About
14 A Kingdom of Kasbahs
Stunning Scenery and Places To Explore
Four 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 pass (the highest pass in Morocco)with its views of dramatic mountain views and down to the Dades Valley on the northern edge of the Sahara and desert landscapes.
| Season: | all year round except mid winter. |
| Length: | 7 nights (a 5 nights' itinerary is possible for a short break holiday but for more time to explore, 7 is ideal). |
| Flights: | Marrakech. |
| Pricing: | from £855 pp based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate. |
| Transport options: | This itinerary is based on a chauffeur driven trip (vehicle/driver/fuel for 5 days) 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. |
Typical Itinerary
The area south of Marrakech, through the High Atlas and into the entrance of the Sahara is a place rich with wonderful Kasbahs and easy to explore in 7 nights, for example:
| 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 | Drive to Kasbah Ellouze at Tamdaght nearr 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 | Drive 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 Note:
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights. Chauffeur driven trip (car/vehicle/fuel for 5 days; day 1 to 5). Accommodation staying at El Borj (Marrakech), Kasbah Ellouze (Ait Benhaddou), Sawadi Lodge (Skoura) - accommodation is mid-price range. Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternative accommodations if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights. Chauffeur driven trip (car/vehicle/fuel for 5 days; day 1 to 5). Accommodation staying at El Borj (Marrakech), Kasbah Ellouze (Ait Benhaddou), Sawadi Lodge (Skoura) - accommodation is mid-price range. Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternative accommodations if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Skoura
The Skoura is an oasis town set just south of the High Atlas Mountains.Marrakech
Marrakech offers visitors a wonderful flavour of Moroccan culture and life. Known as the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, it is one of the four imperial cities.Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is 19 miles northwest of Ouarzazate on the west bank of the Wadi Mellah and the Ouarzazate river.Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the biggest town in the region and an ideal stopping off point midway from Marrakech or Taroudant en route to the Saharan Dunes at either M’Hamid or at Merzouga.Deep Desert
For a more adventurous holiday in Morocco, the desert in the south east of Morocco is well worth the long journey.
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