Morocco day 13. Thousand Kasbahs Route, Rouses Valley and Dades Gorge

Submitted by maria on Thu, 19/09/2024 - 10:38

After breakfast in our accommodation we visit the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouazazarte.

Sunrise

The Glaoui Kasbah of Taourirt is one of the best preserved in Morocco, dating from the 18th century. It is currently not possible to visit the palace because maintenance work is being carried out, but you can visit the walled ksour. Even so, from its central courtyard, you can admire the beautiful exterior decoration of the façade. Admission is 20dh/pax.

Kasbah Glaoui of Taourirt

We take the car again to continue our route through the south of Morocco, this time on the N10 following the route of the Thousand Kasbahs to the town of Tinerhir.

On this stretch we recommend the following visits:

1. Amridil Kasbah in Skoura. Located almost forty kilometres from Ouazazarte, this impressive 17th century Kasbah is in perfect condition thanks to the care taken by the family that runs it, the descendants of the Nassiri family.

There are two entrances, one on the right where you can visit the old Kasbah, where you can walk through different rooms and courtyards on several levels with magnificent views of the palm grove. It has a small museum with farming tools and several ovens; and another on the left, which leads to the hostel area. We only entered the one on the right, at each door you pay an entrance fee of 40dh/pax.

Kasbah Amridil

2. Skoura palm grove. The Skoura palm grove is the largest oasis in the Dades Valley. It is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Dozens of irrigation channels carry water throughout the palm grove, where 11th century locks have been preserved. You can hire a guide to visit it as it is quite big. We didn't, and visited some of the remaining kasbahs in the area on our own.

Skoura

3. Valley of the Roses. A beautiful valley popularly known for the cultivation of roses, but also of argan trees. It is the perfect place to buy handmade products. We recommend the local cooperative Floral de las Rosas next to the Express Lunch Cafe restaurant where we stopped for lunch.

The valley starts in the village of Kelaat M'goun, and runs about 30 kms north to Bou Tharar.

Dades Gorge

4. Dades Gorge. To get there you have to get to the village of Boumaln Dades and take the turning to the left on the R704 road for about 30 kilometres. Most people only stop at the viewpoint of the Timzzillite Chez Mohamed restaurant and hotel. Our advice is not to just take the photo from the top of the pass, but to continue along the road for a few more kilometres to reach the real Dades Gorge, it is breathtaking.

Dades Gorge

5. Monkey fingers. Along the R704 road you will find these unique rock formations known as monkey fingers. There are several viewpoints where you can stop.

Monkey fingers

6. Kasbah at Ait Ben Ali. In this small village on the R704 road you can admire its small Kasbah.

Kasbah in Ait Ben Alí

Our last stop of the day is in Tinerhir, where we spend the night in an authentic Kasbah. We stay at Kasbah Omari, two rooms with bathroom and breakfast for 37€/4pax. They have a balcony and a large common terrace with stunning views of the palm grove. The accommodation is very authentic, the bad thing is that there is a lot of dust, it has many carpets and tapestries, although it is clean.