Ouarzazate Adventure Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,
Ait Benhaddou & Telouet Exploration

This day trip from Marrakech to the road of one Thousand kasbahs is a journey to the past. Not only that you will enchant your eyes with the intricate stunning architecture of both sites Ait Benhaddou and Telouet kasbah, but also an invitation to explore the history of the south and the political roles these fortified castles played in the history of the region and of Morocco at large. The rich history of the south is depicted in the way that everything looks out there and how influential these roads were in carrying precious goodslike silver, salt and gold from sub sahara up to Marrakech and Europe. This route, often referred to as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” weaves through an array of stunning fortresses and kasbahs that served as hubs for trade and cultural exchange for centuries.

The day starts early as you depart from Marrakech. There is a powerful link between Marrakech and the south as the name Elglaoui echoes still in some of Marrakech palaces. Elglaoui served as a pacha for the south, being a representative of the sultan, he ruled the south with a steel hand. Today, you will discover more about this powerful man and how he impacted the way the sites you are visiting today. Through the scenic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, you will figure out that the region has different energy. As you come to half of your road, you will stop at Tizi N Tichka pass before continuing your drive till you reach a sign that says Telouet where you will ascend down on an off road. On the way, you will notice the panoramic views, dry and rocky desert plains as well as a small river splitting the valley into two sections. The first one has Berber houses perched on the hills just like the whole road from Marrakech, the other one is for farms and fields for agriculture. The guide will give insights into the history of the road of one thousand kasbahs and the significant role it played in carrying spices, ivory from Sub sahara to Morocco and beyond.

Arrive at the Telouet Kasbah, a hidden gem with intricate architecture and once a house for the powerful Elglaoui family. Telouet kasbah was an important stronghold that controlled the movement of goods and trade and was a stopover for caravans as well. Inside, you will watch the stucco details, and the mud brick walls with tiles and gorgeous Moroccan decorations and not to mention the lavish style of Elglaoui family as in the courtyards and wood carvings.

From Telouet, you will keep exploring the region until you reach the next kasbah. Ait benhaddou kasbah is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is considered one of Morocco’s landmarks. The fortified village has stood since the 11 century and it’s a perfect example of the Moroccan Berber African blend. As you enter the village, the energy of an 11 century’s spirit takes over, the fortified ksars, towers and earthen walls of the village make it unique and special in every way possible. Get lost in its narrow alleys until you reach the very top where there is a small room that used to serve as a store and some interpretations say that it served as a tower to watch the enemies.

More importantly, Ait benhaddou also served as a station for the caravans of trade and goods. Nowadays, it is highly preferred by famous film producers and it’s no wonder that famous movies like Gladiator, Prince of Arabia, The Mommy and Game of thrones were filmed on the site. You will then head to a small cooperative, run by some local women to savor a delicious lunch made by these powerful women. After, you can get some knowledge of the crafts these women create by their hands, and you can even purchase some souvenirs to support our efforts of empowering women. After lunch, return to Marrakech.