Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou Day Trip
- Total duration : About 11 hours
- Tizi n’Tichka pass : 2,260 m elevation
- Transport : 4x4 or minibus
Leave Marrakech heading south and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, travelling through High Atlas scenery and Berber villages. Stop at the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou to explore the site; you can hire a local guide there if you wish. Continue to Ouarzazate, with free time for lunch, a look around the city or visits to its film-related attractions. The day lasts about 11 hours. Transport by 4x4 or minibus and a French-speaking driver are included; meals, local guides and admission tickets cost extra.
How the experience unfolds
Early morning
Depart from Marrakech
Pick-up from your hotel or riad outside the medina. From the medina, meet at the designated departure point at Café de France on Jemaa el-Fna Square.
On the way south
Cross the High Atlas
Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres and take in the mountain scenery and Berber villages along the road.
About 1 hour on site
Stop at Aït Ben Haddou
Explore the fortified ksar, known as a location for films including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy. A local guide can be hired and paid for on site.
In Ouarzazate
Free time in the city
Choose where to have lunch and how to spend your free time. Taourirt Kasbah, the cinema museum and the studios can be visited subject to opening hours and separate admission.
Early evening
Return to Marrakech
Travel back across the Atlas and return to Marrakech after a long day trip.
Included
- Transport by 4x4 or minibus
- French-speaking driver
- Pick-up and drop-off at hotels or riads outside Marrakech medina
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou, payable on site
- Kasbah admission (about €2 per person)
- Cinema museum admission (about €3) or film studio admission (about €8)
- Any applicable pick-up surcharge for accommodation on the outskirts of Marrakech
Good to know
- Hotel and riad pick-up is free outside the medina; from the medina, depart from Café de France on Jemaa el-Fna Square.
- A €10–40 surcharge may apply for accommodation on the outskirts of Marrakech, depending on distance.
- The excursion lasts about 11 hours and includes several hours of mountain driving.
- Some areas are accessible to people with reduced mobility; let the operator know when booking and bring an accompanying person.
- At least 3 participants are required. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts, with a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the excursion?ReadClose
About 11 hours in total, including the High Atlas crossing, a stop at Aït Ben Haddou and free time in Ouarzazate.
Is a local guide at Aït Ben Haddou included?ReadClose
No. You can hire a local guide at Aït Ben Haddou and pay them directly on site.
Are lunch and entrance fees included?ReadClose
No. Meals, drinks and admission to the kasbahs, cinema museum or film studios are paid separately.
Where is pick-up in Marrakech?ReadClose
Outside the medina, pick-up is at your hotel or riad. In the medina, meet at Café de France on Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Ready to plan your activity?
Choose a date and the number of travellers.