Overview
Atlas views and local culture
From its hilltop looking down an ochre river valley dotted with green groves and Berber villages to the snowcapped Atlas Mountains beyond, the Kasbah Bab Ourika’s views are reason enough to visit.
While the main property’s 27 rooms are split between the Kasbah itself and garden rooms, The Retreat is a completely private affair at the edge of Toubkal National Park enjoying the same vistas. Similarly constructed from rammed earth using an aged-old local technique, chicly decorated with Moroccan crafts, and staffed by people from the local area, it feels very much of its place.
A fabulous spot to escape the energy of Marrakesh, relax in the extensive gardens, read in the fire-warmed lounge or watch the sunset from the infinity pool. Meals are served in the gardens or in the colonnaded restaurant by a chef who specialises in traditional Berber recipes as well as international cuisine.
Facts
At a glance
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11 rooms
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Private dining area and chef
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Swimming pool
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Spa
Experiences
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![Bab ourika berber culture]()
Berber culture
Visit local villages with a guide to learn more about life in the mountains and Berber culture, from collecting herbs to make a cup of traditional tea to artisan ceramic workshops and organic farms.
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![Moroccan Hammam range]()
Hammam treatments
Experience one of the oldest traditions of the eastern culture and discover the Kasbah’s traditional hammam and organic treatments. The hammam’s steam bath helps one eliminates stress, toxins and impurities by sweating.
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![Annie spratt camel morocco unsplash]()
Camel trekking
Head out on camelback through local villages and along river valleys.
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![Miltiadis fragkidis marrakesh unsplash]()
Marrakesh day trips
Under an hour away by road, explore Marrakesh’s iconic medina and enjoy the delights of the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa is a square and marketplace, bustling souks and local monuments.
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![Patrick ogilvie atlas moutains unsplash]()
Trekking
In addition to easy walks and picnics locally, you can explore the region and Toubkal National Park on longer treks. With a mountain guide to lead you, pass through remote villages, forests, dramatic valleys, waterfalls and more.
Community & Culture
From the outset, the Kasbah provided essential training to ensure that the majority of staff are from the nearby villages. This policy has been successful, and Bab Ourika is now one of the largest employers in the valley. This also ensures that the kasbah is integrated into the local community for an authentic experience of the place.
In addition, the Kasbah has tried to show its commitment to the local douar (community) by instigating various initiatives and actively participating. The Kasbah sponsored the creation of extra water storage to provide running water to the houses in the village below. The local government provided pumps and funds to complete this water distribution.
Footprint
The Kasbah is one of the most eco-friendly buildings in Morocco. Constructed principally from pise (rammed earth), the traditional Berber building technique, it blends easily with the rock and earth around it.
Thick walls provide natural insulation in summer and winter to ensure a balanced temperature. The Kasbah uses solar panels to heat the building and the domestic water supply. There are plans to install additional panels to start generating all the property's own electricity. All greywater at the kasbah is recycled and used in the garden.
The Kasbah is keen to implement other traditional environmental initiatives. There are plans to install additional panels to start generating all the property's own electricity and to build a prototype biodigester unit to use waste products of the Kasbah to produce electricity, gas and fine quality compost for the gardens. It is hoped that if this project is a success, it will have applications all over the Berber villages in the High Atlas.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
