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Skoura Morocco is a quiet palm oasis east of Ouarzazate, on the road from Marrakech to the Sahara. It is full of old earthen kasbahs, shady gardens and water channels that are centuries old. Most travelers drive straight through. However, Skoura rewards a stop of a few hours or a night. This guide covers where Skoura is, the famous Kasbah Amridil, the other kasbahs of the oasis, things to do and how to fit Skoura into a desert trip.
Where is Skoura Morocco?
Skoura lies in Ouarzazate Province, in the Draa Tafilalet region. Today the modern town sits on the eastern edge of the oasis, along the main road from Ouarzazate (Wikipedia). Ouarzazate is about 40 km away, a drive of around 45 minutes (Barcelo). The Skoura commune had 24,053 people at the 2024 census, most of them in the villages of the oasis (City Population).
Skoura sits on the same road as Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley, so it is easy to add to a trip to the desert. Our guide to the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara explains the whole route.
The Skoura oasis and palm grove
The Skoura oasis grows where several rivers and streams from the central High Atlas meet (Wikipedia). More than 70,000 palm, fig, almond and pomegranate trees grow here (Barcelo). In addition, farmers grow dates, vegetables and cereals under the palms.
Water is the secret of the Skoura palm grove. Many rivers here run dry outside spring, so families built khettaras, underground canals, and open canals called seguias. In the past, landowners shared the work of keeping them clean and took turns to receive the water (Wikipedia). Walk through the gardens and you will see this old system still at work.
Kasbah Amridil: the star of Skoura
Kasbah Amridil is the most famous sight in Skoura. In fact, it stands by the river at the entrance to the palm grove. The site began as a fortified village, or ksar, in the 17th century, and the tall kasbah was added at the end of the 19th century (Wikipedia). The kasbah once appeared on the Moroccan 50 dirham banknote.
The Nasiri family still owns Kasbah Amridil, and some family members live in one part of it (Journey Beyond Travel). Meanwhile, other parts are a small museum of daily life. Inside you can see an olive press, clay bread ovens, an old well, tools and ceilings made of palm beams and reeds (Mainly Museums). To learn how these buildings work, read our guide What Is a Kasbah?.
Other Skoura kasbahs to see
- Kasbah Ait Ben Moro: a 17th century kasbah that was restored and turned into a hotel at the end of the 20th century (Wikipedia).
- Kasbah Ait Abou: from the early 19th century, in the north of the palm grove near the village of Tajanal. It is the highest kasbah in the region (Barcelo).
- The ksour of the oasis: fortified villages of rammed earth line the gardens. Some are crumbling and others have been restored (Wikipedia).
Things to do in Skoura Morocco
- Visit Kasbah Amridil: see the courtyard, the olive press and the bread ovens of this living museum.
- Walk the palm grove: follow the paths between the gardens and the water channels with a local guide.
- Ride a bike or a horse: bicycles and horse rides are a popular way to explore the oasis (Barcelo).
- Stay the night: sleep in a restored kasbah or a guesthouse in the gardens, where nights are very quiet.
- Add nearby sights: combine Skoura with Ait Ben Haddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate on the same day.
When to visit Skoura Morocco
Spring is the greenest season, because many of the rivers only flow then (Wikipedia). Spring and autumn are also pleasant for walking in the gardens. However, summer days are hot, so visit early in the morning. Also, winter days are often sunny, but nights are cold. For month by month advice, see the best time to visit Morocco.
Skoura on the road to the Sahara
The road from Marrakech to the dunes passes through Ouarzazate and Skoura before it reaches the Dades Valley. Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour follows this road, and you can ask us to stop at Kasbah Amridil on the way. Farther east, there are Tinghir, the Todra Gorge and finally a night in a Sahara desert camp. Our guide to the 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech helps you choose the right length.
FAQ: Skoura Morocco
Is Skoura Morocco worth visiting?
Yes. Skoura is described as the largest oasis in the Dades Valley, and it has Kasbah Amridil, once shown on the 50 dirham note. It is an easy stop between Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley.
How far is Skoura from Ouarzazate?
About 40 km, a drive of around 45 minutes.
What is Kasbah Amridil?
It is a historic kasbah in the Skoura oasis. The ksar dates from the 17th century, and today part of it is a museum of traditional life.
How long should I stay in Skoura?
Two or three hours are enough for Kasbah Amridil and a walk in the palm grove. However, stay one night if you want a quiet evening in the oasis.
Can I visit Skoura on a desert tour?
Yes. Skoura is on the road from Marrakech to the Sahara, and we can add a stop on your private tour.
Want to stop in Skoura on your way to the Sahara? Tell us your dates and we will plan the route for you.
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