Itinerary: "Marrakech and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs"

Characteristics

Around 1,500 km over about twelve days, best done with your own vehicle for ease and freedom.

Route: Marrakech > Tizi-n-Tichka Road > Aït Ben Haddou > Ouarzazate > Skoura > Vallée des Roses > Boumalne Dadès > Dadès Gorges > Todgha Gorges > Tinerhir > Merzouga > Zagora > Drâa Valley > Ouarzazate > Marrakech.

Highlights

An itinerary combining Marrakech, the High Atlas, and the desert, exploring the main natural treasures of this part of the country via the "Route of 1000 Kasbahs".

Itinerary and Stages

• Day 1 to 3: Marrakech

-- Marrakech: a must-see with its rich heritage, medina, and lively atmosphere.

• Day 4: Marrakech > Tizi-n-Tichka Road > Aït Ben Haddou (approx. 200 km)

-- Tizi-n-Tichka Pass Road: the stunning mountain road linking Marrakech to Ouarzazate via the pass of the same name and (if you wish) Telouet and Aït Ben Haddou.

-- Aït Ben Haddou: the ancient fortified village (ksar) is a remarkable and unique UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Day 5: Aït Ben Haddou > Ouarzazate (approx. 50 km)

-- Ouarzazate: now known for its film studios, the "gateway to the desert" has long been a crossroads between the Sahara and the Atlas regions. The Fint Oasis is nearby.

• Day 6: Ouarzazate > Skoura > Vallée des Roses > Boumalne Dadès (approx. 150 km)

-- Skoura: this Berber village is home to remarkable rammed-earth buildings and a vast palm grove.

-- Rose Valley: breathtaking landscapes and a top spot for nature and hiking enthusiasts.

-- Boumalne-Dadès: thanks to its proximity to the Dadès and Todgha Gorges, as well as the Djebel Saghro and Vallée des Roses, the village has become a tourist base for exploring these areas.

• Day 7 and 8: Boumalne Dadès > Dadès Gorges > Todgha Gorges > Tinerhir (approx. 250 km)

-- Dadès Gorges: these unique and spectacular gorges are explored along a small road winding between cliffs. A must for nature and hiking lovers.

-- Todgha Gorge: a mountain road leading into gorges where a few villages nestle, surrounded by towering cliffs up to 300 m high.

-- Tinerhir: perched at 1,300 m with stunning views, Tinerhir is one of the most beautiful and richest oases in the country.

• Day 9: Tinerhir > Merzouga (approx. 200 km)

-- Merzouga: the village is famous for its Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest in Morocco. The area also offers plenty of hiking opportunities.

• Day 10: Merzouga

• Day 11: Merzouga > Zagora (approx. 300 km)

-- Zagora: the main town of the Drâa Valley, with a vast palm grove at the edge of the desert.

• Day 12: Zagora > Drâa Valley > Ouarzazate > Marrakech (approx. 350 km)

-- Draa Valley: nearly 200 km along the Drâa. The valley is also remarkable for its oases, ksour, and kasbahs scattered along the route.