Ouarzazate Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech

Traveling to Marrakech, even for just a day, offers a better understanding of this amazing country. The towering High Atlas Mountains dominate the city’s skyline, offering breathtaking views from almost anywhere. This Ouarzazate day trip from Marrakech to Kasbahs Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou provides a glimpse into the rich history and local culture of Berbers.

To reach the Kasbahs, you must cross the Tizi–n–Tichka pass, offering spectacular views. Berber villages dot the valleys and slopes of the Atlas Mountains, sometimes challenging to spot due to blending with the surroundings.

Kasbah Telouet and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou exemplify multi-generational Berber housing. Descending the Ounila Valley, you’ll pass many such houses.

Day trip from Marrakech – to Ouarzazate Highlights

Ait Ben Haddou Day trip from Marrakech

Drive over the Tizi-nTichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains.
Explore Kasbah Telouet with a local guide to discover the Ounila Valley.
Visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou with a local guide.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of valleys, mountains, gardens, and fields as you pass Berber villages.
Have lunch overlooking Kasbah or in the High Atlas Mountains.

What’s included in the Ouarzazate Day Tour from Marrakech?

Private, air-conditioned transport.
Hotel drop-off and pick-up in Marrakech.
English/French-speaking driver/guide.
Lunches with options are available (Private tour).
Freedom to visit valleys and Berber villages.
Entry fees and a local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (Private tour).
Flexible stops as per your preference.

What isn’t included?

Drinks.
Tips.
Extras.

Before you go for your day trip, be sure to know these things

Personalize your Ouarzazate tour from Marrakech to make it more memorable.
Consider a 2-day Marrakech tour for a more immersive experience in South Morocco’s kasbahs.
Early booking is advisable if you’re interested in sharing the tour with others.

To help you plan your Trip

To reserve the car, a 20€ deposit is required, with the balance due to the driver.
Accepted payment methods include PayPal, cash, USD, Euro, GBP, or MAD.
Prices may fluctuate based on the current exchange rate.

Day trip to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou from Marrakech – Itinerary

At 7:00, the driver will pick you up from your Riad and take you on a full-day tour from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. The day trip includes a visit to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas mountains, and passing through the famous Tizi-nTichka pass, Africa’s highest peak at 2260m. Along the route, you’ll spot Berber villages perched high on the mountainsides, blending with the surroundings. The landscape changes dramatically as you descend, becoming semi-arid and desert-like.

Kasbah architecture

Kasbah architecture features towers at corners, grilled windows, and soft furnishings against peach-colored walls. These adobe houses are highly adaptable to the region’s climate. After passing the Tichka pass, a side road leads to Telouet Kasbah, once a palace and the Glaoui crew’s headquarters. Many additions to the Kasbah are now ruins, exposed to the elements since the French colonization period. As you explore further, you’ll encounter traditional interior decoration.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

The road leads to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the oldest and most renowned Kasbah in Morocco. It’s listed as one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco, preserving its architectural style and integrating with nature and the environment. Built in the 17th century, it served as a fortress stronghold and a stop on the old Salt Road caravan routes. Today, it’s famous for its appearance in Hollywood films. Your day ends back in Marrakech, passing through the Tichka pass, with the tour concluding at 18:00.

Questions? Contact us about the Ouarzazate Ait Ben Haddou day trip here.