Follow the road from Ouarzazate towards The Todra Gorge and you'll drive through the legendary Valley of the Kasbahs in Morocco, north Africa.

The road stretches for 100 miles all the way from the Dades Valley to Tineghir. The drive is amazing. You'll pass through stunning desert landscapes; small villages; palm groves and the surreal lunar landscape of Jebel Sargho to the south.

As you pass through At El Kelaa des M'gouna, you'll see row after row of wild pink roses. During May alone the local women pick over 700 tons of rose petals that are then made into rosewater at the local distillery.

When you get to Boumalne, take the turn off towards the Dades Valley; at Tineghir, head north for around 13 miles and you'll come to the breathtaking Todra Gorge.

Behind most of these small villages you'll find hundreds of occupied and abandoned Kasbahs. They're well worth a visit, many of them with fascinating histories. It's best to hire a local guide.

The palm groves around Skoura and Tineghir are probably the most idyllic in the region.

The people here are incredibly friendly. Don't be surprised if you are invited in their homes for a drink (normally mint tea - 'a la menthe'). You might even be invited in to try the ritual couscous. Be warned though; this can take up a few hours of your day (not polite to eat and run!) and you'll be expected to leave a donation of normally around 100 Dirhams. If you have the time, this is certainly the best way to get to know these colourful, charming and hospitable people.