Driving the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco: A Suggested Itinerary
- Malika
- Jul 1, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Want to explore the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs on your next Morocco trip? Discover everything you need to know about this spectacular region and how to experience it on a self-driving adventure.
With its enchanting earthen buildings and otherworldly landscapes, the Route of 1000 Kasbahs is one of my favourite areas in Morocco. It lies in the country's southeast, where a mosaic of ancient fortified cities, palm-studded oases and rugged desert landscapes combine.
Travelling the Route of a 1000 Kasbahs provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in historical scenes depicted on the silver screen, all while experiencing the comings and goings of modern-day village life.
I still remember the first time I visited the area - the beauty of the Drâa River Valley, the captivating light and the hospitality of the local people. It's a part of Morocco that I'd return to in a heartbeat.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco, including where it is and a suggested itinerary. I’ve also included recommended places to stay along the route, several of which are kasbahs themselves.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a kasbah?
While the term “kasbah" can be loosely translated as “fortress”, it refers to two distinct types of architectural structures in Morocco. These can be broadly grouped based on their geographical location and cultural influences.
In the northern parts of Morocco, the kasbahs are fortified, castle-like structures that once served as the residences of governors and administrators. These include the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and the Alcazaba in Chefchaouen, both of which held strategic importance in the governance and security of these northern cities.
Morocco's northern kasbahs share similarities with the "alcazabas" found in Spain, reflecting their strong ties to Islamic culture and Moorish influences.
In contrast, the kasbahs of southern Morocco exhibit a markedly different character and function. Rather than serving as fortified administrative hubs, they were primarily designed as residential complexes for wealthy families and as meeting points along important trade routes.
Constructed largely from earthen materials, these kasbahs reflect stronger ties to Amazigh cultural traditions.
While the northern kasbahs were built to last as cornerstones of future cities, the southern kasbahs were strategically located but not necessarily intended for long-term expansion.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
Where is the Route of 1000 Kasbahs?
Strictly speaking, the Route of 1000 Kasbahs is a 143-kilometre stretch of road that connects Ouarzazate and Goulmina. But it is more commonly used to describe a network of scenic roads that lead through landscapes dotted with ancient fortresses and traditional Amazigh villages to the east of Ouarzazate.
The area is surrounded by the High Atlas Mountains to the north and the rugged Jebel Saghro range to the south, creating a breathtaking backdrop for road trips. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to admire kasbahs in various states of ruin, some of which have been beautifully restored (and UNESCO-protected).
Some historic kasbahs have even been converted into accommodation, allowing for a truly unique overnight experience.
While it still remains off the beaten tourist track, the Route of 1000 Kasbahs is rapidly gaining in popularity amongst self-driving tourists in Morocco. Compared to the bustling city of Marrakech, it’s an opportunity to experience a different side of the country and places where traditional life still holds strong.
If you're renting a car in Morocco to explore the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, I recommend you do so through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
Suggested itinerary for exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs
The following Route of 1000 Kasbahs itinerary is designed to be completed in anywhere from 2 to 5 days, depending on the time you have available and the pace at which you prefer to travel. Beneath each destination, I’ve included recommended places to stay along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, all of which are highly atmospheric and receive rave reviews.
Suggested itinerary for the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
DISCLAIMER:
When driving the Route of 1000 Kasbahs independently, it's important to be aware that not all of the kasbahs you will pass by are structurally sound and safe for exploration. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco in 2023 caused further destabilisation and restoration works are ongoing.
Several kasbahs are officially open to visitors for a small fee (this money goes towards restoration efforts) and this is the best way to get a look inside. Others are best observed from the exterior. Alternatively, you can overnight in one of the area's many kasbah hotels, some of which are historic restorations and others replica builds.
Route of 1000 Kasbahs itinerary
Begin your drive along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Ouarzazate, a bustling desert city and the heart of Morocco's film industry. It's home to the impressive Atlas Studios, where several iconic movies have been brought to life on the silver screen (Ouarzazate is affectionately known as "Ouallywood".
