From Marrakech : Day Trip to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

Discover the captivating world of Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate on an unforgettable day trip from Marrakech. This 13-hour journey promises breathtaking views, a UNESCO-listed kasbah, and a behind-the-scenes look at a renowned film studio. Travelers will traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains, indulge in a delicious lunch, and enjoy Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. With comfortable transportation and a professional guide, this day trip offers an enriching experience for those seeking to explore beyond the vibrant city of Marrakech. Discover the secrets that await in these iconic destinations, where history and cinematic magic converge.

Key Points

• This day trip from Marrakech covers the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, showcasing Morocco’s rich cultural and cinematic heritage.
• The excursion traverses the scenic Atlas Mountains, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys along the Tizi-n-Tichka pass.
• Participants have opportunities for independent exploration, culture, and photography at the historic sites and picturesque landscapes.
• The tour includes a professional driver, local guide, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch with panoramic views, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
• This day trip promises an unforgettable journey into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, blending sightseeing, cinematic experiences, and scenic mountain vistas.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate costs from £41.46 per person and has a duration of 13 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can reserve their spot and pay nothing upfront, as this is a ‘book now, pay later‘ arrangement.

The tour provides an in-depth exploration of the region, allowing guests to marvel at the majestic Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, and the renowned Atlas Film Studios.

With comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional driver, this excursion promises an immersive cultural experience and stunning photographic opportunities.

Itinerary and Highlights

The day trip from Marrakesh whisks visitors on a captivating journey, first crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass which scales the majestic Atlas Mountains at an elevation of 2,260 meters.

The tour then explores the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a well-preserved example of southern Moroccan architecture.

Afterwards, guests visit the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, known for their work on popular productions like Game of Thrones.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy free time to wander the local streets and soak in the stunning landscapes, including mountain villages and lush palm groves.

This comprehensive itinerary offers an immersive cultural experience and ample opportunities for photography.

Transportation and Comfort

Comfortable transportation is central to the day trip, with an air-conditioned vehicle ensuring a pleasant journey. Travelers are conveniently picked up from their Marrakesh hotels, only needing to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. A professional driver navigates the winding roads, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic mountain vistas.

Feature	Description
Vehicle	Air-conditioned
Pickup	From hotel, 10 mins before departure
Driver	Professional
Comfort	Sit back and take in the views

The transportation provided on this day trip is thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and convenience, enabling travelers to focus on the incredible sights along the way.

Included Services

A range of services are included in the day trip, from a local guide to cover entrance fees and meals.

The guide provides expert knowledge and insights into the history and cultural significance of the sites visited.

Entrance fees to the Atlas Film Studios are also covered, allowing travelers to explore this iconic filming location.

A delicious lunch at a local hotel with panoramic views is provided, giving participants a chance to savor the flavors of the region.

Refreshments are available throughout the day, and even the tip for the guide is included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

With these valuable inclusions, the day trip offers exceptional value and a well-rounded culture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Experience and Cultural Engagement

As travelers traverse the majestic Atlas Mountains, they’ll marvel at the captivating mountain villages and lush palm groves that dot the landscape.

This day trip offers a chance to take in the local culture, especially at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Barka, where visitors can capture stunning photographs of the unique terrain.

With ample leisure time for independent exploration and relaxation, the experience provides a well-rounded cultural engagement.

Whether it’s wandering through the historic kasbah, exploring the film studios, or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore Ait Benhaddou Kasbah

Visitors to Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can explore this well-preserved example of traditional Moroccan architecture, which dates back to the 17th century.

The kasbah, a fortified village, features a labyrinth of mud-brick buildings, towers, and alleys that once served as a stopover for caravans traversing the Sahara Desert.

Today, visitors can wander through the narrow streets, admiring the intricate details and structures that have withstood the test of time.

Exploring the kasbah offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage, providing a unique opportunity to take in the timeless charm of this iconic Moroccan landmark.

Discover Atlas Film Studios

After exploring the historic Ait Benhaddou kasbah, visitors can head to the nearby Atlas Film Studios, a famous production site that’s been used for numerous iconic films and television shows. The studios offer a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making process, with opportunities to see film sets, props, and costumes. Visitors can even walk the same steps as famous actors and experience the magic of Hollywood in the heart of Morocco.

Filming Locations at Atlas Film Studios
Game of Thrones	Gladiator
Lawrence of Arabia	The Mummy
Babel	Kingdom of Heaven

Traverse the Atlas Mountains

The journey to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate takes travelers through the majestic Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas along the winding Tizi-n-Tichka pass at an elevation of over 7,400 feet.

The drive through this stunning landscape is a highlight of the day trip, providing:

1. Panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages.

2. An opportunity to witness the dramatic changes in terrain, from rugged mountains to lush palm groves.

3. A chance to appreciate the engineering feats behind the construction of this high-altitude road, which winds through the heart of the Atlas range.

Immersing oneself in this natural wonder sets the stage for the cultural exploration to come in Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit a Berber Village?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention a visit to a Berber village. However, guests may have the opportunity to interact with local Berber communities during the free time in Ouarzazate or while exploring Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, there are opportunities to stop for photos along the scenic drive. The itinerary includes stops at picturesque locations, such as the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, where travelers can capture the stunning mountain landscapes.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

There is no minimum group size required for this tour. The tour is available for individual travelers or groups of any size. Participants can enjoy the flexibility to take photos along the way during the day trip.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour provider accommodates various dietary needs for the included lunch. Travelers can request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options when booking the tour. The local hotel serves a panoramic meal tailored to each guest’s dietary requirements.

Can We Customize the Itinerary for Additional Stops?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to include additional stops. Travelers can work with the tour operator to tailor the day trip to their interests and preferences, such as visiting other nearby cultural sites or scenic areas.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate offers an unforgettable adventure.

Travelers will be captivated by the stunning Atlas Mountain landscapes, the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah, and the behind-the-scenes look at the famous Atlas Film Studios.

With comfortable transportation and a delicious lunch, this culture experience provides an authentic glimpse into Morocco’s rich heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: