Morocco Desert Activities & Desert Safaries

Exploring the Famous Kasbahs of Morocco: A Journey Through Time

Morocco is a land where ancient traditions meet stunning landscapes, and its famous Kasbahs stand as striking reminders of the country’s rich cultural heritage. These fortified structures, often surrounded by palm groves, mountains, and deserts, were once homes to tribal leaders and defense posts in times of war. Today, they offer travelers a glimpse into Morocco’s storied past and the intricate architecture that defines its beauty. In this blog, we’ll explore the most famous Kasbahs of Morocco, each with its unique charm, history, and allure.

2. Kasbah Taourirt: The Jewel of Ouarzazate

Located in the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, Kasbah Taourirt is another majestic structure that once served as a royal residence. Built-in the 19th century, this kasbah was the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family, who ruled the region for many years. Today, it stands as a testament to the wealth and influence of the Glaoui dynasty.

Kasbah Taourirt is an intricate maze of over 300 rooms, courtyards, and towers. Its earthen walls, punctuated with ornate windows, reflect the craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. The kasbah’s design blends Berber and Islamic styles, creating a visually stunning piece of architecture. Visitors can explore the kasbah’s grand halls, including the beautifully decorated reception room while learning about the historical role it played in Moroccan politics.

Location: In the city of Ouarzazate, also known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.”

4. Kasbah Telouet: The Forgotten Stronghold

Perched high in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Telouet is an impressive structure that once controlled the caravan routes between Marrakech and the Sahara. This kasbah was also a Glaoui family stronghold, serving as both a residence and a fortress. Though Kasbah Telouet has seen better days, with parts of it falling into ruin, its grandeur is still apparent, especially in the intricately decorated interiors.

The Kasbah is known for its stunning zellij (mosaic tilework), carved wooden ceilings, and elaborate stucco designs that showcase the opulence of its former inhabitants. While the exterior may appear weathered, stepping inside reveals a stark contrast of ornate, well-preserved rooms. Its remote location, high in the mountains, adds to its allure, making it one of the most atmospheric kasbahs in Morocco.

Location: About 50 km from Ait Ben Haddou, near the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains.

6. Kasbah Tifoultoute: Overlooking the Ouarzazate River

Just a few kilometers outside Ouarzazate, Kasbah Tifoultoute is a lesser-known but equally impressive Kasbah. Built in the 18th century, this kasbah once played a defensive role in the region. It offers panoramic views of the Ouarzazate River and the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop for visitors.

Although not as well-preserved as Kasbah Taourirt, Kasbah Tifoultoute retains much of its original charm. Its towers and walls stand tall against the desert landscape, and visitors can explore the structure while enjoying the views from the kasbah’s terraces. The Kasbah’s proximity to Ouarzazate makes it a convenient stop for those interested in Morocco’s architectural heritage.

Location: 8 km west of Ouarzazate, overlooking the Ouarzazate River.

A Journey Through Morocco’s Past

Exploring Morocco’s famous kasbahs is like stepping back in time, where the walls of these ancient fortresses hold centuries of history and tradition. Each kasbah has its own story to tell, from the grandeur of Ait Ben Haddou to the coastal beauty of the Kasbah of the Udayas. Whether you’re wandering through desert landscapes or mountain villages, the kasbahs of Morocco offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s architectural and cultural legacy.

These kasbahs not only serve as historical landmarks but also as cultural touchstones that have shaped the identity of Morocco. As you venture through these iconic sites, you’ll discover the timeless beauty of Moroccan architecture and the stories of the people who once inhabited these fortresses. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable travel experience, Morocco’s famous kasbahs should undoubtedly be on your itinerary.

Morocco is a diverse country and can be a nation of nations the same as America! Morocco with its strong Berber, Arab and European influences is a dream destination for a change of pace. It has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, but the climate varies greatly from region to region due to its geographical diversity. 

 

What makes Morocco the most beautiful land in North Africa?