Adjacent to the studios stands the magnificent Kasbah of Taourirt, one of the best-preserved historical fortresses in Morocco. This grand structure served as the residence for the powerful Glaoui family, who administered the region through a longstanding feudal system.
Restored with the help of UNESCO, the Kasbah of Taourirt is now open to visitors and is a wonderful place to get an up-close look at traditional rammed-earth Moroccan architecture. Entrance is around 20 DH but it's worth keeping in mind that some parts of the kasbah were damaged during the earthquake in 2023 and remain off-limits to visitors.
To learn more about things to see and do in Ouarzazate, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate.
Best places to stay in Ouarzazate
With its palatial design, spacious suites and inviting swimming pool, this luxury Ouarzazate hotel is beautifully decorated with Moroccan tiles.
Celebrating the area’s architectural heritage, this magnificent riad features eclectically decorated rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Boasting magnificent views of the Altas Mountains, this welcoming riad lies a little outside Ouarzazate and serves authentic Moroccan cuisine at its restaurant.
Itinerary for the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
From Ouarzazate, follow National Route 10 to the oasis town of Skoura, once an important trading post where caravans from the desert transferred their goods to mule trains headed for Fes. It’s renowned for its beautiful palmeraie (which has been protected by UNESCO) and provides habitat for more than 100 bird species.
Nestled within this verdant setting is the Kasbah of Amridil, a remarkably well-preserved fortress that reflect's Morocco's architectural heritage. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of its former occupants, with artefacts and furnishings from centuries past on display.
To be honest, I think Skoura is one of my favourite places to stay along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs. Not only does it exude a really tranquil, off-the-beaten-track feel, but the choice of kasbah hotels and lodges here is exceptional!
Best places to stay in Skoura
Set within enchanting gardens, this luxury Skoura lodge offers gourmet dining, a sparkling pool and a petanque court on the edge of the palmeraie.
This eco-friendly Skoura lodge features a saltwater swimming pool and a traditional hammam, all set within a lush oasis.
This family-run Skoura auberge features atmospheric rooms, a fireside lounge and a sparkling swimming pool.
On the edge of the palmeraie, this Skoura eco-lodge is run by two brothers who offer incredible hospitality and delicious meals.
Route of 1000 Kasbahs Morocco itinerary
From Skoura, continue to Kalaat M’Gouna, which serves as the main town of the Valley of the Roses. For generations, rosa damascena has been grown and harvested here, coming into bloom around April/May. If you’re visiting during this period, you’ll smell the scent of roses being distilled before you see them and the Festival of Roses is not to be missed.
Outside of the spring months, it’s still worth taking a detour and driving the 30-kilometre paved road that leads north from Kalaat M’Gouna along the banks of the Assif M'Goun River. It winds past sculpted cliffs and clusters of date palms, as well as tiny villages where life continues as it has done for generations.
The Valley of Roses is also home to several traditional auberges where you can stay overnight.
Best places to stay in the Valley of the Roses
This eco-friendly hotel in the Valley of the Roses features guest rooms individually decorated rooms, many with sweeping views of the snaking river below.
This kasbah-inspired hotel features traditionally styled rooms, a fireside lounge and a furnished terrace with breathtaking mountain views.
This recently renovated guest house receives rave reviews for the hospitality it provides and the delicious meals served at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Route of 1000 Kasbahs Morocco itinerary
After returning to Kalaat M’Gouna, continue along the N10 to Tinghir, which serves as a gateway to Todra Gorge. Stretching 30 kilometres in length, it is flanked by towering walls that soar up to 300 metres in height, creating a truly humbling sense of scale.
Beyond the gorge itself, the surrounding landscape is dotted with ancient kasbahs, including the Kasbah of El Glaoui, which sits perched atop a nearby hill. While the kasbah may not be the most architecturally impressive structure, its hilltop location offers a unique vantage point from which to survey the sun-baked terrain that stretches as far as the eye can see.
To learn more about things to see and do in Todra Gorge, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra Gorge + Dades Gorge + Skoura.
