Day Trip to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech

Loading available options...

Overview

  • Duration:1 day 0 nights
  • Travelers:15 guests
  • Tour Type:Day Trips
  • Language:English, French, Spanish
Embark on a breathtaking day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate with Morocco Desert Explain, your trusted expert in private Morocco tours and authentic cultural experiences. This full-day adventure takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, unveiling some of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks — from ancient kasbahs to cinematic landscapes.

Travel in comfort through winding mountain passes, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, and explore Ouarzazate, famously known as the Gateway to the Sahara. This journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenery, making it an unforgettable complement to your Morocco desert tour or Sahara desert experience.

Let Morocco Desert Explain lead you through centuries of Moroccan heritage, where mud-brick fortresses, Berber villages, and Hollywood film sets come together in a truly magical day.
Read more

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the majestic Atlas Mountains
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
  • Enjoy panoramic views and traditional Moroccan lunch
  • Visit Ouarzazate, the famous Gateway to the Sahara
  • Tour the legendary Atlas Film Studios
  • Discover the peaceful Fint Oasis surrounded by palm groves
  • Return journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes

Itinerary

Expand all

Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, driving through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages as you journey toward southern Morocco.

Arrive at the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s best-preserved ksars. Wander through its maze-like streets, explore centuries-old architecture, and admire the panoramic view from the top of the hill. This location has appeared in famous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit for history and movie lovers alike.

After exploring, enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah before continuing to Ouarzazate — a city steeped in cinematic legend and desert charm. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a grand example of southern Moroccan architecture, and tour the Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest in the world. Learn about the region’s movie-making heritage and the famous productions filmed here.

End your day with a short detour to the tranquil Fint Oasis, where palm trees, mud-brick houses, and flowing streams create a serene escape from the desert heat. As evening approaches, journey back through the Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech, arriving by nightfall — your heart full of the sights, sounds, and stories of Morocco’s cinematic south.

Includes/Excludes

  • Private transport in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Pick-up and drop-off from your Marrakech accommodation
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • Free time to explore each site at your own pace
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance fees (if applicable)
  • Tips and gratuities

Frequently asked questions

Is Morocco a safe and welcoming country for travelers?

Yes, Morocco is widely considered a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. Moroccans are renowned for their hospitality, especially toward guests. We prioritize your well-being, using only reliable, professional drivers and carefully vetted accommodations. Your dedicated driver and guide provide local knowledge, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience throughout your Morocco tours.

What is included in the price of your private Morocco tours?

Our comprehensive private Morocco tours packages typically include all transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, the services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide, all accommodation (hotels, riads, and desert camps), daily breakfast and dinner, and activities like camel trekking in the Sahara. We clearly list all inclusions and exclusions on the individual tour page, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind.
- Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

What is the accommodation like, particularly the Sahara desert camps?

We hand-select accommodations based on authenticity, comfort, and local charm, ranging from traditional riads in the cities to beautiful kasbahs in the mountains. For the desert, you will stay in high-quality camps (standard or luxury) featuring comfortable tents with proper beds and private or shared bathrooms, ensuring a magical, yet restful, night under the stars on your desert tour.

You might also like...