With its rich cultural heritage and otherworldly landscapes, the Route of 1000 Kasbahs is truly enchanting. It takes you through the heart of Morocco, where a mosaic of ancient fortified cities, lush oases and rugged desert landscapes combine. This is a land where the past and present intertwine seamlessly, allowing you to immerse yourself in historical scenes depicted on the silver screen while experiencing the comings and goings of modern-day village life.
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.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
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. These 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 adobe bricks, 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 majestic High Atlas mountains to the north and the rugged Jebel Saghro range to the south, creating a breathtaking backdrop for leisurely drives. 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) so you can step inside. Some 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 beats at a leisurely pace.
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 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, all of which are highly atmospheric and receive rave reviews.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
Begin your drive along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Ouarzazate, the heart of Morocco's film industry. At its heart lies the impressive Atlas Studios, where iconic movies have been brought to life on the silver screen.
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.
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.
Exploring 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 stands as a testament to Morocco's architectural brilliance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of its former occupants, with artefacts and furnishings from centuries past meticulously preserved and displayed.
Best places to stay in Skoura
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.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
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 features guest rooms individually decorated rooms, many with sweeping views of the valley 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 of its hosts and the clicious meals served at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
After returning to Kalaat M’Gouna, continue along the N10 to Tinghir, which serves as a gateway to the 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 rugged, 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 the 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 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.
Exploring 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 an array of ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage and 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).
Places to stay in Zagora
With its sun-drenched terrace and inviting 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.
Exploring 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. Agdz is home to the Kasbah of Caid Ali, a 19th-century mud-brick structure with a maze of rooms and incredible views across the surrounding oasis.
From Agdz, it’s around an hour’s drive back to Ouarzazate.
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. Its 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”.
Exploring the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in Morocco
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. While much of the kasbah is in ruins, several of its reception rooms have been restored and are now accessible to tourists, with some people comparing them to Granada’s Alhambra.
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.
Comments