Best places to stay in Todra Gorge
This family-run riad in Todra Gorge offers wonderful mountain views and there’s a resident guide offering hikes in the surrounding area.
Trails lead directly from the door of this welcoming Todra guest house and authentic Moroccan meals are served at breakfast and dinner.
Offering budget stays in its dorms and private rooms, this Todra Gorge hostel is located within an ancient ksar, making for a truly unique stay.
Visiting the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
After returning to Tinghir, follow the N10 for another 10 or so kilometres before turning right onto the R113, which meets the larger N12 at Alnif. This leads to the first of two oasis settlements, the Tazzarine Oasis, nestled at the base of the towering Jebel Saghro mountain range. It’s home to a collection of ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited this captivating desert environment.
Pressing onward, you’ll reach the Nkob Oasis, a vast palm grove dotted with the crumbling remains of over 50 ancient kasbahs. While the majority of these historic buildings now lie in a state of advanced deterioration (and exploring them isn’t advised), it’s still wonderful to simply wander between the date palms of this centuries-old agricultural landscape.
Continuing along this route, you will eventually reach the N9, which leads back to Ouarzazate. The road passes through the town of Agdz, which lies at the base of Jebel Kissane along the banks of the Draâ River.
Before reaching Agdz, you can make a short detour to the town of Aâgoubt and the Kasbah of Oulad Othmane, a beautifully preserved 18th-century fortress where you can spend the night. Each of its authentic rooms is colourfully decorated with Amazigh textiles and there’s a stunning swimming pool with views of the surrounding mountains.
Continue driving south to the village of Tamegroute, which has long been a centre of religious learning. It was the historical heart of the Nasiriyya, a Sufi order that was among the most influential in the Islamic world.
Aside from being renowned for its glazed ceramics, Tamegroute is home to a buried kasbah, designed for its occupants to escape the scorching summertime temperatures. Not to miss is the Tamegroute Koranic Library, which contains a collection of ancient books dedicated to everything from religion to poetry and astrology.
While there aren’t many places to stay in Tamegroute, there are some inviting oasis lodges and riads in nearby Zagora (famed for its mural depicting the cameleer's journey to Timbuktu).
Best places to stay in Zagora
With its sun-drenched terrace and swimming pool, this traditional riad in Zagora receives rave reviews for its warm hospitality and delicious meals.
Located on the road that connects Tamegroute and Zagora, this enchanting lodge features beautifully decorated rooms and a large swimming pool within lush surroundings.
Set in the heart of Zagora’s palm grove, this elaborately decorated riad features your choice of room or suite overlooking the surrounding gardens and swimming pool.
Driving the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
From Zagora, head towards Agdz, stopping en route in Tamnougalt, a former residence of caïds (local administrators) with a couple of old kasbahs to admire. Tamnougalt translates from Tachelhit (the local Amazigh language) as “meeting point” and it’s here that the annual Moussem Ellama religious festival is held each October.
Eventually, you’ll arrive in Agdz, whose name translates as “resting place”. It was once a place for caravans to rest and exchange goods as they made the journey across the Sahara from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Today, Agdz is still a place where goods are exchange, most notably at the lively Thursday market.
From Agdz, it’s around an hour’s drive back to Ouarzazate, ending your adventure on the Route of 1000 Kasbahs.
Best places to stay in Agdz
Lovingly renovated and decorated with Amazigh rugs, this authentic kasbah is run by the wonderful Mustafa and his family.
Featuring air-conditioned rooms and private terraces, this affordable hotel in Agdz includes delicious breakfasts in all of its stays.
On the northern edge of Agdz, this beautiful hotel offers spacious rooms and an inviting swimming pool.
Optional add-on to Aït Benhaddou
If time allows, follow the scenic road that leads 30 kilometres northwest from Ouarzazate to the ancient ksar (fortified village) of Aït Benhaddou. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1987, sits perched atop a hill overlooking the gently flowing Ounila River.
