Nestled between the peaks of the Atlas and the vastness of the desert, the south-east of the kingdom is a unique territory.
From Ouarzazate, you change country and enter the Saharan world.
On the road of the thousand
kasbahs
, you admire the architectural genius of the Berber populations who erected these impressive earthen fortresses.
In the palm groves, in the shade of date palms, you will discover the secrets of irrigation passed down from generation to generation.
In the sands of Merzouga or Erg Chegaga, you drink tea while watching the sunset illuminate the endless dunes.
If the Sahara and the dromedaries have always made you dream, the south of Morocco is the ideal place to initiate you!
Read also: Morocco: 10 unmissable visits to the imperial cities
The Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
The interior of the Taourirt Kasbah.
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Considered the gateway to the South, Ouarzazate is the ideal starting point for your stay.
The Taourirt kasbah is a must-see monument in the city.
This imposing earthen construction will give you a first glimpse of the traditional architecture of the region.
Admire the delicacy of the decorations adorning the facades.
The interior of the building is equally lovely, with stucco and earthenware walls and carved cedar wood ceilings.
This refinement reminds us that the place was designed by Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech, who lived there with his family until 1956. Your visit will be the opportunity to learn more about this famous character in history. from the country.
Our advice:
to understand the history of the place, it is best to take a guide at the entrance (count 7-12 € depending on your negotiating skills) or through your hotel.
Entrance costs € 2 (20 dirhams).
Phone.
: +212 675 046 730.
Read also: Four good reasons to discover Ouarzazate
The ksar of Aït Benhaddou
Built on a hill overlooking a wadi, this fortified village is surrounded by defensive walls reinforced by corner towers.
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30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, the ksar of Aït Benhaddou is one of the most beautiful examples of mud architecture in southern Morocco. Along with the
kasbah
, the
ksar
is one of the traditional constructions of the Berbers living in these pre-Saharan regions. Classified by Unesco, Aït Benhaddou is one of the best preserved. Built on a hill overlooking a wadi, this fortified village is surrounded by defensive walls reinforced by corner towers. Stroll through the alleys, admire the red brick houses, then climb to the top to enjoy a magnificent panorama. If you are a cinephile, you will have an air of déjà vu! Famous films have been shot there, including
David Lean's
Lawrence of Arabia
,
Ridley Scott's
Gladiator
or the cult series
Game of Thrones
.
Practical: The site has two free tickets.
Two other entrances are through private houses converted into museums, where you can discover the daily life of yesteryear.
To visit them, count 1 €.
The palm grove of Skoura
Kasbah Amridil, a small architectural marvel, with its ocher walls inlaid with friezes.
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44 kilometers east of Ouarzazate, Skoura marks the start of the Dades valley and the road of the thousand kasbahs. In spring, the snow-capped Atlas contrasts with the greenery of the immense palm grove. You stroll in the cultivated gardens, between olive trees, almond trees, fig trees and pomegranate trees. The oasis is known for its many kasbahs scattered among the vegetation. Do not miss the Amridil Kasbah, a small architectural marvel, with its ocher walls encrusted with friezes, its central garden and its crenellated towers. Entrance: 20 DH (2 €), or 50 DH (5 €) for a guided tour. Phone. : +212 524 852 279.
Practical:
if you want to go green, many establishments are nestled in the heart of the palm grove.
They can arrange a tour for you with a guide to discover the
khettaras
system
, a network of irrigation canals allowing the sharing of water between different farmers.
Kelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of Roses
The valley seduces with its dazzling colors: the land turns from pink to bright red and the mountains are carpeted with orchards in green hues.
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50 kilometers from Skoura, the region of Kelaat M'Gouna is famous for the cultivation of the Damascus rose. At flowering, in April-May, a nice fragrance will perfume your way. The flowers are distilled to make rose water and related products: perfumes, soaps, make-up. In the city, you can visit the distillery factories or even attend the Rose Festival in early May. This valley also seduces with its dazzling colors: the land turns from pink to bright red and the mountains are carpeted with orchards of green hues. In summer, you rest among almond, fig and apricot trees. A beautiful scented stopover!
Our advice:
north of Kelaat M'Gouna, Bou Taghrar is a charming village to stay.
La Kasbah des Montagnes guest house organizes excursions to explore the treasures of the region, such as the M'Goun Gorge and the Ameskur waterfalls.
Contact Mohamed Ait Lahri: kasbahdesmontagnes@gmail.com.
Tel. / Whatsapp: + 212 601 40 41 14 / + 212 6 70 831 600.
The valley of the Dades gorges
The road runs along the wadi and winds between the ocher mountains, sometimes reducing to a trickle of tar as the gorges are so narrow.
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From Boumalne begins one of the most grandiose roads in south-eastern Morocco. Going due north, you enter the famous Dades gorges, not to be missed under any circumstances! The road runs alongside the
wadi
(the river) and winds between the ocher mountains, sometimes reducing itself to a trickle of tar as the gorges are so narrow. With a classic car you can go to Msemrir, located 60 km away. Take in the bird's-eye views on the winding cliff-side road. It is best to spend the night in a hotel in the valley and explore the surroundings on foot.
Our advice: Mohamed Aït Khouya, native of the region, is an independent hiking guide who offers several routes: the Sidi Boubker gorge, an easy 3-hour walk;
the cliff of Tamlalte, called "valley of the fingers of a monkey" for its rocks with evocative shapes, a nice 4 hour course in very narrow gorges.
