Driving the Scenic Road of 1,000 Kasbahs in the High Atlas
Located on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs is one of Morocco’s main attractions. It’s a journey across the scenic High Atlas mountain range into a region of traditional Berber villages.
What is a Kasbah?
In this context, the word "Kasbah" means fortress. There is indeed an abundance of these unique structures, typically constructed by local leaders to protect their land and showcase their wealth. Kasbahs often have high, windowless walls and crenellated towers. The red hues of the stark mountain scenery contrast beautifully with the softer green of the fertile valley floor, ringed and protected by mud-brick walls and fortresses.
What’s the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs?
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs is a spectacular drive winding through breathtaking desert landscapes, villages, and lush palm groves. Known for its iconic desert scenes and traditional Moroccan fortresses, this route offers a memorable journey through the heart of Morocco. The drive is stunning, lined with countless kasbahs, winding through vibrant villages and green oases, with the expansive Jebel Sarhro landscape to the south.
Where Does the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs Start and End?
The Road of 1,000 Kasbahs stretches along the Dades Valley in southeastern Morocco, connecting the towns of Ouarzazate and Tinghir.
Is the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs Paved?
The touristic route is mostly paved and offers a varied and impressive landscape filled with kasbahs. These proud monuments to Berber art are unique in the world. This road trip is definitely one to record with plenty of photographs. While the route includes more than a thousand kasbahs, most travelers only see a few, particularly those featured in travel brochures.
When is the Best Time to Drive the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs?
The best time to travel this route is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant. Summers in the desert can bring extreme temperatures, making spring and autumn ideal for exploring.
Pic: Andrea Rizzello