The earthen kasbahs (citadels) and adobe buildings seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape of palm groves, orchards and neatly tended agricultural plots. It's no wonder Aït Benhaddou has become a renowned filming location, serving as the cinematic backdrop for iconic movies such as "Lawrence of Arabia," "Gladiator" and “Babel”.
Map of a suggested Route of 1000 Kasbahs itinerary
If you continue north from Aït Benhaddou for another 20 kilometres you’ll reach the Kasbah Telouet, which was once the seat of the Glaoui family. It has been compared by some to Granada’s Alhambra, with beautiful mosaics throughout its interior. Unfortunately, Kasbah Telouet was partially damaged during the 2023 earthquake and restoration works are ongoing, so some parts may be off-limits to visitors. Entrance is around 20 DH.
To learn more about things to see and do in Aït Benhaddou, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Aït Benhaddou.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
Best places to stay in Ait Benhaddou
Just a stone’s throw from the ksar, this Ait Benhaddou hotel offers comfortable rooms and a swimming pool where you can refresh during the heat of the day.
Inspired by an ancient kasbah, this enchanting riad offers a range of suites, plus a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace and a restaurant serving regional specialties.
While located a little outside Aït Benhaddou, this family-run guest house has been beautifully decorated with Amazigh textiles and receives rave reviews for its tagines.
FAQs about the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
What is the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs in Morocco?
The Route of a Thousand Kasbahs is a scenic and historic route through the Drâa Valley in southern Morocco. It refers to a network of roads that wind through a spectacular desert landscape dotted with hundreds of ancient kasbahs (fortified houses made from rammed earth).
Many of these impressive structures date back to the 17th century when they served as residences for the wealthy, as well as storehouses and protective fortresses for local villagers. Travelling the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's cultural heritage and traditional earthen architecture, taking in desert oases, palmeraies and traditional Amazigh villages along its way.
How many kasbahs are there in Morocco?
Morocco is renowned for its historic kasbahs, ancient earthen fortresses that dot the rugged landscapes of the country's southeast. While an exact count is difficult to determine, it's estimated that there are hundreds of kasbahs scattered throughout the country.
Many of these impressive structures date back centuries to a time when they served as residences and strongholds for local rulers. The most famous include Taourirt Kasbah, a sprawling complex in Ouarzazate that was once home to the el Glaoui clan, and Telouet Kasbah near Ait Benhaddou.
Many of these ancient fortifications have been carefully restored and now serve as living museums, offering a fascinating window into Morocco's cultural and architectural heritage.
What does kasbah mean in Morocco?
A kasbah is a fortified residence or citadel typically found in North Africa, especially in countries such as Morocco. These remarkable structures are often perched on hills and feature thick walls and towers built to safeguard the residents from invaders.
In northern Morocco, the kasbahs are castle-like edifices that historically served as residences for governors and officials. Noteworthy examples include the Kasbah of the Oudaias in Rabat and the Alcazaba in Chefchaouen, both vital for the control and security of these cities.
In contrast, the kasbahs in southern Morocco were primarily constructed as residences for wealthy families and gathering places along important trade routes. Primarily made from earthen materials, these kasbahs reflect a stronger connection to Amazigh cultural heritage.
When is the best time to drive the Route of 1000 Kasbahs?
Due to the extreme heat experienced in summer and the chilly desert nights in winter, the best time to drive the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco is during the spring or autumn months.
From March to May and September to November, temperatures are mild and pleasant, making for comfortable driving conditions to explore this historic route. The landscape is also at its most vibrant during springtime when the valleys and oases are lush and green with fresh vegetation.
Driving the route during this time also allows you to see the apricot and almond trees in full blossom, decorating the valleys in delicate pinks and whites.
It’s best to avoid driving the Route of 1000 Kasbahs during the peak summer months (June to August), as temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels. If you do visit during this period, be sure to book a kasbah hotel with a swimming pool!
Winter can bring snow and icy conditions to the high mountain passes. For example, you may need to wait for snow to be cleared when driving the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. Winter nights in Morocco’s desert regions can get incredibly chilly, so be sure to pack warm layers.
