Skoura Oasis

About this place

Skoura is a town and historic oasis in Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet, southern Morocco, about 36 km east of Ouarzazate in a straight line, on the road to the Dadès valley. It consists of a modern town and a large old palm oasis scattered with traditional rammed-earth architecture. Oral tradition says Skoura was once a large lake full of birds, above all the partridge, called «askour» in Amazigh. The oasis lies where several rivers and streams from the High Atlas meet, some joining as the Oued el-Hajjaj, which flows into the Dadès river. Many of these rivers run dry outside spring. Dense palm groves stretch between green fields watered by old channels, with tall earthen kasbahs rising among them, their towers decorated with geometric patterns, some restored and some crumbling ruins. The High Atlas peaks, snow-capped in winter, line the horizon. Visitors wander the shady oasis paths between palms and kasbahs, visit the well-known Kasbah Amridil, and many stay in traditional guesthouses inside the oasis. Skoura makes a good stop between Ouarzazate and the Dadès valley; spring and autumn are the best seasons.