Exploring the captivating landscapes of Morocco’s southern region is a must-do for any traveler. This full-day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou promises an immersive cultural experience, taking you through the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka pass and showcasing the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, a stunning fortified village. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the renowned Ouarzazate film studios and indulge in a delicious local Moroccan lunch while soaking in panoramic vistas. Guided by a multilingual driver, this adventure promises to unveil the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of this captivating region. But the true highlight might just surprise you…
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Marrakech.
Key Points
- This full-day trip from Marrakech covers the iconic Tizi-n-Tichka pass, the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou, and the film studios of Ouarzazate.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, comfortable transportation, entry to Ouarzazate film studios, and a local lunch with panoramic views.
- Multilingual drivers provide language support and enhance the culture experience for travelers.
- The trip duration is 9 hours, with a departure time between 7-8 AM and a return around 4 PM.
- Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and essential items to bring include water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
Trip Overview
This full-day trip from Marrakech takes visitors to the picturesque towns of Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou. The trip is priced from 676 CZK per person and lasts 9 hours, with pickup between 7-8 AM from Marrakech accommodations.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Highlights include crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains, exploring Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting Ouarzazate, known for its film studios.
Lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views and immersion in local culture at Ait Ben Barka village are also included. Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the multilingual driver can assist in Arabic, French, Italian, English, Spanish, Danish, and Dutch.
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Itinerary Highlights
The day trip crosses the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, which reaches an impressive height of 7,415 feet above sea level in the Atlas Mountains.
From there, it visits the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a well-preserved fortified city that’s served as the backdrop for many films.
Travelers will then explore Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" due to its film studios and dramatic landscapes.
Lunch at a local restaurant offers panoramic views, and a stop at the Ait Ben Barka village lets guests enjoy the local culture and capture stunning mountain vistas.
Transportation and Language
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles transport travelers throughout the day trip.
The driver is fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, French, Italian, English, Spanish, Danish, and Dutch, ensuring clear communication during the excursion.
This linguistic versatility allows the guide to provide valuable insights and engage with participants from diverse backgrounds.
The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off service adds to the convenience of the experience, allowing guests to focus on the sights and enjoy the local culture without the hassle of transportation logistics.
With these thoughtful transportation and language accommodations, the day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou promises a seamless and enriching adventure.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou includes several key inclusions that enhance the overall experience.
The tour package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic journey.
Entrance fees to the Ouarzazate film studios, costing €8 per person, are also included. Travelers will savor a lunch featuring local Moroccan cuisine at a restaurant with panoramic views.
While gratuities are optional, the inclusions provide excellent value. However, the tour excludes personal expenses, so travelers should budget accordingly for any additional items or activities they wish to enjoy.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
When booking this day trip, travelers should be aware of the meeting point, which is the Café de France in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square for those staying in the historic center of Marrakech.
For those staying outside the city center, the driver will provide direct pickup from their hotel.
Regardless of the starting point, it’s essential to bring necessary items like water, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.
While the itinerary is carefully planned, there may be changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Travelers should review the important information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on this full-day adventure to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou.
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Customer Feedback
Travelers’ feedback on this day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou reveals a mixed response.
Based on 3 reviews, the overall rating is a low 2.3 out of 5. Some issues reported include a lack of clarity in the tour description, a guide who failed to show up at the designated meeting point, and concerns about the guide’s behavior.
While the trip includes visiting UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou and exploring the film studios of Ouarzazate, the execution seems to have fallen short for some customers.
Travelers advise checking the specifics of the itinerary and tour services before booking to ensure the experience meets their expectations.
Departure and Return
Departure for the day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou typically starts between 7-8 AM, with pickup from the traveler’s accommodation.
The air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a multilingual guide, whisks guests away towards the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. After crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass at an elevation of 7,415 feet, the group arrives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou.
Following exploration here, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and cinematic scenery.
At the end of the day, travelers are dropped off back at their original pickup locations around 4 PM, completing this comprehensive sightseeing excursion.
Pricing and Duration
For the day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, the price starts from Kč676 per person.
The tour duration is 9 hours, with a departure time between 7-8 AM from the traveler’s accommodation in Marrakech.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The trip covers the Tizi-n-Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, and exploration of Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and landscapes.
Lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views is also included in the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Are Typically in the Tour Group?
The group size varies, but typically ranges from small private tours with just a few travelers to larger groups of up to 15-20 people. The exact number can depend on the popularity of the tour and the season.
Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Disabilities?
The tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with disabilities. The itinerary includes hiking, climbing, and exploring uneven terrain which could be challenging. It’s best to discuss any special needs with the tour provider before booking to ensure the tour can accommodate.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility to reschedule the trip if needed without incurring additional costs.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer the option to customize the itinerary. The trip follows a set schedule that includes Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. Any additional site visits would need to be booked separately.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Tour?
The recommended attire for this tour is comfortable and practical. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the desert sun. Layers are advised as temperatures can fluctuate.
The Sum Up
This captivating full-day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Guests will marvel at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, explore the renowned Ouarzazate film studios, and savor local Moroccan cuisine while taking in panoramic views. Guided by a multilingual driver, this 9-hour adventure through the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka pass promises an enriching and memorable journey for just 676 CZK per person.
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