Dar Ahlam

Ouarzazate, Morocco [view map]

Style

Kasbah with added wow!

Setting

Betwixt High Atlas and Sahara

This 19th-century Kasbah will leave even the most committed sybarite overwhelmed. Dar Ahlam's luxury is all the more striking against the backdrop of the Sahara.

Worth getting out of bed for

You have your own guide, 4x4 and driver, which means that if you want to leave at 07h to ride a camel at sunrise, everything can be organised at the drop of a fez.

here are some of the activities the hotel can arrange:

A visit to The Valley of the Almond trees and the salt mines
A morning excursion of approximately two and a half hours.
Departure by 4x4 (20 km of road and 30 km of track).
Arrival in the first village of the Valley.
A visit to the Kasbah of Glaoui and the ancient Jewish district.
A stroll to the breathtaking viewpoint which overlooks the landscape and the salt mines.
The almond trees blossom during February to March.

A saunter followed by lunch on the edge of Ouarzazate Lake Departure around 11h for a 20-min ride towards Ouarzazate. Then a saunter around the lake followed by a delightful and luxurious picnic. There is the possibility to go for a walk after lunch or otherwise to return to Dar Ahlam so to make the most of the swimming pool and the massages.

Aperitif at Ksar Ali
Ksar Ali is the most beautiful view which overlooks the palm grove of the Skoura. It is located 15 min by car from Dar Ahlam. Departure would be at the end of the afternoon to watch the sunset. There is the possibility to walk there from Dar Ahlam. Dinner would be served at Dar Ahlam.

The Sidi Fla Gorges
Departure by 4x4 for a 15-min ride through an arid desert landscape arriving in the volcanic Gorges (of basalt). A walk through the valley to arrive at a village. Possibility to organize breakfast, lunch or dinner – in accordance with the seasons.

Valley of the Roses
The valley of the Roses, is one of the most spectacular sites in Morocco, and is located between the Gorges of M’Goun and the valley of Dadès. The landscapes differ dramatically from torrents of water pulsing through the mountains, cliffs, canyons and wide open valleys. The flowers blossom during the second fortnight of April until the beginning of May and the poppy season is during April. One day excursion. Departure around 10h, for one hour and a quarter by 4x4. Part of the walk through the valley can be done by donkey ride followed by a mouth-watering picnic and then return mid-afternoon.

The Gorges of Dadès
The visit of the Valley of the Roses can be prolonged with a walk in the Gorges of Dadès which follows the Nomad route. There will be a visit to the Glaoui Kasbah and excursions to the old castles in the valley (Ait Arbi and Ait Oudinar). The walk ends with the Dadés Gorges and Canyons.

The Drâa Valley
The road from Ouarzazate to Zagora is one of the most striking ones in Morocco. It is initially mountainous, arid and bare until Agdz, before its joins the course of Drâa where it is lined with a quasi-uninterrupted rows of palm plantations, cultivated fields, and splendid earth Ksour and Kasbahs. One full day excursion. Departure towards 09h in direction of Agdz (the ancient capital of the caravans). Visit of a fortified village of Tamnougalt followed by a stroll to the greenest part of the Valley. Possibility of trekking before the picnic in the middle of the valley. Return about 17h to Dar Ahlam.

The Todra Gorges
Full day excursion (on tarmac road). The road which heads to the Gorges extends over 15km with very beautiful landscapes of verdant gardens, which contrast with the earth colors. Trek in the valley or ride on the back of a camel. Visit to the lake of Sacred Fish. Picnic in the shade of the palm trees of the Valley. Return at the end of the day to Dar Ahlam.

Discovery of the Skoura Palmery
Visit to the Kasbah Ameridil founded in the IV century and restored in the traditional way.
Stroll for an hour north of the village in the gardens (almond trees, olive trees, corn fields). Meet the craftsmen (potters, ironmongers) and a visit to the co-operative which manufactures goat's milk cheeses.
Visit the traditional mountain souk which takes place every Monday morning and on Thursday visit the souk held in the heart of the valley of the Almond trees.

Examples of the activities offered…
Quad or motor bike rides (with supplement)
Camel back riding during sunset, then tea and aperitif in the oasis
Donkey back ride in the palm plantation for the children
Horseback riding in the north of the palm plantation on the edge of the Almansour lake (Arab stallions for the highly skilled riders)
Activities around the blossoming olive trees during November (pressing, olive-based recipes)
Cooking lessons…