Travel Magazine
May 15, 2021
Morocco’s rugged High Atlas region and the desert to the east are home to some of the country’s most primitive and beautiful scenery. Villages cuddle in deep valleys or cling unsteadily to the slopes of the mountains. Snow-capped peaks glisten on the horizon, while unfolding beneath a carpet of lush green sheets. This is a top destination for outdoor activities in Morocco, and the charm of hiking and mountain biking excursions attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Even if you sweat and don’t have to work, this area can provide enough. Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Hadu, Thi Flutetu and Telwet’s Kasbah must convince even the sleek spots of the most seasoned cities that there are so many things to do.
Ait Ben Haddou
The stunningly beautiful Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah must be one of the most photographed buildings in Morocco. Its bulky orange adobe walls stand in a field of almond trees, appearing as if organically bursting from the ground. One of the finest mud-built buildings in the country, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its beauty has fascinated Hollywood, where scenes of Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and gladiators were all filmed for decades. Climb to the Kasbah turret for a panoramic view of the village.
Location: 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate
Draa, Ouarzazate is located in the crossroads between the Dades and Ziz Valley Get Ur Ruth Cass Bar. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes loved by the movie crew (scenes from Gladiator, Kundun, and Alexander the Great were all shot in the surrounding countryside), the town has become a popular base for further excursions to the High Atlas region. It’s a vivid job of selling everything from market produce to crafts every Sunday. If you are in town at the time, don’t miss it. Taourirt Kasbah is the only real tourist attraction in town. Built in the 19th century, the Kasbah was used extensively by the Glaoui family in the early 20th century and dominated most of the area during that time.
Accommodation: Where to stay in Ouarzazate
Telouet
Telraet’s Kasbah is often visited by day-trippers in Marrakesh, and is a huge mountaintop snow. Although built in the early 20th century, it is a bizarre medieval style castle built by the Glaoui family. This is an atmospheric place with a warren inside, leaving the original lavish decor intact. Great 4WD and hiking options in Telouet are in the Ounila Valley, where you can explore the small town next to the Mellah River. In particular, don’t miss it. The Kasbah that collapses in Anti- Mer.
T Golwu Tut
The Tigolutut Kasbah Stork is a nice and well-preserved mud-brick fortress with jaw-dropping views from the top of its tower, where the nest can often be seen. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Kasbah was built for the Glaoui tribes who ruled the area, just like the Ouarzazate. It is very easy to combine a day trip from Ouarzazate to Tifoultoute and Ait Ben Haddou. So, you can get a good overview of the architecture of Kasbah in High Atlas.
Woodswood Falls
Not far from the town of Azilal, this beautiful waterfall is one of Morocco’s top natural tourist attractions and is popular with local tourists (those who come to see a weekend picnic) and foreign travelers alike. When it rains a lot, you get lucky, the water runs reddish-brown, which is very dramatic, and rather has an out worldly effect. The lush countryside here comes in many shades, adding to the soft, serene charm of this small corner of Morocco.
De Death Vallery
The Dades Valley is one of Morocco’s main walking and hiking destinations because of its strange rock formations and beautiful mountain views within the valley. Nature lovers should strip their eyes for eagles and lammergeyer sightings. Trekking fans will just love the empty trails here.
Several interesting villages are nearby. El Kelaa M’Gouna village is the center of Morocco’s rose-growing region (used as a famous rose essence), and it’s a pleasure to be here in the spring when the flowers bloom. Souk is held here every Wednesday. The town of Azrag is famous for producing the finest working daggers and has about 120 working blacksmiths. The Kasbah town is a major tourist attraction.
Todra Gorge
Surrounded by vast pink and orange rock walls, the 14-kilometer Todra Gorge is a great place to visit and Morocco’s major rock-climbing destination. Many people come here on a four-wheel drive tour, but the best way to experience the valley is by walking. Cafes and other services are provided along the valley basin, and some accommodations are also available. If you’re spending too much time in the city during your trip, this quiet area makes a particularly peaceful getaway.
Dra Valley
The Draa Valley is the gateway to one of Morocco’s most famous desert hillsides. However, the valley itself is a very interesting place, with views of Kasbah and Ksour (fortified villages) architecture and palm groves. Every village at the bottom of the valley has a well-preserved place.
Agdz and Tamnougalt at the end of the visit to the ancient, and the valley stops ksour, the best place you will find. Zagora -a great base for excursions with great accommodation- Tamegroute, home to the famous mosque and its influential medersa (madrassa: Islamic School of Learning), and a library collection containing the wonderfully lit Qur’ans. The town is also famous for its unique green and brown ceramics. Green is obtained from manganese and copper, and brown is obtained from antimony and copper. The price here can’t be right.
