Telouet Kasbah, Marrakesh - Essaouira🇲🇦
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Telouet Kasbah Marrakesh

4.6
·491k reviews·Telouet, Morocco

A majestic, partially ruined kasbah in the High Atlas Mountains, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui dynasty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Telouet Kasbah, Marrakesh - Essaouira🇲🇦

Telouet Kasbah Marrakesh

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic, partially ruined kasbah in the High Atlas Mountains, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui dynasty.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A truly impressive historical site offering a glimpse into Morocco's past, even in its current state."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car Rental Advice

A regular car is usually sufficient for the Marrakesh-Telouet-Ait Benhaddou route. Drive cautiously!

🚌 Public Transport Options

A public bus departs Marrakesh daily around 1 PM, arriving Telouet around 6 PM.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Courtyard

The Grand Courtyard

Central Courtyard

Marvel at the vastness and intricate tilework of the main courtyard, a testament to its former grandeur.

El Glaoui's Private Quarters

El Glaoui's Private Quarters

Upper Floors

Explore the opulent reception rooms and private chambers, showcasing stunning stucco and zellij craftsmanship.

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Rooftop

Ascend to the rooftop for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding High Atlas Mountains and the valley below.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Atlas Mountains

The journey to Telouet Kasbah involves scenic mountain roads. While a regular car is generally fine, be prepared for winding routes and other drivers. Consider the time of year for potential weather impacts.

Timing Your Visit

To avoid the midday heat and potential crowds, aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit. This allows for more comfortable exploration and better lighting for photos.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t miss this hidden gem next to the desert 🥹 One of my favorite hotel during our road trip around Morocco - save this post to plan your future trip 🇲🇦 📍Kasbah Ouled Othmane, Zagora #maroc #itinerary #marrakech #sahara #merzouga
@aureliestoryy
39.8K likes • 1M views

🚗 Car Rental Advice

A regular car is usually sufficient for the Marrakesh-Telouet-Ait Benhaddou route. Drive cautiously! Reddit

🚌 Public Transport Options

A public bus departs Marrakesh daily around 1 PM, arriving Telouet around 6 PM. Reddit

La Kasbah Oulad Othmane est un hôtel unique au cœur de la vallée du Drâa, entre Zagora et Agdz au Maroc 🌴🏜️ #zagora #marrakech #morocco #moroccotravel #fyp #pourtoi
@yh.travel
14.2K likes • 165.4K views
Ouverture février 2025 👀 #marrakech #kasbahdif #agafay
@spotlist
4.1K likes • 139.5K views

💰 Negotiate Taxi Fares

If taking a taxi to Ouarzazat, negotiate the price beforehand and ask to be dropped at the Telouet junction. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain and multiple levels of the kasbah. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Query on road from Marrakesh - Telouet - Ait Benhaddou

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car Rental Advice

A regular car is usually sufficient for the Marrakesh-Telouet-Ait Benhaddou route. Drive cautiously! Reddit

🚌 Public Transport Options

A public bus departs Marrakesh daily around 1 PM, arriving Telouet around 6 PM. Reddit

💰 Negotiate Taxi Fares

If taking a taxi to Ouarzazat, negotiate the price beforehand and ask to be dropped at the Telouet junction. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain and multiple levels of the kasbah. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the historical significance and architectural grandeur of Telouet Kasbah, despite its current state of partial ruin. The journey through the Atlas Mountains is often highlighted as a scenic adventure. Some find the lack of extensive restoration a drawback, while others appreciate the raw, authentic feel.

What People Like

Impressive historical site
Stunning mountain views
Intricate interior details

What People Dislike

Partial state of ruin
Limited restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by car, either a rental or a private driver. The road is paved and generally accessible for regular cars, though it's a winding mountain route. Public buses also run from Marrakesh, typically departing in the afternoon. Reddit+1

No, a 4x4 is generally not required for the main route from Marrakesh to Telouet and onwards to Ait Benhaddou. A standard car is usually sufficient. Reddit

Yes, you can take a public bus from Marrakesh, which departs daily around 1 PM. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Ouarzazat and arrange for a local connection to Telouet. Reddit

The drive typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. It's a scenic route through the High Atlas Mountains. Reddit

The entire drive is scenic, offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. You might consider stopping at viewpoints along the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The kasbah is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date hours, especially during religious holidays. TikTok

Admission fees are typically modest. Expect to pay a small entrance fee, which contributes to the preservation of this historic site. Reddit

Advance booking is usually not necessary for Telouet Kasbah. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival. Reddit

Due to its historic nature and uneven terrain, Telouet Kasbah may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. Exploration involves stairs and rough surfaces. Reddit

Local guides are often available at the entrance to offer insights into the kasbah's history and architecture. Negotiate the price beforehand. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand courtyard, the intricately decorated reception rooms, and the rooftop offering panoramic views are prime photography locations. The exterior architecture against the mountain backdrop is also stunning. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed inside the kasbah, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the site and other visitors. Some areas might have specific restrictions. TikTok

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the colors and textures of the kasbah. Early mornings also offer good light with fewer people. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions. TikTok

A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the architecture and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the courtyards. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Telouet Kasbah offers an adventurous outing for families. The sheer size of the kasbah can spark children's imaginations, turning it into a 'real-life castle' to explore. Encourage them to look for hidden nooks and crannies. Be mindful that some areas have uneven floors and steep steps, so keep a close eye on younger children. Reddit

Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities within the kasbah itself are limited. The drive through the Atlas Mountains is also part of the adventure, with stunning scenery that can keep older kids entertained. Consider making it a stop on a longer road trip to break up the journey. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

Telouet Kasbah is a must-visit on any Moroccan road trip, especially if you're traveling between Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert or Ouarzazate. It's a key stop on the popular Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou route, offering a dramatic contrast to the desert landscapes. TikTok+1

The journey itself is part of the experience, with breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains. The kasbah provides a fascinating historical interlude, showcasing the power and influence of the Glaoui dynasty. Combine it with a visit to Ait Benhaddou for a full day of historical exploration and stunning scenery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Glaoui Dynasty

Telouet Kasbah was once the magnificent seat of the powerful Glaoui family, who controlled the region of Marrakesh in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thami El Glaoui was particularly influential, serving as Pasha of Marrakesh under French rule. The kasbah's construction and opulent decoration reflect their immense wealth and status during this period. It was a strategic stronghold, controlling trade routes through the Atlas Mountains. Reddit

After Morocco gained independence, the Glaoui family's power waned, and the kasbah fell into disrepair. Much of its decorative elements, like cedarwood and marble, were looted or sold off. However, significant portions remain, offering a glimpse into its former glory and the complex history of Morocco during the French protectorate. The ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve this important historical monument. Reddit

Visiting Telouet Kasbah is like stepping back in time. You can almost feel the echoes of the past as you wander through its grand halls and courtyards. The sheer scale of the structure and the remnants of its elaborate decoration are truly awe-inspiring, even in its current state. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Restoration

The architecture of Telouet Kasbah is a fascinating blend of traditional Berber fortress design and more refined Andalusian influences, particularly evident in the decorated interiors. The exterior is imposing, built with pisé (rammed earth) and stone, designed to withstand the harsh mountain climate. Its strategic location atop a hill offers commanding views and defensive advantages. Reddit

Inside, the kasbah reveals its true splendor. You'll find rooms adorned with intricate zellij (mosaic tilework), stucco carvings, and painted cedarwood ceilings. These decorative elements showcase the incredible craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. The main reception halls, where the Glaoui family would entertain guests, are particularly impressive, hinting at the lavish lifestyle they led. Reddit

While parts of the kasbah are in ruins, ongoing restoration projects are working to preserve and showcase its historical significance. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the structure and ensuring that future generations can appreciate its architectural beauty and historical context. Visitors can see the contrast between the preserved sections and those still awaiting attention. Reddit

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