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Private day trip from Marrakech

Day Trip from Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate

Day Trip from Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate — cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou and the desert gate city of Ouarzazate, in one private day.

The journey

Day Trip from Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate overview

If you do not have time for the Sahara, this day trip gives you a taste of the south. You cross the High Atlas on one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Africa and visit Aït Ben Haddou, the clay village from so many famous films.

On the way you see Berber villages, walnut trees and wide mountain views, and you stop at the Tizi n'Tichka pass, 2,260 metres high. After Aït Ben Haddou you can continue to Ouarzazate, the door to the desert, to see Kasbah Taourirt or the film studios, before the drive back to Marrakech.

It is a long day, but completely private, with stops wherever you want.

Route

Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Duration

1 day (9–12 hours)

Tour type

Private — only you and your people

Distance

Approx. 360–420 km round trip

Why you’ll love it

Tour highlights

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The Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres

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Berber villages of the High Atlas

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Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO)

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The granary at the top of the ksar

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Ouarzazate and Kasbah Taourirt

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Film locations

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Argan and mineral shops on the road

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

Every day trip is private, with your own car and driver.

Full day

360–420 km

Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Your driver picks you up at around 7:30 in the morning. The road climbs into the High Atlas through red earth villages, walnut trees and long bends. You stop at viewpoints and at the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest major pass in Morocco. On the south side the land turns dry and wide, and you arrive at Aït Ben Haddou before lunch. Walk across the river and climb through the old ksar to the granary at the top.

After lunch with a view of the ksar, you drive 30 kilometres to Ouarzazate. Visit Kasbah Taourirt, the old house of the Glaoui family, or see the film studios from outside. Then you cross the High Atlas again in the afternoon light, and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.

Key stops

Tizi n'Tichka · Aït Ben Haddou · Ouarzazate · Kasbah Taourirt

Stay

No overnight stay

Meals

Lunch at your own expense

The details

What’s included

Included in your journey

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Private air-conditioned vehicle

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Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel

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English-speaking driver

Not included

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Lunch and drinks

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Entrance fees

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Local guide in Aït Ben Haddou (optional)

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Tips

Start your journey

Request your dates

Tell us when you would like to travel. We’ll reply with availability, your private quote and all the details you need.

From

Private quote on request

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is it too long for one day?

It is about 4 hours each way with stops. If you can, add one night and continue to the desert with our 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga.

Can we skip Ouarzazate?

Yes. Many guests visit only Aït Ben Haddou and return earlier.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Every tour we organise is private. The car, the driver and the plan are only for you and the people you travel with.

Is the mountain road safe?

Yes. The Tizi n'Tichka road is modern and wide, and our drivers cross it many times every week.