From Arabian Nights-like magical palaces to beautiful gardens, bustling bazaars intoxicated with the smell of spices, constantly passing streets, and breathtaking beaches, Morocco is a feast for the senses.

A lot of entertainment options push travel lovers to choose a special destination, including culture, relaxation, and sports. However, Morocco is a destination that offers its visitors all the entertainment options.  A stay in Morocco is also an opportunity to discover delicious local cuisine and relax on the beach or in a natural hammam.

Moroccan seasons and climate: best time to visit Morocco

Morocco has a pleasant climate all year round, although the south is drier. Summers are sunny but can get very hot, especially when the sirocco (a scorching wind that carries Saharan dust) blows.

To get the most out of your stay in Morocco, travel in spring and autumn, especially in April, May, and October. This allows you to avoid rainy and hot and humid days.

Is it good to visit Morocco during Ramadan?

In Morocco, you can travel during Ramadan (dates change each year). For Muslims, it is a holy time of difference in their daily lives. Tourists are still welcome and it is an opportunity for cultural and spiritual enrichment, brotherhood, and exchange. Of course, local customs need to be observed to avoid making mistakes at this time.

WHEN TO PLAN A VISIT TO MARRAKECH, MOROCCO?

Marrakech, the city of magic, is an ancient imperial city with a very rich historical and cultural heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this vibrant city offers architectural wonders.

Marrakech Palm Grove, with 10,000 trees on 15,000 hectares, can be explored on quad bikes or camels. Don’t miss the Majorelle Botanical Gardens, where the buildings glow blue even in winter.

Architecture and history buffs should visit the Marrakech Museum in the Dar Mnevi Palace. And no trip to Marrakech would be complete without a stroll around Jemaa el Fna Square and a visit to the souks.

The best time to visit Marrakech is in spring, from March to June, and in autumn, from September to the end of November. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 23°C to 28°C. Morocco has a very mild climate all year round. So the winters are warm and somehow you can spend time on the beach.

WHEN TO GO TO MOROCCO TO ENJOY THE SEASIDE?

Morocco has several coastal cities that should not be missed, including Essaouira and Agadir. The best time to visit Agadir is from March to November. Winters are very mild and ideal for seaside walks. The Pearl of Morocco will amaze you with its beauty. Its beaches are said to be the most beautiful in North Africa.

They are ideal for surfing and relaxing in the sun. Enjoy the idyllic oases of the Paradise Valley and Massa Desert. The Croco Park is a spectacular exotic garden with up to 300 Nile crocodiles.

Or visit Agadir’s museums, such as the Bad Flint Municipal Museum, with its collection of traditional Moroccan artifacts, and the Amazigh Heritage Museum, where you can admire Berber jewellery, carpets, and amulets.

Morocco is a land of contrasts – sunny beaches, arid deserts, bustling cities, and snow-capped mountain peaks – and its extraordinary beauty is a magnet for visitors. Be enchanted by the casual lifestyle of this magnificent country and have an unforgettable experience. 

In brief:

Morocco is a destination for all seasons! Your visit depends on your vacation date. What you must know is that whenever you come to Morocco, you will have a lot of things to do and different places to visit; each depends on the season when it becomes worth to be visited. Of course, you will know the best places to visit in a particular season through a help tour guide.   

Morocco private tours are a very good choice for the people who want to visit Morocco and still haven’t decided what to do in there yet. The Morocco private tours that our agency provides, take the tourists to all sorts of interesting places, these include beautiful imperial cities with their historical richness and just the most fascinating natural landscapes. More than that, our services make sure that most of the time spent in Morocco is full of fun and enriching experiences. And of course they arrange stops at the best spots for tasting the very delicious Moroccan cuisine.

The Moroccan private tour business is showing to be flourishing in 2020, which is something very good, given that the quality, the reliability and the availability of the services such as the the ones we offer are improving a lot.

The choices that we can offer are as diverse as Morocco itself. Morocco is a country that never fails to fulfil every visitor’s curiosity and satisfaction.

