Day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

Where are Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou?

Both destinations are located south of Marrakech, separated by the impressive High Atlas mountain range.

Ait BenHaddou is about 110 miles from Marrakech, approximately a 3.5-hour drive.

Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert,” is just 19 miles further on.

The journey there is an essential part of the adventure, as it crosses the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, one of the highest in Morocco, with breathtaking panoramic views.

Detailed itinerary of the excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

Departure from Marrakech

We leave Marrakech early in the morning and head south, climbing the winding road up Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 meters). Along the way, we make stops to photograph the mountainous landscapes and visit argan oil cooperatives run by Berber women.

Exploring Ait BenHaddou

Our first major stop is the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified ksar, with its perfectly preserved red adobe structures, has been the setting for films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy.

We take a guided walking tour through its cobbled streets, cross the river, and climb to the top of the hill to enjoy a spectacular view of the palm grove and the Ounila Valley.

Traditional lunch

We enjoy a Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah or in Ouarzazate. The menu usually includes tagine, couscous, kebabs, or Moroccan salads accompanied by mint tea.

Visit to Ouarzazate

After lunch, we head to Ouarzazate, a quiet and sunny city known as the Hollywood of Africa.

Here we visit:

The imposing Kasbah Taourirt, former residence of the Pasha of Marrakech, with its crenellated towers and internal labyrinths.

(Optional) The Atlas Film Studios, where films such as Babel, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones were shot. You can tour original sets and see film props.

Return to Marrakech

In the afternoon, we begin our return to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas once again, with an estimated arrival at sunset.

What makes this excursion special

• The monumental beauty of Ait Ben Haddou, an architectural gem unique in the world
• The history and charm of Ouarzazate, among kasbahs and film studios
• Spectacular mountain landscapes throughout the tour
• A cultural immersion in the Berber south of Morocco
• The chance to walk through real movie sets

What the excursion includes

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
• Professional driver/guide
• Guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou
• Photo stops in the High Atlas Mountains
• Free time for lunch and to explore Ouarzazate

A cinematic adventure just one day from Marrakech

The excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait BenHaddou is a complete experience that combines history, culture, nature, and cinema. It is ideal for those who want to discover the authentic Morocco beyond the imperial cities and explore the gates of the desert in a single day.

Be amazed by ancient mud fortresses, caravan routes, and a landscape that seems to come from another world.