Moments Marrakech
Moments Marrakech

Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate day trip

Tichka pass, a UNESCO-listed ksar and film studios

12 h 30Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate
The ksar of Aït Benhaddou on its hill

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The ksar of Aït Benhaddou on its hill
The ksar of Aït Benhaddou on its hill

At a glance

Duration
12 h 30
Group size
Up to 12 people
Guide languages
French, English and Spanish
Activity level
Easy
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before
  • Instant confirmation
  • Private
  • Shared
  • Good for families

Highlights

  • Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 m
  • UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou
  • Sets from Gladiator and Game of Thrones
  • Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate
  • Local guide in the ksar

What you’ll do

It’s a long day, but it’s the only way to see southern Morocco without staying overnight. The road itself is a show: the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) winds through the High Atlas between Berber villages and rust-coloured slopes.

The day

  • Photo stops on the Tichka hairpins and in a mountain village.
  • Guided visit of the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: cross the river, walk the mud-brick lanes and climb to the fortified granary for views over the valley. You’ll recognise sets from Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
  • Lunch in a kasbah facing the ksar (optional).
  • On to Ouarzazate: views of the Taourirt kasbah and a stop outside the Atlas Studios (visit available on the private option).
  • Return over the Tichka at sunset.

Tips

Allow 8 hours of driving in total. The private option lets you leave earlier, stop at Telouet (the Glaoui kasbah) or tour the studios, at your own pace. In winter the pass can close for a few hours due to snow: we check forecasts and let you know the day before.

Itinerary

  1. 07:003 hCol du Tichka

    Crossing the High Atlas via the Tichka pass

  2. 10:302 hAït Benhaddou

    Guided visit of Aït Benhaddou

  3. 12:451 h 15Aït Benhaddou

    Lunch facing the ksar

    Lunch

  4. 14:151 hOuarzazate

    Ouarzazate and Taourirt kasbah

  5. 15:304 h

    Return to Marrakech

Included

  • Air-conditioned return transport
  • Driver
  • Local guide in Aït Benhaddou

Not included

  • Lunch (add-on or €10–15 on site)
  • Atlas Studios ticket (about 80 MAD)
  • Tips

Pickup

Pickup from your accommodation at 7 am.

Pickup areas

  • Medina & GuélizPickup as close as possible to your riad: in the medina the driver waits at the nearest point reachable by car (often a 5-minute walk).included
  • Hivernage & AgdalPickup at your hotel reception.included
  • PalmeraieHotels and villas in the Palmeraie and on the Fes road.+ €10

Prise en charge à votre hébergement à Marrakech

Open in Maps

What to bring

  • Walking shoes
  • A warm layer for the pass
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Travel-sickness tablets if needed

Not suitable for

  • People prone to motion sickness (winding road)
  • Young children (12-hour day)

Good to know

  • Early start (7 am), back around 7:30 pm.
  • Occasional pass closures due to snow between December and February.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 h beforeFull refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.

FAQ

Is it too long for one day?

It is a long day (12 h) with regular breaks. If you have time, the 2-day Zagora tour is more relaxed.

Is the guide in the ksar included?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you for about 1.5 hours in Aït Benhaddou.

Can we visit the film studios?

Yes on the private tour; the shared tour only stops outside due to time.

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