Count 40 € / day.
Tel. / Whatsapp: + 212 650 714 185.
Tinghir oasis
The oasis of Tinghir is built at the foot of the foothills of the Atlas.
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50 km east of Boumalne, you arrive in the small town of Tinghir, perched at 1342 meters. Built at the foot of the foothills of the Atlas, it is famous for its vast palm grove. Go there in the morning or at the end of the afternoon to discover the daily life of the peasants who take care of their gardens. As in Skoura, this is the opportunity to learn more about their irrigation system. Take a detour through the Ikalalne Mosque, a former place of prayer converted into a museum. Tinghir is also famous for its old
mellah
(district), the village of Aït El Haj, where a large Jewish community lived. From this presence, the city has notably preserved the art of making silver jewelry. In the souk, you will find quality crafts,from jewels to leathers and carpets woven by women.
Practical:
you can walk through the palm grove but it's a labyrinth!
Take good landmarks or be accompanied by a guide.
The
Todgha gorges
The gorges are also a popular climbing spot.
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Want to cool off in a spectacular setting? Do not miss the Todgha gorges! They are among the most beautiful in the region. From Tinghir, take the road north to Aït Baha, 15 km away. You walk along the Todgha wadi which flows all year round between the mountains. The tar zigzags between the immense rock faces. At sunrise or sunset, the ocher stone takes on superb orange hues. The entrance to the gorges is very popular and has many hotels. The best is to continue to the village of Tamtetoucht to get away from the crowds. You will be almost alone and will be able to meet some shepherds. Allow 35 km and one hour for the journey. The gorges are also a popular climbing spot. Hotels offer equipment and documentation on the tracks.
Our tip:
the place is very busy on weekends during the warmer months.
To be calm, prefer the morning.
The dunes of Merzouga
The dunes of Merzouga are the most famous in Morocco.
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200 km from Tinghir, the dunes of Merzouga are the most famous in Morocco. Imagine the waves of sand caressing the horizon, changing color with the light. You are right in the postcard of the Sahara! Erg Chebbi is only 30 km long by ten wide, but if you have never seen a dune, it will be enough to enchant you. Easily accessible by tar, the site has become very touristy. Many agencies offer all kinds of activities: camel rides, quad tours, 4x4 trips, night in a luxury camp. To immerse yourself (and get away from the crowds), we recommend the camel trek of several days with nights in bivouac.
Ali Oubassidi, owner of the Ksar Bicha hostel, offers classic excursions, and some special features: 4x4 driving lessons in the dunes, hot sand baths to treat rheumatism and observation of the local fauna.
The life of the fennecs has no secrets for him!
Tel. / Whatsapp: + 212 666 506 481. Disconnection guaranteed!
Read also: The Moroccan adventure in a sidecar
The mountains of Jebel Saghro
Culminating at 2712 m, the massif is made up of volcanic rocks which give it a lunar aspect.
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If the desert is often associated with dunes, it can also be stone! Example with the Djebel Saghro, a massif with an arid climate located between the Dades valley and the Drâa valley. Culminating at 2712 m, it is made up of volcanic rocks which give it a lunar aspect. You move in the middle of rocky peaks, canyons notched with wadis and phantasmagorical reliefs. This region is the territory of the Berber nomads of the Aït Atta tribe. You can discover their life as goat and camel breeders in these infinite spaces.
To explore this isolated region, hire a guide.
Based in Nkob, Fouad El Ouarzazi organizes tours on foot or in 4x4, from one to several days.
On the program: Akhbach waterfalls, Bab n'Ali rocks, rock paintings and engravings from the Aoudrez valley.
Count 500 DH / person (47 €) for two all-inclusive days.
Tel. / Whatsapp: + 212 670 40 86 61. Email: sidiayoub2013@gmail.com.
The dunes of erg Chegaga
Erg Chegaga is at the gateway to the desert.
For sleeping, fixed camps offer comfortable tents.
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At the extreme south of the Drâa valley is the other large field of dunes in the region: erg Chegaga. Unlike Merzouga, this one is only accessible on foot or by 4x4. From M'hamid, allow 2 hours of track to get there, to be done with a guide who knows the area. Do not forget that you are at the gates of the Sahara! For sleeping, fixed camps offer comfortable tents. On the other hand, to better enjoy the silence, we recommend the bivouac in the tent. You can isolate yourself and have the sunset all to yourself. Tea in hand, in front of the dunes bathed in golden light, your efforts will quickly be rewarded!
Our advice:
to accompany you, who better than an ultra-trail champion, perfectly familiar with the region?
The Moroccan Lahcen Ahansal, ten times winner of the mythical Marathon des Sables, has converted into a guide and offers tours on foot or in 4x4.
I promise, it won't make you run in the dunes, unless you ask!
Tel. / Whatsapp: + 212 661 311 471. Mail: mdsahansal@hotmail.com.
Read also: Glam weekend in the dunes of the Agafay desert, at the gates of Marrakech
In practice
The best period is from October to April.
Temperatures are pleasant during the day (17 to 27 ° C) and cold at night (3-8 ° C).
Summer should be avoided, as daytime temperatures can reach 40 ° C.
Before the health crisis, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Transavia operated direct flights between Paris and Ouarzazate (3h30). Ryanair offered direct flights from Marseille (2 hours 50 minutes). Currently, you need to stop in Casablanca and then take a domestic flight from RAM. You can also land in Marrakech and connect Ouarzazate by car or public transport (allow around 4 hours).
