DIRECTION OUARZAZATE : cross the majestic high Atlas and discover the most beautiful Kasbahs in Morocco
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High Atlas Mountains
One of the most scenic regions in all of Morocco, a land of majestic, sometimes snowcapped, mountains; verdant valleys, terraced fields; and remote berber villages. The drive is over one of the region’s dramatic pass : Tichka pass (7616 feets ).
Duration: 3 hours
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Telouet Kasbah
The Kasbah of Telouet arguably boasts some of the best Islamic architecture in Morocco with an interior so intricately designed and a history so gripping; views over beautiful mountains green and peaceful Berber villages. The legendary Pacha Glaoui commissioned 300 best craftsmen who worked for 3 years to decorate the ceilings and walls : amazing mosaics, beautiful carvings, stucco, zellij, cedar wood …
Duration: 40 minutes
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Ounila Valley
It was originally the main thoroughfare for the trans-saharan trade route between Marrakech and Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, evidence of this once highly important role is reflected in the numerous crumbling kasbahs and ksars , which are dotted all throughout the valley. The Ounila river brings life to the otherwise arid and dry land, forming a green, meandering river of lush plantations wherever the water flows. The Ounila valley is a remarkable display of Southern Moroccan architecture , with tiny adobe villages and mosques stacked up into the valley walls while Kasbahs and ksars slowly erode back into the red tinted earth alongside them.
Duration: 60 minutes
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Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
The Word “ksar” refers to a large group of Kasbahs ( castles ) that are built close together and which are located behind the fortified walls of a city. Ait Ben Haddou is an earthen city that is constructed from clay bricks and has thick defensive walls protecting the interior. Listed as a UNESCO World heritage from 1987, this site has a very strong bond with Holywood. David Lean chose Ait Ben Haddou as the perfect location for his movie ”Lawrence of Arabia” in 1962. Other famous movies that have been filmed there include “Jewels of the Nile”, “The living daylights”, “kundun”, “the Mummy” , “Gladiator”, Alexander” and famous T.V serials like “Game of Thrones” or “Isabel” … The site is not only astonished at the historical beauty ( more than 1000 years old ), but many visitors find themselves in awe of the fact that they can walk the same streets as some of their favorite movie stars.
Duration: 60 minutes
DIRECTION DESERT : live the desert experience ( camel trekking and after sunset up the dunes nomadic diner show )
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Draa Valley
Wadi Draa, born in the Atlas massif, sprinkles a palm grove on nearly 200 kms, before getting lost in the Sahara sands. The valley is fortified with countless adobe Kasbahs and ksars. We will stop at Tanssikht Oasis to walk there and understand its aspects and meanings.
Duration: 2 hours
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Zagora
Stop for lunch.
Most of residents have dark skin, are descendants of slaves kidnapped from Sudan during the Caravan Route. On Wednesdays and Sundays, market days, we could visit the largest souk south of Ouarzazate. The small town is known for 2 things : the most delicious watermelon produced in Morocco and the sand bath, the latter being a kind of cure of joint diseases.
Duration: 2 hours
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Tamegroute
Visit to a traditional cooperation for green pottery craft.
Duration: 30 minutes
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M'Hamid
The M’Hamid palm grove was especially strategic over the centuries as one of the main trading posts for the trans-Saharan caravans : amber, ivory, musk, salt and slaves.
Trekking by camel farther into the dunes – it takes about 1h1/2 hours – and overnight in nomad tents in a secure and comfortable camp. Diner & Berber show around the camp fire.
Duration: 2 hours
BACK TO OUARZAZATE & MARRAKECH : many visits including Ouarzazate
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M'Hamid
After watching the sunrise up the dunes and breakfast in the camp, camel ride back to the road.
Duration: 2 hours
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Tamegroute
Historically served as a hub of learning and religion through its famous suffi zaouiya Naciria, founded in the 17th century. With its thousands of manuscripts, it’s one of the richest in North Africa
Duration: 60 minutes
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Amezrou
Visit of a former Jewish Kasbah, where are the village’s silversmiths. The craft was historically the domain of Berber and Arab Jews ( they controlled the silver trade along the former caravan route ).
Duration: 60 minutes
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Ouarzazate
The gorgeous city is considered one of the best destinations for tourists. Called the door of the desert, Capital of Kasbahs, Holywood of Morocco, it’s a transit point between Marrakech and the Sahara.
Duration: 2 hours
