The two most famous Kasbahs of Morocco are easily accessible from Ouarzazate. Both of these Kasbahs have played a very significant historical role in the lives of the local Berber people in the region and even beyond. They are excellent examples of multi generational living, local architecture, and traditional lifestyles.
The two most famous Moroccan Kasbahs are Aït ben Haddou and Telouet. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hollywood filming location of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou with a local guide to gain insight into its history.
To reach Telouet, you will be amazed by the stunning rock and soil colors of the beautiful Ounila Valley, passing through multiple Berber villages, fields, and orchards along the way. A walk in this area provides a greater sense and appreciation of the pure Berber countryside.
At the top of the valley, you will find the former residential palace of the Glaoui family, Kasbah Telouet, built in three separate parts over different time periods. Be prepared to be amazed by the splendor of one of the most well-preserved sections of this building.
After Day Trip Ait ben Haddou from Ouarzazate, you can return to Ouarzazate on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains by taking the main road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
You will be picked up from your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate at 8:30 am. The first stop is Kasbah Aït ben Haddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and the subject of many postcards. This kasbah has served as the setting for many Hollywood blockbuster films, such as ‘Alexander’ and ‘The Gladiator’. It is one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage sites in Morocco, having been elected as such in 1987. The kasbah is located around 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, along the Salt River.
The itinerary then continues along the Ounila Valley to Kasbah Telouet. This kasbah is remotely situated in a valley in the High Atlas Mountains, far from the main Marrakech road. It once served as a palatial residence and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui tribe. The head of this family was the Pasha of Marrakesh, the last of whom, Thami Glaoui, left Morocco after the country’s independence in 1956.
Unfortunately, the entire kasbah is now closed due to damage caused by the earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023. Nevertheless, it is still worth visiting the exterior with a local guide to discover its rich history.
