🏜️ Overview of the Experience
This Private Day Trip to Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate invites you to discover Morocco’s desert gateway. After crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, you’ll reach the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar famous for its striking earthen architecture and appearances in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Continue on to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can visit world-renowned film studios, historical kasbahs, and take in sweeping desert views.
⭐ Highlights
✔️ Private round-trip transfer from Marrakech
✔️ Scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains (Tizi n’Tichka)
✔️ Guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
✔️ Discover Ouarzazate and its famous film studios (optional visit)
✔️ Optional stop at Telouet Kasbah (if time permits)
✔️ Customizable schedule with private driver
🗺️ What to Expect
- 🚗 Departure from Marrakech at 7:30 AM
- 🏔️ Cross the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- 📸 Photo stops along the way for panoramic views
- 🏰 Visit and explore the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou with a local guide (included)
- 🎬 Head to Ouarzazate — optional visit to Atlas Studios or Taourirt Kasbah (entry not included)
- 🍽️ Free time for lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate
- 🌅 Return to Marrakech by evening
🕒 Itinerary Overview
07:30 AM – Departure from Marrakech
Begin your adventure with a hotel pickup and head toward the High Atlas Mountains through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), offering incredible panoramic views and opportunities for photo stops.
10:30 AM – Stop at a Scenic Viewpoint
Enjoy a short break to stretch, take pictures, and appreciate the landscape before continuing the journey through Berber villages and mountainous terrain.
11:30 AM – Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with a local guide. Wander through its narrow alleys, learn about its fascinating history, and discover why it’s a favorite filming location for international blockbusters.
01:00 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch (not included) at a local restaurant with beautiful views of the kasbah or valley.
02:30 PM – Continue to Ouarzazate
Drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optional visits include:
🎬 Atlas Film Studios (optional, entry not included)
🏰 Kasbah Taourirt – a historic fortified palace
04:00 PM – Start Return Journey to Marrakech
Begin the scenic drive back, with optional short stops along the way.
~07:30 PM – Arrival in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or preferred location in the city.
✅ What’s Included
- Private modern vehicle with AC
- English/French-speaking driver
- Guided walking tour of Ait Ben Haddou
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off
❌ Not Included
- Entry fees to studios or kasbahs (optional)
- Meals and drinks
- Local guide in Ouarzazate (if desired)
- Gratuities to driver or guides
📍 Pickup Info
✅ Hotel or riad pickup included in central Marrakech
📍 For remote locations, a nearby meeting point will be arranged
📅 Booking Info
- ✅ Private tours operate daily
- 🕒 Departure time: 7:30 AM
- ⏱️ Duration: ~11–12 hours
- 📩 Advance booking recommended
- 💳 Deposit required to confirm (non-refundable for late cancellation)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive to Ait Ben Haddou from Marrakech?
It’s approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way, with scenic stops along the route.
Is it possible to visit both Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate in one day?
Yes, with an early departure and private transport, it’s a popular and doable day trip.
Do I need to hire a guide for Ait Ben Haddou?
A local guide is optional in your visit to Ait Ben Haddou to enrich your cultural experience.
Can I customize the trip?
Absolutely. You can request photo stops, breaks, or even a detour to Telouet Kasbah if time allows.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, camera, and cash for meals or optional entrance fees.
Alexandre R –
The jamal driver is a professional person and very friendly he puts you at ease and does not hesitate to explain to you what to see during the ride. You won’t find two drivers like him… Our guide Abdullah is a person with a heart EN gold and he is so educated it is amazing!! My mother had trouble climbing the stairs because sick he did not hesitate a second to help her .. That’s gentlemen I respect ..
PS: We’re gonna miss you. Thank you for the photos for the memories DE your presence.
Katherine C –
Fantastic trip, wonderful memories. Our guide, Soufian, was friendly, knowledgeable, understanding of our wants of the excursion. He was waiting for us at the reception of our hotel and dropped us off right outside the reception door upon return.
Ashley G –
5/5. Excellent driver who stopped off for us to get food and took us back to our villa. Very grateful. Views were beautiful as well.
Rated 5 out of 5 Tom G –
We had a great time on our private trip to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech with Badr. He was on time, picked good spots for snacks and bathroom breaks. He shared interesting information without overdoing it. The drive through the Atlas mountains was scenic, he stopped and pulled over for pictures at the perfect spots. It’s a long day but has some amazing views. The car was pristine and air con throughout. Our family loved it, would recommend.
Daniel DD –
excellent tour good service 👍 we booked this excursion when we arrive to marrakesh me and my friend the pick up was in Time in nice Mini Van our driver and the guide was knowledgeable and nice we really enjoyed every moments in this trip it’s made my holiday thanks Abdul see you next time.
Alex M –
I booked this tour with Marrakesh-trip to visit Kasbah of ait ben haddou it was an amazing historical trip! me and my family enjoyed every moment of this tour.I really recommend it!
Kevin D –
Highly recommend this private tour to everyone. the trip was absolutely perfect in a comfortable black Mercedes with our driver hicham how was really nice hospitable and kind he really cared about our experience he showed us many beautiful spot and he told us about Morocco customs and fun facts that you wouldn’t normally know about. The kasbah were really beautiful and breathtaking in general everything was will organized i really really enjoyed this experience thank you hicham
Christian K –
We booked a private driver with Marrakesh trip from Marrakesh to kasbah of ait benhaddou The car was clean and very comfortable hisham The driver was Super friendly and kind, speak good English, always in time and drive safely we really enjoyed being with him thank you hisham for your service and taking care of our family.