SKOURA
The Skoura Palm Grove is the largest oasis in the Dadès Valley, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. A gigantic grove in the middle of the desert with more than 70,000 palm trees, olive trees, fig-trees, almond trees and pomegranates. In this article, we tell you what to see and do in Skoura, a landscape that seems to have come straight out of One Thousand and One Nights.
Skoura Palm Grove
The Skoura Palm Grove seems like a miracle in the middle of the desert. It is difficult to understand how such an exuberant enclave can emerge out of nowhere in such an arid area. The answer lies in the dozens of ditches and canals that drink from the Hajaj and Madri rivers and give the land great fertility. These two rivers, which collect water from the last mountains of the High Atlas, have an occasional flow, but they are very wide and are enough to nourish the aquifers in the surrounding areas.
Uncovering the Beauty of Skoura
What to see and to do in Skoura, at one end of the oasis in the middle of the desert, we find a modern city called Skoura. Still, the truth is that numerous villages throughout the palm grove distribute the original population of the area. Seen from afar, what is most striking about this landscape are the dozens of kasbahs in the area. These old adobe fortresses, which served as a family residence and fortification against enemy attacks, are one of the main attractions of the Dadès Valley.
Road of the Thousand Kasbahs
Skoura is located in the middle of the so-called Road of the Thousand Kashbahs, which connects Ouarzazate and Tinghir, one of the most popular among travelers facing Morocco with a spirit of adventure.
Every year, hundreds of 4 × 4 travel this path dotted with ancient fortresses to get an idea of what life was like in Morocco three or four centuries ago. It is not entirely clear and necessary to trust the oral tradition. Still, it seems that the settlement of Skoura began to form in the 17th century when Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered the construction of several fortresses in the area to secure it against enemy incursions.
What to see in Skoura, the most interesting kasbahs
The Kasbah of Amridil
Among the many kasbahs scattered throughout the Skoura palm grove, the star is the Kasbah of Amridil, one of the most interesting and best preserved in the entire Dadès Valley. You may have a certain sense that you have already seen her silhouette. It’s normal. It’s also represented on old 50 dirham banknotes. In addition, it has been a frequent movie location, appearing in well-known films such as Lawrence of Arabia or Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Built in the 17th century by the Nassiri family, the kasbah’s original nucleus comprised eight houses surrounding a central corridor, with defensive towers on its exterior. The Amridil kasbah has undergone numerous modifications and extensions over the centuries. Today, it’s well-preserved and restored, giving visitors a glimpse into life centuries ago.
You can peek inside wells, bread ovens, and an old olive oil press. One of the most enjoyable rooms is the courtroom, where the owner of the fortification served as the feudal lord of the Skoura palm grove and received locals to administer justice. You can visit the entire complex and hire a guide at the entrance door. The riad annex is also available for visitors to stay overnight, making it one of the best options in the area.
The Kasbah of Ait Abu
The Kasbah of Amridil is the best known and most tourists of the Skoura Palm Grove, but it is not the only one that can be visited. The Kasbah of Ait Abou is north of the palm grove, next to Tajanal, the highest in the region. It is much older than Amridil, dates from the early nineteenth century, and is also collective. Since its establishment, it has housed several families, a prevalent pattern throughout the oasis.
In the case of the Kasbah of Ait Abou, the additions and annexes that the resident families were building were made vertically, giving it its characteristic height. It also has a hotel inside and is ideal for those travelers who want to get away from the most touristy and crowded areas of Skoura palm grove.
For the rest, the Skoura Palm Grove is an ideal place to get lost, taking a long walk among its abundant vegetation and rest from the hustle and bustle (sometimes overwhelming) of Moroccan cities. In the many hotels in the area, it is possible to rent bicycles or hire excursions on horseback to explore this immense oasis’s countless paths and nooks.
What to see near Skoura on your trip
Dar Ahlam
We highly recommend visiting this magical spot at the Relais & Châteaux property Dar Ahlam, a super traditional Kasbah in the luscious palm grove of Skoura in the Dadès Valley on the edge of the Moroccan desert near Ouarzazate in the Skoura palm grove. This beautiful Kashbah is spectacular and the setting of several Hollywood movies. This whole area is the location of many films shot in the desert. This place is so magical. It is exclusive and one of the most spectacular oases in the South Moroccan desert.
Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood
A highly recommended visit from Skoura is Ouarzazate, which is 40 kilometers away, approximately 45 minutes by car. This city, surrounded by mountains, is often identified as the gateway to the Moroccan desert. It is also a place of transit for those who undertake the ‘Route of the oases’. And perhaps the reason it is attracting more travelers lately is that it is home to movie studios. Some call it “Moroccan Hollywood”.
These studios can be visited, so it is the perfect excursion for moviegoers and friends on social networks since there, they will have many sets where they can take selfies.
In addition to looking for the locations of ‘Game of Thrones ‘or other films, do not forget to visit its urban environment with the Place de Mouahidine, the market, or its craft souk.
The Kasbah of Taourirt
On the outskirts of Ouarzazate is the Kasbah of Taourirt, as it has entry and exit times (from 8 in the morning to 6.30 in the afternoon) you must consider when organizing the visit. Aesthetically this adobe fortress is a marvel, with its ornate crenelated towers.
It is believed to have been built in the 18th century by the Glaoui tribe on the old ‘Gold Route’ that linked Timbuktu to Marrakech. It is advisable to take a guided tour inside to see the private spaces of the Glaoui dynasty. And if you are interested in crafts, do not leave without buying a piece. There is a center where they make and sell beautiful clay objects, rugs, etc.
The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Another wonderful visit is that of the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified city is located 70 kilometers from Skoura and entry to it is free. Thanks to its architecture, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. The image in the distance, adapting to the hill behind it and with the Ounila River at its feet, is unforgettable. As are the views obtained from its highest point.
Its beauty, the fabric of its streets, its adobe walls and the tall towers have not gone unnoticed in the cinema since dozens of films have been shot here, from Lawrence of Arabia (1962) to Gladiator (2000) or The Queen of the Desert (2015).
Fint Oasis, a hidden orchard
When the eyes have already adapted to the play of ocher tones that the most desert area of Morocco holds, the Fint Oasis appears like a dream. This orchard full of palm trees, with the coveted water at its feet, is located about 10 kilometers from Ouarzazate (and about 50 from Skoura).
The most advisable thing is to leave the car in the vicinity (there is a parking area) and go all around it, you can even approach the town on foot. The neighbors of this place are very hospitable, they will surely not be bothered if you browse their way of life a little. They also have beautiful crafts, so you can even help with their family finances.
