Day Trip From Marrakech To Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou

(679 Reviews)

Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Day Trip from Marrakech

Embark on a captivating full-day adventure from Marrakech, traversing 400 km to the heart of Morocco’s Sahara desert. This tour, perfect for those with limited time, showcases the stunning Atlas Mountains as you ascend the Tizi Ntichka pass, 2269 meters above sea level, revealing breathtaking landscapes and quaint Berber villages. Experience the allure of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a legendary fortified village, and explore Ouarzazate, Africa’s own Hollywood. This journey promises a blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty, all within a day’s reach.

 

 

Marrakech to Ouarzazate & Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip Highlights

  • Journey across the High Atlas Mountains.
  • Marvel at the snow-capped Atlas peaks and the Tizi N'tichka Pass.
  • Follow the ancient trading caravans route from Telouet to Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Discover the fortified Berber village of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Explore Ouarzazate and its renowned Atlas film studios.

Marrakech to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Day Tour Itinerary

  • Marrakech → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate

    Embark on a breathtaking day trip from Marrakech to the enchanting Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Your journey begins early in the morning with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation. Travel east from Marrakech, winding through the majestic High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi Ntichka pass, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops and coffee breaks amidst stunning views.

    Experience the allure of Ait Benhaddou village, a famed filming location for iconic movies and series like Star Wars, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, this fortified village is a marvel of crenelated towers and geometrically patterned buildings, representing Morocco’s architectural heritage. Despite its dwindling population, ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve its historic charm.

    Continue to the gateway of the Sahara, Ouarzazate, and explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a symbol of Moroccan elegance and history. This former Glaoui stronghold blends luxurious apartments and simple clay structures, adorned with intricate motifs, inviting you into the heart of Morocco’s past.

    After soaking in the culture and enjoying a relaxing mint tea or coffee, your journey winds back through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or a nearby location in the Medina, leaving you with memories of an extraordinary day exploring Morocco’s treasures.

Day Trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate Prices

Number of Participants: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9 10-13 14-17
Price per person: 189€ 99€ 70€ 55€ 45€ 40€ 35€ 25€ 23€
Number of Participants: Price per person:
1 189€
2 99€
3 70€
4 55€
5 45€
6 40€
7-9 35€
10-13 25€
14-17 23€

Included

  • A/C modern vehicle driven by an English speaking driver/guide.
  • Pick up/drop off at your hotel/riad.
  • Guided tour of Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou.

Not included

  • Lunch & beverages.
  • Entrance fees to the film studios.
  • Entrance fees to Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.

Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Marrakech to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou?

To travel from Marrakech to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, it’s a journey of 180 kilometers (112 miles). This route takes you along the N9, traversing the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N’Tichka pass, before turning onto the P1506 that leads directly to the village of Ait Ben Haddou.

What is the distance between Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate?

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is located about 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate.

What is the geographical setting of Ouarzazate in relation to the desert?

Ouarzazate’s location isn’t in the Sahara desert characterized by sand dunes, camels, and camps. To reach such desert landscapes, like those in Mhamid or Merzouga, one would need to drive an additional 5 hours from Ouarzazate.

Is Ouarzazate worth visiting?

Ouarzazate, situated at the entrance of the Moroccan Sahara desert, boasts significant attractions. On a day trip from Marrakech, you can visit the Kasbah of Telouet, Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Film Studios. The journey through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’Tichka pass offers spectacular scenery. However, the 4-hour drive from Marrakech, often on winding roads, might be challenging for some travelers.

What is Ouarzazate is Famous for?

Ouarzazate is widely recognized for its prominent film studios, such as Atlas and CLA, and its rich art and culture. The region is particularly notable for its unique architectural styles, with houses designed to adapt to varying temperatures, accommodating both hot and cold weather. In Ouarzazate, temperatures can soar up to 48°C (118°F) in summer, showcasing the area’s extreme climatic conditions.

How old is Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou?

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is believed to have been initially established in the 11th century during the Almoravid period. Despite this early origin, none of the current buildings in the Ksar date back earlier than the 17th century. The Ksar’s strategic position in the Ounila Valley made it a vital stop for trading caravans traveling from the Sahara desert to Marrakech and Fes since the 11th century.

 

 

 

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679 Reviews
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Leif Kristensen

Couple Traveller

We had an amazing trip to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate with our guide Lahcen. What was really impressive about his is his ability to speak multiple languages, so communicating with him in English was a breeze. Our day started with a convenient pickup from the bustling souks area near our Riad. As we journeyed through the striking Atlas Mountains, Lahcen shared fascinating insights about the mountains and the beautiful surroundings. And to our delight, he even treated us to some tunes adding an extra touch of enjoyment to the drive. During our route to Ait Ben Haddou, Lahcen made several stops, allowing us to capture the breathtaking mountain views in photographs. He also took us to visit an Argan Oil Women’s Cooperative, which was a lovely experience. Upon reaching Ait Ben Haddou, Lahcen organized a local guide who led us through the heritage site, sharing captivating stories and history.

August 26, 2023

Eamon O'Sullivan

Family Traveller

Our driver and guide, Abdel, was truly exceptional. He skillfully handled both driving and guiding duties. He patiently answered all our questions and shared a wealth of information about Morocco and the Berber traditions. The entire day was captivating, especially the scenic drive through the stunning Atlas mountains. The visit to Ait Ben Haddou was delightful, offering us a chance to explore its beauty. Overall, it was an absolutely wonderful day.

August 25, 2023

Isolde Weber

Group Traveller

We had such a wonderful journey, and our driver Amin truly made it an even better experience! He was incredibly patient and helpful, letting us take breaks and pause to enjoy any sights we wanted during our trip. He always made sure we were comfortable and looked after. His care made our first-time visit absolutely amazing, and we’re definitely looking forward to more trips like this in the future!

August 23, 2023

Ilsa van der Berg

Couple Traveller

We had a really enjoyable trip that went smoothly. Everything happened according to schedule. Our driver, Ali, was incredibly friendly and made our journey so much more pleasant. He shared a wealth of information with us, making the time we spent in the car fly by and helping us ignore the twists and turns of the road. The places we stopped at between Marrakech and Ouarzazate were picturesque and perfect for snapping some photos. The restaurant Ali brought us to was excellent, serving delicious traditional food. If we decide to visit Morocco again, we’ll definitely get in touch to arrange a Sahara tour.

August 21, 2023

Dashiell Greene

Solo Traveller

I want to express my gratitude for an amazing day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. It was a bit of a long day, but the driver ensured a comfortable pace, and it was a fantastic chance to experience various regions of the country. We got to visit a world heritage site and the backdrop of many famous movies.

August 20, 2023
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