1-Day Trip Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou

Departure from Marrakech

Our journey will start early in the morning, just after sunrise. We leave the busy streets of Marrakech and head towards the south.

Drive through the High Atlas Mountains

As we climb into the mountains, the scenery changes quickly. The road winds through valleys, cliffs, and forests. We cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest drivable point in Morocco. The views from here are simply breathtaking. We make several stops along the way to take photos of the mountains and Berber homes blending into the hills.

Passing through Berber Villages

On the way down from the mountains, we pass small Berber villages where families live in simple, earth-colored houses. You’ll see children playing near the roadside, donkeys carrying loads, and farmers working the land.

Arrival at Ait Benhaddou

By late morning, we reach Ait Benhaddou. From a distance, the ksar looks like it’s part of the mountain, with tall mud towers, narrow alleys, and walls that have stood for hundreds of years.

With a local guide, you’ll walk through the village, hearing stories about its history, its people, and its fame in movies like Gladiator and The Mummy. We climb to the top for wide views of the Ounila River and the desert hills in the distance.

Lunch with a View

After exploring, it’s time to relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch. We usually eat at a terrace restaurant with a direct view of the ksar. Tagine, couscous, or grilled meats are often on the menu, which are fresh, hearty, and flavorful.

Drive to Ouarzazate

In the afternoon, we continue on a short drive to Ouarzazate. Known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” this city is home to some of the biggest film studios in Africa. At Atlas Film Studios, we take a walk through movie sets that once doubled as Egypt, Rome, or even ancient Persia.

Visit to Taourirt Kasbah

Next, we stop at the Taourirt Kasbah, a huge structure made from clay and straw. Inside, it’s like a maze of rooms and courtyards. You will hear stories about how this kasbah was once a royal residence, and admire the detailed ceiling work, wooden carvings, and colorful tiles.

Return to Marrakech

After a full day of adventure, we will begin our return drive in the late afternoon. We usually arrive back in Marrakech by early evening, concluding this memorable day tour from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou.