Overview of This Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village of earth houses on the far side of the High Atlas, listed by UNESCO and used as a set in many films. It is about 190 km from Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, so this private day trip is a long one, about 12 hours, but the mountain road is half the reason to go.
You cross the Atlas at 2,260 m with stops for the views, walk up through the ksar to the old granary on the hill, then continue to Ouarzazate for the film studios or the Taourirt kasbah if you want. If 12 hours sounds like too much, stay a night in the south, or see Ait Ben Haddou on the way to the Sahara: all our desert tours from Marrakech stop there.
- The Tizi n’Tichka pass, 2,260 m
- The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The view from the old granary at the top
- Ouarzazate’s film studios or the Taourirt kasbah (optional)
Your Day, Hour by Hour
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7:00 am
Pickup and the High Atlas
About 3 h 30 driving with stops · 190 kmAn early start for the mountain road: hairpin bends, Berber villages on the slopes and, from the top of the pass, the first views south toward the desert.
- Stops
- Tizi n’Tichka
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10:30 am
Ait Ben Haddou
Cross the river and climb through the lanes of the ksar, where a few families still live, to the granary at the top, with the view over the valley and the old caravan route.
- Stops
- Ait Ben Haddou
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12:30 pm
Lunch
Lunch at a restaurant facing the ksar, or continue to Ouarzazate first.
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1:30 pm
Ouarzazate (optional)
About 30 min driving · 30 kmVisit the Atlas film studios, where sets from well-known films stand in the desert, or the Taourirt kasbah in town. Skip it for a shorter day.
- Stops
- Ouarzazate
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3:30 pm
Back over the mountains
About 4 h drivingThe drive back crosses the Tichka again in the afternoon light. You are back in Marrakech around 7:30 pm.
Route Map: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
The road crosses the High Atlas at the Tizi n’Tichka pass; Ouarzazate is 30 km beyond Ait Ben Haddou.
What’s Included in This Day Trip
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Entrance fees (film studios, kasbahs)
- Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou (optional)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip Prices
Our day trips cost from about $40 per person, for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price for this trip depends on two things:
- Group sizeThe vehicle and driver cost the same whatever the size of your party, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.
- ExtrasLocal guides and activities are added only if you want them, and priced in your quote.
Customize This Day Trip
Take the old caravan road through Telouet on the way, stay a night in a kasbah, or turn it into a 2-day desert trip to Zagora. Tell us what you have in mind.
Customize This Day Trip
Your driver/guide
A professional, English-speaking driver/guide who knows the road from Marrakech, in an air-conditioned car or minivan for your group. Other languages are available on request.
Meet our drivers and guidesAit Ben Haddou Day Trip FAQ
Is Ait Ben Haddou worth a day trip from Marrakech?
If you are not going to the Sahara, yes: it is one of the most striking places in Morocco and the mountain road is spectacular. If you are going to the desert, skip the day trip; our desert tours stop there on the way.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou?
About 190 km, or 3 h 30 to 4 hours each way with the mountain road and stops.
Is the Tizi n’Tichka road safe?
Yes. It is a paved main road with many bends, and our drivers know it well. If anyone gets car-sick, tell us and we stop more often.
Which films were shot at Ait Ben Haddou?
Among many others, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and scenes of Game of Thrones.
How much does the Ait Ben Haddou day trip cost?
Our day trips start from about $40 per person for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price per person depends on your group size, and on whether you add Ouarzazate. We reply with an exact price within 24 hours; a 30% deposit confirms your booking.
