Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip

A full-day excursion from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, where history, culture and landscape come together in one journey. It is a good day for travellers who want to explore the heritage of Morocco and the beauty of the High Atlas mountains.

About 4 hours each way by road, so this is a long day and we leave early.

• Departure from MarrakechYour day begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. You settle into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and drive through the High Atlas mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa. On the way, admire the rugged peaks, terraced fields and Berber villages, stop at panoramic viewpoints for photos, and learn about the history and culture of the region from your driver or guide.
• Visit Ait Ben HaddouArrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a ksar (fortified village) and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the narrow winding streets of this old village, where earthen buildings rise against the desert. Learn how it served as a trading post on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, and see filming locations of films such as The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven and Lawrence of Arabia. After the visit, have a relaxed lunch at a nearby restaurant with views of the ksar, with dishes such as tagine, couscous and freshly baked bread.
• Discover OuarzazateContinue to Ouarzazate, a city known for its history and its link with cinema. Explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a former residence of the Glaoui family, with its detailed architecture and maze-like layout. Visit the Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world, where films such as Gladiator and Babel were shot. Walk through the local souks for souvenirs, including handwoven rugs and crafts.
• Return to MarrakechThe day ends with a relaxed drive back to Marrakech. Watch the sunset over the Atlas mountains and look back on the day. You arrive in Marrakech by late evening.

Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara”, and Ait Ben Haddou are two of the best-known places in Morocco. From the peaks of the Atlas to the streets of the ksar and the film studios of Ouarzazate, the day is full of discovery.