keep planning your trip
Places on this route: Aït Ben Haddou, Dades Valley and High Atlas.
Worth reading before you travel: The kasbahs of southern Morocco and Hiking in the Atlas: routes and tips to get started.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Places on this tour
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Frequently asked questions
What is a kasbah?
It is a fortified building of earth and straw, typical of southern Morocco, used as a family home or as a refuge and store. A ksar, by contrast, is a fortified village with several houses inside a wall.
How many days does this route take?
The length is tailored to you. Tell us how many days you have and what you would like to see when you request a quote, and we will suggest a route.
Does it include the dune desert?
The route focuses on the valleys and kasbahs of the south. If you would also like to see the Merzouga dunes, it can be considered when preparing the itinerary.