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Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco – Aït Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech

Photo: Markus Wagner / Unsplash

Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate Day Trip from Marrakech

A long and beautiful day: the Tizi n'Tichka pass, a guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou and the film town of Ouarzazate.

  • Duration1 day
  • StartMarrakech
  • EndMarrakech
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Aït Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas by the famous Tizi n'Tichka road. You visit the UNESCO earth village of Aït Ben Haddou with a local guide and see Ouarzazate, the town of film studios, before returning to Marrakech in the evening.

It is a long day with many curves, but the views are wonderful. If you want to sleep in the desert, choose our 2 days from Marrakech to Zagora or see all desert trips.

Highlights

  • Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres
  • Berber villages of the High Atlas
  • Guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site
  • Film studios of Ouarzazate (outside or optional visit)
  • Wide views of mountains and desert

Schedule of the day

  1. 07:30 – Pick-up at your riad or hotel

    Your private driver picks you up in Marrakech. You drive south into the High Atlas, with a coffee stop in a mountain village.

  2. 09:30 – Tizi n'Tichka pass

    You cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, the highest main road pass in Morocco. You stop for photos of the curves and the Berber villages below.

  3. 11:30 – Aït Ben Haddou with a local guide

    You arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, an old fortified village built with earth. A local guide walks with you across the river and up through the lanes to the old granary at the top. From there you see the whole valley. Many films and TV series were filmed here.

  4. 13:00 – Lunch

    Lunch in a restaurant with a view of the ksar (lunch not included). Try a tajine or a Berber omelette.

  5. 14:30 – Ouarzazate and the film studios

    You drive about 30 minutes to Ouarzazate. You can see the outside of the film studios or visit them (optional, ticket not included). You also see the Taourirt kasbah from outside.

  6. 16:00 – Return to Marrakech

    You start the long drive back over the High Atlas, with a rest stop on the way.

  7. 19:30 – Drop-off in Marrakech

    You arrive back at your riad or hotel in Marrakech around 19:30.

Route map

Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the day (1–6 people)
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Photo stops on the Tichka pass
  • Flexible stops for coffee and toilets
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Local guide in Aït Ben Haddou
  • Entrance to film studios and kasbahs
  • Tips and personal expenses

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive?

About 4 hours each way, with stops. The road has many curves; take medicine if you get car sick.

Is it better to stay one night?

If you have time, yes. Our 2-day Zagora trip includes Aït Ben Haddou and a desert camp.

Is the Tichka pass open in winter?

Yes, most days. After heavy snow it can close for some hours. We check the road before you leave.

Want to change this itinerary?

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