Historic day trip to ouarzazate and ait benhaddou from Marrakech

Travel through the beautiful Atlas Mountains and follow the ancient caravan routes to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an impressive history and breathtaking views. Take a tour of the fortifield village of Telouat, site of the Guelaoui pacha palace. Learn about sustainable, handmade carpet weaving that saved families through tough times and gives independence, income & pride to Berber women today at local cooperative rug store. You’ll be treated to history as well as scenic views on this one-day tour, which is sure to please anyone in search of adventure & culture that Morocco has to offer. Traverse the picturesque Tizi n'Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains Explore the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah which has been features in countless movies Walk through real movie sets where famous Hollywood films were shot and discover how the Moroccan desert becomes different A day of culture, history and beautiful landscapes

1. 1

   Marrakech

   Pass by

   The driver - guide of your day trip in will meet you at your hotel or riad at 8 a. m (we can also leave later). After a briefing on the program of the day, you will depart in your confort vehicle to High Atlas Mountains. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the city, the views shift from crowded streets to sprawling plains and the Atlas foothills. The adventure starts along the road to Ouarzazate, one of the most beautiful in Morocco with stunning views as you ascend towards the mountains. As you ride, your guide will provide commentary about he Berber culture of the area and the history of the caravan routes and High Atlas as a natural barrier and cultural meeting point. Your first photographic stop will be at Ait Barka, a Berber village situated in the foothill of the mounts. Here you can have a brief walk, sip tea on a roof terrace with panoramic views and pause to appreciate the scenery before recommencing the ascent towards Tizi n’Tichka.

2. 2

   Ait Barka

   25 min

   As the Marrakech road drops into the foothills of the Atlas, the switchbacks begin. After about an hour, there is a convenient stopping point at Ait Barka, a tiny Berber village that is good for a few minutes pause before the climb up the Tizi n‘Tichka pass. It‘s a good chance for a breather, to enjoy the mountain tranquility. Many travelers will take a break on a rooftop, where traditional tea is served, with panoramic views over the green valleys and terraced agriculture. It is a good opportunity to soak in the first juxtaposition of rich green mountain foothills and the high peaks beyond.

3. 3

   Tizi n Tichka

   15 min

   The road then steadily ascends into the High Atlas mountains after Ait Barka, where it reaches the highest point of any road in Morocco at 2,260 meters the Tizi n‘Tichka Pass, famed for its majestic scenery of valleys, terraced fields and dramatic peaks. This was once a vital route for caravans connecting Marrakech with the Sahara and it still ranks as one of the best drives in Morocco. You will stop here a while to admire the mighty views and take photographs of the scenic panoramas. When the weather allows snow capped peaks stand out against ochre mountains.

4. 4

   Trek Ounila Valley

   45 min

   The journey from Tizi ntichka to Ait Ben, Haddou takes you through the magnificent Ounila Valley, once part of the historic caravan route. The small Berber villages flit between the spectacular iron, coloured mountains and their houses, fashioned from clay and stone in exactly the same colours as the surrounding cliffs. The villages seem to be almost vanished into the landscape, as if cut from the cliffs themselves. Terraced fields, orchards and the remains of ancient kasbahs line the route, which used to be patrolled by Berber guards. The views are among the most unspoilt to discover traditional Berber life in the High Atlas, away from the tourist hot spots, and are crammed with photo opportunities.

5. 5

   Ksar Of Ait-Ben-Haddou

   1 hour

   Once you get to the famous Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO world heritage site, the old ksar will be looming in the background of the Atlas Mountains. You will follow your guide through the narrow maze of alleyways and adobe structures of the historic village, listening to stories of Berber life. Many famous Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia and Jewel of the Nile have been filmed there and this makes the village both a film and a cultural treasure.

6. 6

   Ksar Of Ait-Ben-Haddou

   1 hour

   Lunch in a Local Restaurant (Details): We can propose the possibility of having lunch in a local restaurant. It is a buffet of traditional Moroccan dish for tasting Moroccan flavors and hospitality in a traditional setting. It is not included in the tour price and it is 130 Dhs per person.

7. 7

   Ouarzazate

   30 min

   Visit Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, one of the largest movie studios in the world and known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Explore famous film sets used in movies like Gladiator and The Mummy, and discover how the desert landscapes are transformed into cinematic worlds. A fascinating stop for movie lovers and curious travelers.

8. 8

   Marrakech

   Pass by

   Having explored the beautiful studio atlas you will begin your drive back to Marrakech. Sit back and admire the magnificent scenery as you drive back through the Atlas Mountains. The journey ends in Marrakech where you will arrive late afternoon/early evening.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.