However, there are some tours that are considered more popular among tourists for very good reasons.

This article is about the best Morocco private tours for the year 2020.

But first 2019.

In the year 2019, the tours that have shown to be the mostly enjoyed by the tourists were:

• 3 days from Marrakech to Fez via the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

The tour starts from the very exciting cit, Marrakech. This city has all the standards of being a good tourist magnet. If you want a to get a good idea about the Moroccan culture and history plus modern Morocco, Marrakech is what you want to head for.

After leaving Marrakech the tour visits all the exciting places between Marrakech and Fez, which is a long journey by the way. Among the many places, there are these two famous filming sites that you might recognize from movies like Gladiator, The mummy, The Kingdom Of Heaven… the first is Ait Benhaddo and the other one is Ouarzazat.

Afterwards the tour visits the Moroccan Sahara Desert. The town Merzouga is where the desert magic the Morocco has happens, thanks to both, the nature and the lifestyle.

Then the trip heads towards Fez. But before that it will stop at gorges, valleys, mountains and many beautiful towns.

• 3 days from Marrakech to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert.

The second most favorite tour starts and ends in Marrakech and visits the desert in between. The tour shares a lot of similarities with the first one in terms of what it visits, although it doesn’t go as far north. However, the time that will be spent in the desert is longer than the first one, which is something good, because the desert is full of fun.

• 15 days Casablanca grand Morocco tour.

The third most favorite tour is a very big in terms of the geographical range. It starts first at Casablanca, the biggest Moroccan city, and the most important in terms of business and economy, as it has always been since long time ago.

Then the tour goes to a small proportion of the Moroccan north. Most importantly Chefchaouen imperial cities like Fez, Meknes and Marrakech. But before Marrakech the tour goes to the Moroccan Sahara Desert. However, after Marrakech it goes to Essaouira. Then back to Casablanca.

The best Morocco tours for the year 2020.

For the new year 2020 our suggestions for good tours that our services offer will be  mostly what people already liked in the previous year. The tours that we already have mentioned are a very good choice for people who haven’t explored Morocco yet. We are very proud and pleased about these tours and also about the feedback that we get from the people who try these private tours.

However, we are going to suggest some places that aren’t giving importance in these tours from 2019 or aren’t mentioned at all.

The Moroccan North. This region of Morocco is very beautiful and the weather is very nice. Plus it has access to the Mediterranean Sea. Tangier is city that is appreciated worldwide for its history and role in the world. That’s why it’s considered an international city.

Another stop at the north is the blue city Chefchaouen. This city is all painted in blue. You just have to look for the blue city on the internet to look at how beautiful this city is, and you will be motivated to visit to experience the peaceful ambience this city has.

We would also suggest a visit to the very rich city Meknes. Meknes is a very underrated city. Although it’s not very different from Fez. It has an old Medina such as that of Marrakech and Fez, with narrow streets and old Riads. There also shrines and beautiful fountains, plus a huge wall that the ancient king Moulay Ismail ordered to be built for protection. Along with a huge gate called Bab Mansour, which is right in front of Lahdim Square, also  not far away from Karra prison, which is a labyrinth. Another landmark is the gigantic pool of water called Sahrij Swani. This city has also a very vibrant modern lifestyle where there are all these fancy restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and nightclubs.

Meknes is not far away from the Moroccan Cedar Forrest and its beautiful two cities Azerou and Ifran. This region is really worth visiting. It’s considered to be similar to Switzerland.

Another place that isn’t far away from Meknes are the ruins of an old Roman city called Volubilis. This is a very rich region in terms of historical background.

Picking a list that could be considered a best list of Morocco tours for 2020 is an unfair thing, because saying that this desert tour is better than this North tour is like saying that oranges are better than apples.

However, it might be a good thing to visit places that most people don’t consider a lot. 2020 could be the year of exploring the the regions that aren’t visited a lot by tourists.

Please tell us about your opinions in the comments below.

And if you need anything please contact our services for help.