Typical scenery in southern Morocco - Berber villages, dramatic mountains, almond blossom....

 

Only for the brave - a bowl of escargot on sale in Marrakech's medina

 

 

Mohammed, one of our superb guides - pictured atop the "grande dune" at Erg Lihoudi

 

Why not spoil yourself with a luxury hot-air balloon ride from Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near Ouarzazate

(Skoura, Tisselday & Ait Benhaddou)

Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
typical kasbah "pise" walls

Ouarzazate is the first town most people see after crossing the High Atlas and is the unofficial capital of the south of Morocco. Formerly a Foreign Legion outpost in the southern Kasbah region, it has been notably used as a location backdrop by many epic films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. Near to Ouarzazate there has been a some interesting accommodation development, mostly in kasbah-style small hotels and maison d'hote. The accommodation on this page is found in Skoura (about 30 minutes from Ouarzazate to the east) and in or near Ait Ben Haddou (about 45 mins to the north of Ouarzazate).

Skoura

the Amerhidil Kasbah near Skoura
the rose-petal "industry" thrives in this area of Morocco

Known locally for its rose petals (which inadvertantly decorate the roadside) and outstanding pise (mud-brick) buildings we would recommend a stop here on any route around the south. The Skoura palm grove, where many other fruit trees grow: pomegranate, almond, apricot, date, fig and olive, is situated 42km from Ouarzazate. It also houses several kasbahs, more and more impressive as you penetrate deeper and deeper into the palm grove. Not far away, near Toundout, there are must-see salt mines: you will see three colours of salt, red for drying meat, black for feeding livestock and white for cooking.

The Dadès Valley runs from Ouarzazate to Boumalne. It is dry and lined with kasbahs and unique fortified villages. From time to time, you should leave the road and discover traditional Berber adobe houses. Take a cool break at the Skoura palm grove. In May, the rose has the place of honour in a three-day festival held throughout the area - you can see rose water being made and buy associated products or just enormous bunches of roses to dry.

Kasbah Ben Moro, Skoura
Les Jardins de Skoura
An alternative base to Ouarzazate for exploring the region. A 17th Century conversion with plenty of style and superb views of the High Atlas and over to the remains of the Amerhidil Kasbah.
Set amongst the palm groves near the village of Skoura with the Atlas Mountains always in the background. An intimate property and ideal for a night or two on a touring holiday of Morocco's southern region.

Tisselday & Ait Ben Haddou

Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

Leaving Ouarzazate to the North you can visit the Tiffoultoute kasbah and the Ait Benhaddou ksar. These remarkable examples of traditional architecture give a foretaste of the famous Route of the 1000 kasbahs. The view from the impressive ksar (fort, plural ksour), which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Humanity Site, is a magnificent panorama of the palm grove, the reg (stony desert) and the Atlas mountains.

Kasbah Ellouze
view from the terrace of I Roccha Ksar Ighnda Hotel, near Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah Ellouze Hotel, near Ait Ben Haddou
Traditional and secluded - highly recommended for self-drive holidays. Situated high above the road with panoramic views along the whole valley.
A new hotel dedicated to relaxation in the area near Ait Ben Haddou. The Ksar Ighnda offers high quality accommodation, fine dining and a mini-spa.
Located adjacent to the Kasbah of Tamdaght (oneof the former residences of the Glaoui lords and more recently used as a backdrop in many Hollywood films). Excellent French-Moroccan food.

Holiday Prices

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