Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Day Trip

A full-day excursion over the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate — a long but unforgettable day from Marrakech.

This is the big full-day day trip from Marrakech: across the High Atlas on the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) to the most photographed kasbah in Morocco. Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO-listed ksour of earthen towers used as a film set for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and dozens of other productions.

We add Ouarzazate — the 'Hollywood of Africa' — for its Atlas film studios and the Taourirt kasbah. It is a long day on the road (around 4 hours each way), but the mountain scenery, Berber tea stops and the kasbah itself make every kilometre worthwhile. Back in Marrakech in the evening.

Good to know

Length

Full day, Marrakech to Marrakech

Group

2–6 travellers, private: only the people you book with

Effort

Easy

Languages

English, French, Berber

Booking

A written itinerary and a fixed price within 24 hours. A 30% deposit confirms; cancellation and refunds follow Serenity Morocco Tours' booking terms.

Highlights

• Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m)
• UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou kasbah — a famous film location
• Guided walk across the ancient ksour with a local guide
• Ouarzazate's Atlas film studios and Taourirt kasbah
• Argan oil and Berber tea stops on the mountain road
• Panoramic Atlas scenery in both directions

Not included: Lunch (around 120–150 MAD per person); Film studio entrance fee (around 80 MAD); Tips for the driver and guide.

Every day in full

07:00: Marrakech riad pickup

Early start for the long day. We climb out of the Haouz plain toward the High Atlas.

09:00: Tizi n'Tichka pass

Photo stops on Morocco's highest major road pass, with an argan cooperative and a Berber tea house near the summit.

11:00: Aït Ben Haddou

A guided walk across the river and up through the earthen towers of the famous kasbah — the granary at the top has sweeping valley views.

13:00: Lunch with a kasbah view

Lunch at a terrace restaurant looking across to the ochre towers. Meals: L.

14:30: Ouarzazate film studios

A stop in the 'Hollywood of Africa' — the Atlas studios and the Taourirt kasbah on the edge of town.

15:30: Return over the Atlas

Re-cross the pass for the drive home, arriving at your riad around 19:30–20:00.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for the kasbah climb
• Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+
• A layer — the Tizi n'Tichka pass is cool, even in summer
• Cash in dirhams for lunch and entrances