If there is a route that will allow you to discover the region's treasures in-depth, it is with no doubt the road of the thousand kasbahs. The road trip from Ouarzazate to Erfoud via Tinghir provides access to a wide range of Kasbahs of various ages and types located between valleys and mountains. Full of history, these architectural marvels will transport you back in time on an extraordinary journey, varied landscapes, and unique experiences.
Located 60 kilometers north of Ouarzazate, it is recommended that you explore the Ounila Valley first. Its green plateaus are home to several kasbahs, which provide a taste of the adventure to explore. The path passes via the magnificent Ksar Ait Ben Haddou and the Kasbah Talmesla, often known as the Kasbah of Storks.
Subtle alchemy of natural curiosities and centuries-old buildings
The trip begins in the wonderful city of Ouarzazate, which is home to the famous Kasbah of Taourirt. From there, you will travel to Skoura, a beautiful palm grove known for the Kasbah Amerhidil, constructed in the 17th century. There, you will also have the opportunity to explore the Kasbah Ait Moho and the Sidi Aissa mausoleum.
The twisty route from Skoura to Kelaat M’Gouna follows Assif M’Goun. The trails will take you to the magnificent Kasbah Mirna, which stands on a rocky mountain in the center of the Valley of Roses. You can continue your trip to Imi n’Ouaka and Bou Taghrar, containing numerous kasbahs in the middle of a magical landscape.
After passing through the Kasbah of Ait Kassi, the road continues towards Boumalne-Dades, where the Kasbah of Ait Ouzza, the most gorgeous in the region at 18m in height, is located. Then, continue to Msemrir via the Dades gorges, passing through various Ksours, including the one that holds the exquisite Kasbah of Imdiazen.
As a result, and before reaching Tinghir, the road trip takes you through a lunar landscape to arrive at Ksar Imider and its seven kasbahs. After seeing the Kasbah of Glaoui and the Ikelane mosque, you will almost certainly take a trip to the famous Todgha Gorges. The Kasbah of Ali Dani and the mausoleum of Moulay Mohamed in Ait Zilal, the Zaouia of Assoul, the Kasbah of Ifri, and the Ksar of Tamtatoucht are among the architectural masterpieces to be discovered.
The journey continues east to Ferkla Oasis, which is home to the well-known Ksar El Khorbat. Consider visiting Goulmima to visit the region’s largest Kasbahs of Ait Yahia ou Othmane, where a part of which is still inhabited. From Tinejdad to Erfoud, various Ksours, including Touroug and Achouria, professionally restored.
Thus, the final major step is North Erfoud. in there, lie the Ksours of Jrana and, especially, El Maadid’, the biggest architectural adobe structure in the entire region.
Detours not included, you have traveled at least 400 kilometers, by the time you arrive. The road trip takes several days, which you can spend with locals for a more authentic experience.
Exporation of the kasbahs does not end here. A road trip is possible down the Draa valley to the south of the Jbel Saghro massif. The Rissani-Taznakht road is not only less well-known than the Ouarzazate-Erfoud line, but it is also rich in the structure that blends architecture and geology in the middle of spectacular landscapes.
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