Private Day Trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Hotel pickup included
Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech
Duration: 9 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Easy pace
Suitable for most travellers, no special fitness needed
Small group
Limited to 15 participants
About this experience
Cross the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to Ouarzazate on this full day trip, with a stop at the UNESCO listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou, Morocco most photographed kasbah and the filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Early pickup in Marrakech (around 7:00 AM). The drive south climbs the spectacular Tizi n Tichka pass at 2,260 m, with panoramic photo stops over the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages clinging to the slopes. After about 4 hours you reach Ait Benhaddou, where a local guide walks you through the earthen fortified village (ksar) up to the old granary at the top for sweeping views over the river and palm groves. Continue 30 km to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. Visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt, once the stronghold of the Glaoui family, and optionally the Atlas Film Studios, where Cleopatra, Kundun and many other films were shot. Lunch in a traditional kasbah restaurant in Ouarzazate. The afternoon drive back to Marrakech includes more photo stops and an argan oil cooperative run by Berber women, before arriving back to your hotel around 19:00 to 20:00.
Places you'll visit
What's included
- Tour Guide / Driver
- Aït Benhaddou Entrance
- Atlas studio Visit
- Kasbah Taourirt visit
Not included
- Lunch
- ticket to atlas studio
Requirements
- Cash
- Glasses
- extra jacket for cold
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ait Benhaddou from Marrakech?+
About 180 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours each way depending on traffic and stops along the Tizi n Tichka pass.
Is it possible to visit Ait Benhaddou in one day from Marrakech?+
Yes. A day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou is the most popular way to see it. Most tours leave around 7:00 AM and return by 19:00 to 20:00.
What is Ait Benhaddou?+
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified earthen village (ksar) and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the old caravan route to the Sahara. It has been a filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia and many others.
What time does the Ouarzazate day trip from Marrakech start?+
Pickup is between 7:00 and 8:00 AM from the nearest parking to your accommodation in Marrakech, so you arrive at Ait Benhaddou before the midday heat.
What will we see on the drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?+
The spectacular Tizi n Tichka pass (2,260 m), Berber mountain villages, panoramic Atlas viewpoints, traditional kasbahs and in spring almond and rose blossoms.
How difficult is the walk inside Ait Benhaddou?+
Moderate. The path through the ksar climbs uphill on uneven steps. Comfortable closed shoes are recommended. The river crossing at the bottom is shallow most of the year.
Is lunch included on the day trip to Ait Benhaddou?+
Lunch is not included in the base price so you can choose where to eat. We recommend a kasbah restaurant in Ouarzazate; your guide can suggest options.
Hotel pickup
Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech
5.0 · 31 reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to book this experience and leave a review!