THE ROUTE OF ONE THOUSAND KASBAHS AND THE ATLAS – 7 DAYS

from/per person €460
  • Itinerario naturalistico
    Nature tour
  • Montagna
    Mountain
  • Laghi e cascate
    Lakes and waterfalls
  • Gole
    Gorges
  • Architettura e monumenti
    Monuments and architecture
  • Arrampicata
    Climbing

General description

A perfect mix between adventure, nature and fun along the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs, following the ancient nomadic routes across the High and the Middle Atlas. A good alternative to classic tours, especially in summer months.

Beyond the impressive mountains of High Atlas and the picturesque pass of Tizi n 'Tichka, the valley of One Thousand Kasbahs stretches out towards the eastern border between Morocco and Algeria, adorned by lush oasis, traditional berber villages and beautiful fortresses of red earth. Starting from Marrakech, we’ll head south toward the famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, travelling along the steep canyons of the Ounila valley to reach a desert and rocky plateau also known as the gate of the great Sahara. During the following days, we’ll travel across the Gorges of Dadés and Todgha, popular with hikers, climbers and nature explorers, for two days of excursions and outdoor activities to be designed on the basis of your desires and budget (hikes and treks, short walking tours, climbing sessions, horse-riding and mountain biking circuits). Our journey will then continue towards the Middle Atlas, to reach the berber village of Imilchil, where every August the local tribes celebrate a renowned wedding festival, bringing together young men and women from the surrounding villages wishing to get married. From Imilchil, we'll travel across the green landscapes of the Middle Atlas to reach the beautiful Bin El Ouidane lake and the impressive Ouzoud waterfalls, the highest in Morocco, ideal for hiking, kayaking, rafting and canyoning.

Other details


Included services:

Reception and accompaniment - Transport by 4x4 or minibus - 6 nights in hotel / riad / guest house – Accommodation on full board basis - Traditional music nights – Hikes, treks and walking tours - Climbing sessions - Entrance fees to monuments and architectural sites - 1 professional guide throughout the duration of the trip - 24h24 Assistance

Extra services not included:

Airplane tickets - Drinks - Tips for staff – Optional activities – Travel health and cancellation insurance (upon request, Direction Sud will help you identify the most suitable for your needs). Direction Sud guarantees no hidden costs or other extra fees.

Stages of the trip

7 days / 6 nights

Ait Ben Haddou
We’ll cross the central High Atlas at the Tizi n 'Tichka pass, heading south towards the wide green valley of Telouet and the Ounila valley, enclosed in a deep canyon between almond, fig, olive and tamarind trees. Along the trip, we’ll stop at the ancient mines of salt and visit the traditional villages of the valley, the beautiful Asaka caves and the Kasbah of Tamdakht, before reaching the majestic ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. In the evening, traditional music sessions and food tastings. For adventure seekers, dromedary rides, mountain biking, horse riding and quad trails.

Duration: 04:00
Dadés Gorges
On the way to the Dadés valley, we’ll stop for a short excursion through the oasis of Skoura and a guided visit of the handicraft cooperatives of the Roses Valley. In the early afternoon we’ll reach the Dadés, a unique place to explore the most authentic Berber Morocco, hiking or driving our 4x4 along narrow canyons and green valleys hiding, like real jewels, traditional Berber villages and the ruins of old fortresses made of earth and straw.

Duration: 02:00
Todgha Gorges
The Todgha gorges are the main destination of this third-day trip, that we’ll design together on the basis of your interests and budget. The trip includes walking and hiking tours and climbing sessions along the steep cliffs of the Todgha gorges. Upon request, mountaing biking and horse riding trails across the lush oasis of the river Todgha and mountain treks along the ancient nomadic routes.. An unforgettable experience also suitable for families with children.

Duration: 01:30
Imilchil
We’ll drive along the dirt track linking the Todgha Gorges and the Middle Atlas mountains, across a vast arid landscape dotted with small cultivated plots, through the Berber villages of Ait Hani et Tamtatoucht. On the way to the berber mountain town of Imilchil, we’ll travel along the volcanic lakes of Isli and Tislit (trad. the groom and the bride), symbol of eternal love of young couples wishing to get marred.

Duration: 03:00
Anergui Valley
Reachable only by foot up to a few decades ago, the Anergui Valley has maintained almost intact its nomadic culture, as witnessed by the traditional architecture of its picturesque fortified villages. Fascinating place out of time, in the heart of Central Atlas, the valley offers countless opportunities for hiking and nature exploring, at the Tamga Amsfrane rock cathedral and along the old mule tracks of the Assif Melloul gorges.

Duration: 04:00
Bin El Ouidane Lake
The Bin El Ouidane lake is located in the region of Tadla - Azilal, at 810 meters above sea level at the junction of High and Middle Atlas. Its crystal clear waters, nourished by the river Oum Rabia, are surrounded by beautiful red and ocher mountains scattered with almond and olive trees, perfect t hiking and walking tours. Upon request, mountain biking trails on the lake shores, kayak and jet ski adventures.

Duration: 02:30
Ouzoud Waterfalls
Our journey will end with a last day of relax and fun in the picturesque landscape of the Ouzoud waterfalls, hiking, rafting, kayaking or canyoning (depending on your interests) in a lush vegetation before returning to Marrakech.

Duration: 02:30