The route of treasures
Whatever road you take from Ouarzazate, you will come upon marvels of Southern Morocco. Enjoy the adventure and encounter the unspoiled people and their culture.
In the town
If you had to give one reason for visiting this old garrison town it would be the Taourirt kasbah. This ancient residence of Pacha Glaoui has been perfectly restored using traditional techniques and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The village, with its several hundred inhabitants, is a living treasure. It is one of the places where you can admire the wealth of the local craftwork which includes carpets, furniture, reed baskets, pottery, jewellery and Berber daggers. In addition the Ahwach Festival is held annually in the kasbah in September helping to develop the popular heritage of the region.
The route of the 1000 Kasbahs to the East
The Dadès Valley runs from Ouarzazate to Boumalne. It is arid and lined with kasbahs and unique fortified villages (ksour). From time to time, you must get off the beaten track and discover traditional Berber adobe houses. Take a welcome cool break at the Skoura palm grove. The Rose Valley extends further to the East. Leaving Tinghir you come to the magnificent Todra Gorges. It narrows as its faces tower higher and higher (up to 300m) above your head. A trail, passing through the Dadès Gorges, brings you to Boumalne. Depending on the lighting the rocks can appear to be red, pink or mauve. The Sahro djebel (mountain) begins south of Boumalne where one can observe some of the 150 varieties of birds already spotted in the Valley of the Birds. Don't miss the extraordinary panorama when you arrive at the Tizi-n-Tazazert Pass.
The route of the Oases to the South
After leaving the Drâa Valley, a series of oases rapidly succeed each other along the fine desert-like road leading to Zagora. Don't hesitate to stop to experience their unchanged way of life. The environment is exceptionally well preserved. Don't miss Amezrou village, ancient Jewish kasbah, and, above all, Tamgrout and its prestigious Koranic library which houses precious handwritten Korans, the oldest dating from the 11th century, and works of mathematics, history and medicine.
To remember
Ouarzazate reveals all its riches: its architectural heritage is every bit as abundant as its natural heritage.
Handicraft and traditions
As well as its legendary hospitality, Southern Morocco has kept its colour, festivals and handicraft alive and unspoiled.
Rose Valley
Everything starts at Kelaât M'Gouna, a fortified village 24km from Boulmane-du-Dadès. Heading northwards up the M'Goun Valley, you arrive at a magical spot, especially recommended for visits from late April to June. At this time the whole valley is covered with wild roses growing in thick hedges. The Rose Festival is held here annually in May, an important moussem since rose water has an important place in Moroccan culture. It is offered to guests before meals as a symbol of hospitality. A tradition which is still practiced throughout Morocco. You can see rose water being made and buy associated products or just enormous bunches of roses to dry.
The wealth of the South
Popular culture is both prolific and active as exemplified by the Ahwach National Festival, held in Ouarzazate in September. Its treasures are many and varied, from the precious manuscripts in the Tamgrout Zaouiä Museum to the nutmeg dates which you can enjoy with mint tea in the Amazrou palm grove. The reputation of the Zagora pottery, situated 5km away, equals that of the Berber jewellery and carpets which you can find in the magnificent Rissani souk.
To remember
The marked identity of Southern Morocco encourages us to share its laid-back life-style in festivals and in colourful, fragrant and spicy markets.
