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On the Kasbah Trail

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On the Kasbah Trail

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This Day excursion is packed with visual goodies. Cross the High Atlas Mountains at the pass of Tizi n´Tichka at 2260m and we will take you on a circuit to visit some real hidden treasures. A few kilometres along the Ounila Valley is Kasbah Telouet; a true gem, outside it is in ruins, but inside it conceals thousands of hours by many hands of some exceptional traditional craftsmanship.

Once a palace of the Glaoui Dynasty, it is truly magnificent. This circuit brings you through some small Berber Villages along the Ounila Valley where salt is mined in open pans and through some stunning scenery. Further along the piste we find ourselves at the fortress Kasbah Äit Benhaddou; a ksar on the old caravan route where salt was traded between Morocco and Timbuktu. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1987, nowadays it is often used as a film set, the Gladiator being the most renowned movie shot in this location, there are many many more as Morocco is regularly used by movie producers. Imagine yourselves leaping from roof to roof to escape the evil princes, or locked in the dungeons of the Gladiator master.

A visit to this valley where so many well known movies were made will be worth the trip. It is still inhabited by 8 or 9 Berber families and you are welcome to visit some of these homes to discover the lifestyle. The best place to view the fantastic adobe kasbahs with their decorated towers is up at the top of the fortress hill; from there you can see all the rooftops, the surrounding desert landscape and the lush oasis that feeds this community. We can continue to Ouarzazate where you can visit Kasbah Taourirt and the cinema studios before returning to Marrakech.

This is approximately four hours drive from Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains. The route is a series of switchback bends as it climbs up to the pass. The vistas are incredible and there are great photo opportunities. In the shorter days of winter we recommend this as a 2 day tour as the hours of daylight are less.

We also recommend some excellent trekking in the area.

As with all our trips and tours, we are flexible. Pick up and drop off will be at a time and place organised with you in advance.

  • Destination
  • Included
    Bottled water
    Personal guide
    Private transport
  • Not Included
    Accommondation
    Airport transfers
    Flights
    Insurance
    Meals as per tour description
    Soft drinks
    Tips for staff and guides
At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, surrounded by Mediterranean waters and opening onto the vastness of the Atlantic ocean, Morocco is a wonderland for nature lovers. It is the "land of the distant sunset", a destination rich in contrasts, with a two thousand year-old history, that will stimulate your curiosity. In these lands where several dynasties succeeded one another, you will discover remains of the greatest Mediterranean civilizations. In the north of the country, the Roman ruins of Volubilis stand. In Rabat, pieces of architecture are evidence of the ancient French presence. Everywhere else, there are several treasures tracing the Muslim civilizations: the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the green expanses of the Menara gardens. Between sea and mountains, desert sands and green plains, eye-popping panoramas are displayed to shower you with tranquility and natural beauty; enchanting vivid pictures with the richness of a brawling culture transport you into a most raw nature.

Morocco, a melting pot of dynasties and cultures:

Each country has its own history: historical facts, events and important milestones that gave the country its true historical value. The history of a country is one of the events considered worthy of remembrance, which perfectly applies to Morocco. With several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years: the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with several types of heritage recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, the most fascinated by nature, history, the art of living and Moroccan hospitality. The experience gained during their journeys in Morocco leave them pleasantly satisfied with their stay.

Gastronomic journey with Moroccan flavours

Morocco's culinary heritage embraces the deep-rooted traditions and cultural variety of the country. Couscous, Tajine, Pastilla, Mrouzia, and R'fissa, are some of the emblematic dishes of the country that you can’t resist. Subtly composed of a wide variety of striking flavours and scents, Moroccan cuisine draws its originality from a combination between Berber, Arab-Andalusian, and Jewish culinary traditions. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage specific to each region, Morocco has built an undisputed reputation worldwide.

Authentic stay

A warm welcome, magnificent landscapes, a secular culture, everything was thought to offer you an unforgettable stay. Whatever solution you choose, the charm of Moroccan art of living will not fail to surprise you! You may lose all our bearings when travelling, especially when it comes to communicate with local people, but in Morocco you’ll feel at home. Moroccan unparalleled hospitality will make your trip a lot more easier! Without even asking, you’ll be given advises but also places to stay in. Inside of the famous medinas, the Riads and guest houses will shower you with warm reception and affection.You won’t fail to find authenticity in the mountains or in the valleys neither, if you decided to stay at the inhabitant's, in a lodging, an inn or in Kashbah made of mud-brick. And for those who dream of deserts and oases, a bivouac in the Sahara is tailor made for you.

Morocco : Long-standing traditions blend seamlessly with modernity

Morocco is undoubtedly been able to preserve its traditions and make its cultural heritage prosper through generations, using them as levers for development. In Marrakech, the Medina and its magnetic souks shower you with its traditionnal side, while Guéliz and Hivernage offer the most modern facilities and infrastructure. Far from being antagonistic, the combination of modernity and tradition embodies the true strength of Morocco. Leaving the old medina where the history of Marrakech takes hold of all the architectural details, you’ll discover modern districts. Grand boulevards, European-style buildings in ochre color charm its visitors. In a notable contrast with the old medina, the districts of Gueliz and the Hivernage give the city another level of fascination : a more modern, lively and revolutionary aspect. Gueliz, which is the beating heart of the city, is the business district. As you walk along its boulevards, you will find a Western-style setting: the headquarters of banks and companies.

Ecological tourism in Morocco

Nowadays, many tourists tick-off "Eco-Friendly" stays harking back for nature, relaxation, mediation and a total break with the routine. Looking for inner peace and zen moment goes hand-in-hand with nature preservation, for nature being the source of our hapiness. We are always looking for inner peace and this cannot be achieved without the preservation of nature: nature that does us good and protects us! Morocco, in this same context, also seeks to avoid the shortcomings of modernity, particularly in environmental matters, by promoting responsible tourism that impacts the land and the local populations.   SOURCE: VISIT MOROCCO