A KINGDOM OF KASBAHS
A KINGDOM OF KASBAHS
Three hours and a world away from Marrakech are the famous kasbahs (feudal family castles) of the Southern High Atlas and the Skoura Oasis. The hundred or so kasbahs date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, and provide an interesting insight into the lives of the powerful families that controlled the trade routes to and from the Sahara. Your journey takes you south from Marrakech over the spectacular Tiz-n-Tichka (High Atlas pass) with its views of dramatic mountain and desert landscapes to the Dades Valley on the northern edge of the Sahara.
Our recommendations
Season: all year round except mid winter.
Length: 7 nights. (A 5 nights' itinerary can be created for a short break holiday.)
Flights: Marrakech.
Prices from £450 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*
Day Nights' Stay Typical itinerary for illustration
1 2 Fly to Marrakech. Transfer** from Marrakech airport to Skoura (5 hrs) over Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains.
2 Explore the Skoura Oasis with visits (with or without guide) to local kasbahs, which may include Kasbah Amerhidl, Dar Aït Sidi el Mati and Kasbah Aït Abou.
3 Visit Kasbah Taorirt (45mins) in Ourzazate, one of the largest kasbahs in Morocco.
3 2 Transfer** to Kasbah Ellouze at Tamdaght nr Ait-Benhaddou (45 mins) a very atmospherc building in a traditional kasbah hamlet.
4 Visit the World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou whose ancient kasbahs date back to the 16th century and are some of the best conserved in Morocco. Its location is on the former caravan trading route for salt, gold and ivory between the Sahara and Marrakech. More recently it has been a backdrop to a number of well-known Hollywood films.
5 Vist the Kasbah of el Glaoui at Telouet (1hr), a stunning kasbah with a beautiful mountainous backdrop. The huge structures are crumbling but still impressive.
5 3 Transfer** on to Marrakech (2.5 hrs), and in the afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna.
6 Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech and the Medersa Ben Youssef, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).
7 Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the Marrakech souks, gardens or museums (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.
Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights staying at El Borj (Marrakech), Kasbah Ellouze (Ait Benhaddou), Sawadi Lodge (Skoura). Suggested accommodation is mid-price range. Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternative accommodations if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Transport options: ** This itinerary is based on self drive car except where a taxi is indicated; option to have a driver or a taxi or minibus with driver. All travel times are approximate.
Extension options: Deep desert and High Atlas extensions are easily available on this suggested itinerary.
