Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou from Marrakech
Hotel pickup · Pay on the day · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and discover southern Morocco in one day: the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop of many films, then Ouarzazate, the “gateway to the desert”, with its film studios. A long day full of landscapes, with pickup from your hotel or riad.
About the Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou day trip
- Duration: 1 day
- Pickup from your hotel or riad between 7 am and 8 am depending on its location (in the medina, at the nearest accessible point)
- Back in Marrakech around 8 pm
- About 180 km along the Tizi n’Tichka pass road
- Air-conditioned minibus with driver-guide
- Pay on the day, free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Highlights
- Crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 m
- The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa”, and its film studios
- Berber villages and earthen kasbahs along the valley
- Mountain scenery, from the green Atlas to the ochre colours of the south
Full description
Your day starts early: between 7 am and 8 am, our air-conditioned minibus picks you up from your hotel or riad. The road climbs into the High Atlas up to the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 m, with photo stops at the Berber villages clinging to the slopes.
On the other side of the mountains, you reach the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village of earth and stone surrounded by ramparts and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its alleys and granaries have been the setting of many films and series.
You then continue to Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios, which you can visit (entrance paid on site). Lunch is at your own expense.
Return to Marrakech along the same mountain road, arriving around 8 pm.
Good to know: lunch and entrance fees are not included. Prefer a vehicle just for you? Discover our private excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. To go as far as the Sahara dunes, see our 3-day Merzouga desert tour.
Itinerary
- 7 am – 8 am: pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Tizi n’Tichka pass: crossing the High Atlas at 2,260 m, photo stops
- Ait Ben Haddou: visit of the UNESCO-listed ksar
- Ouarzazate: free lunch and visit of the film studios (entrance extra)
- Afternoon: return journey over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Around 8 pm: back at your hotel in Marrakech
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Air-conditioned minibus
- Driver-guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to the sites and film studios
- Drinks and tips
Price
- Per person: 30 € / 300 MAD
Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou day trip: frequently asked questions
How long is the journey?
About 180 km over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, i.e. 3 to 4 hours each way including photo stops. It is a long day: departure between 7 am and 8 am, return around 8 pm.
Is the Tizi n'Tichka road difficult?
It is a mountain road with many bends. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring suitable medication.
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance to the film studios and kasbahs, as well as lunch, are paid on site.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for the alleys of Ait Ben Haddou and a jacket: it is cool at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, even in summer.
Can I extend the trip to the desert?
Yes, with our 3-day Merzouga desert tour, which stops at Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes, with a dedicated vehicle and driver: private excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou.
30 € / 300 MAD
per person *
PROFESSIONAL GUIDES
SIMPLE AND FAST RESERVATION
FREE CANCELLATION
Other suggestions
The Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou day trip was fantastic.Pick up was on time and at the location we agreed, our driver Yusuf was very friendly spoke very good English and he made the day a real memory, nothing was too much for him, in fact we became good friends.The drive was long over the mountains but rewarding views with a few stops along the way for picture’s and refreshments. the film studio was very very interesting to see the different sets.Ait Benhaddou is an amazing sight in the middle of the stone dessert. This trip is a real treat, you will see amazing Morrocan sights. It is all day, we started at 7am got dropped back at our riad at 9pm. I would definitely book again with the same company. Deserves 5 stars.
Beautiful journey. Be patient. Morocco is a big country. This day trip is 8 hours of driving through the mountains. A very skilled driver. A few too many shopping stops and needed more time at the final destination Ait-Ben-Haddou but all in all a great adventure of a day ! Definitely worth the price !
Difficult road trip but beautifull sightseeings.the driver-guide was very good in his job.
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