Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate Day Trip from Marrakech over the High Atlas
A full day on Morocco's most beautiful road: the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.
Ait Ben Haddou is the most famous ksar in Morocco: a fortified mud-brick village rising above the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for films such as Gladiator and the series Game of Thrones.
On this day trip from Marrakech you cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass at about 2,260 metres, explore the ksar at your own pace and carry on to Ouarzazate, the film-studio town at the gateway to the desert. It is a long day, about 400 km, but the best way to see southern Morocco without staying overnight.
Day-by-day itinerary
Morocco trip itinerary, day by day
07:00 · Pick-up at your hotel or riad and climb into the High Atlas on the N9.
08:45 · Tizi n'Tichka pass Stop at the highest point of the road, at about 2,260 metres.
10:00 · Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou Free time to explore the ksar and climb to the top of the hill. Local guide optional.
12:30 · Ouarzazate Panoramic drive through town and free time for lunch (not included).
14:00 · Kasbah Taourirt Visit, or a view from outside if it is still closed after the earthquake.
15:30 · Return to Marrakech over the same pass, arriving around 19:00.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech (or the city centre)
- Transport by air-conditioned car or minibus
- Support from Vamos Fugir on WhatsApp
What's not included
- Lunch
- Kasbah Taourirt entrance (about €2 per person, paid locally)
- Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou (optional)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not listed as included
Gallery
Getting from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is about 190 km from Marrakech, on the other side of the Atlas. The N9 winds up to the Tizi n'Tichka pass and down into the Ounila valley, about three hours with photo stops.
What you will see
- Tizi n'Tichka pass: the highest point of the road, with views over the Atlas.
- Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou: lanes, kasbahs and the granary at the top of the hill.
- Ouarzazate: a panoramic drive through town and the Kasbah Taourirt (currently it may only be seen from outside, due to earthquake damage).
Price per person
The price shown is per person for 2 travellers. For larger groups the price per person goes down: ask us for your group's price.
Frequently asked questions
Morocco trip: frequently asked questions
Yes. It is a long day, about 12 hours and 400 km, but that is exactly what this trip does, returning to your hotel in the evening.
Among the best known are Gladiator, The Mummy and several scenes from Game of Thrones.
It is a winding mountain road, but it is paved and driven every day by experienced drivers. If you get car sick, come prepared.
Yes. The price shown is per person for 2 travellers; from 3 people it is cheaper. Ask us for your group's price.
- Adult price
- 93€
- Children (4–12)
- 46,5€
- Under 4
- Free
- Single supplement
- +93€
- Book for
- 50%