Ait Ben Haddou

Embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating landscapes of Morocco’s southern region with our Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet Kasbahs day trip. This carefully crafted adventure promises an immersive experience, shedding light on the rich heritage of the Glaoui tribes and allowing you to explore the iconic kasbahs that have become synonymous with Moroccan history.

Venturing beyond the beaten path, our excursion begins by traversing the awe-inspiring High Atlas mountains, accompanied by the breathtaking vistas of the renowned Tizi-n-Tichka pass. This pass, hailed as one of Morocco’s most dramatic routes, was the subject of a major government initiative after a tragic bus incident in 2012. Despite the challenges posed by the unforgiving winter climate and rugged geography, ongoing renovations stand testament to its significance.

As we navigate the winding road, charming Berber villages grace the mountainside, seamlessly blending with the natural terrain. Upon crossing the Atlas mountains, a profound transformation in the landscape unfolds, revealing semi-arid expanses that hint at the vast Sahara Desert beyond. This stark transition results from the Atlas mountains acting as a formidable barrier, demarcating the lush Mediterranean climate to the north from the arid desert winds that sweep across the southeastern reaches.

Descending from the Tichka pass at an elevation of 2162 meters, we veer onto a lesser-known path that leads us to the Telouet Kasbah. Once owned by the influential Glaoui Pasha of the Atlas, this historic edifice stands in a state of picturesque ruin. The Pasha’s departure after French forces’ exit left the kasbah in its current condition. Although only a portion of the kasbah’s rooms are accessible due to structural concerns, the ones open to exploration boast exquisite features. Delight in the sight of tiled walls, fluted pillars, intricately painted wooden ceilings, and stained glass windows that beckon images of its former grandeur.

Our journey continues with a delectable lunch break along the recently asphalted road leading to Ait Ben Haddou. Upon arrival, the village greets us with a visual feast of kasbah architecture, featuring distinctive turrets, ornate grilled windows, and walls adorned in soft peach hues. These traditional adobe houses embody a design optimized for the region’s climate and mountainous terrain. With an innate capacity for temperature regulation, adobe provides an ideal refuge against the elements, and its availability negates the need for extensive transportation or transformation processes.

The afternoon unfolds against the backdrop of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of profound historical significance. This kasbah, renowned for its appearances in Hollywood blockbusters, holds a pivotal role in the legacy of Morocco’s trade routes. As a stronghold along the ancient Salt Road caravan routes, Ait Ben Haddou facilitated the exchange of commodities ranging from slaves and gold to ivory and salt, all traversing the expanse from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.

Before bidding farewell to Ait Ben Haddou, a final glimpse from a distant vantage point unveils an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the village, particularly enchanting under the vast expanse of clear blue skies.

Join us on this extraordinary expedition, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a lasting memory of Morocco’s diverse and captivating landscapes.