6 Days Thousand Kasbahs Route from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

We begin our adventure from Marrakech, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass, a mountain pass at 2,260 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.

Our first stop is the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified city has been the backdrop for numerous films and is a perfect example of traditional Berber architecture.

Next, we continue towards Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios. We then drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose water distillation, until we reach the stunning Dades Valley, where we spend the night at a traditional riad.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga

After a panoramic breakfast overlooking the Dades Valley, we head towards the impressive Todra Gorges, a canyon with walls reaching up to 300 meters in height, perfect for climbers and nature lovers.

We continue our journey to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. In the afternoon, we ride camels for a tour through the Erg Chebbi dunes, where we witness an unforgettable sunset. We spend the night at a Berber camp under a starry sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Nomad Villages – Khamlia – Merzouga

We wake up early to watch the sunrise over the desert. We then visit the nomad villages in the region, learning about their lifestyle and ancient traditions.

In Khamlia, a village inhabited by descendants of Sudanese slaves, we enjoy a demonstration of traditional Gnawa music. We explore the Merzouga Lake (if the season allows) and discover the M’fis mine. We return to the camp for another magical night in the desert.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt

After breakfast, we visit Rissani, a historic town with a lively market and the legendary entrance gate to the desert.

We continue our journey through the Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and traditional kasbahs. We then cross the High Atlas to reach Midelt, a charming mountain town where we spend the night.

Day 5: Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez

Today, we head to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary monkeys. We enjoy a stroll among the ancient cedar trees before continuing to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and pristine streets.

We arrive in Fez, the cultural capital of Morocco. In the afternoon, we explore the medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys with madrasas, souks, and ancient mosques. We stay in a traditional riad in the heart of the city.

Day 6: Fez – Marrakech

On our final day, we take a guided tour of the Fez Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We discover iconic places such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, Seffarine Square, the Chouara Tannery, and the Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, we embark on our return journey to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas once again, with one last chance to admire the landscape before concluding this unforgettable Route of the Thousand Kasbahs.