Private 1-Day Trip from Marrakech — Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
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Escape the vibrant streets of Marrakech and journey across the High Atlas Mountains to discover Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” This day trip takes you through breathtaking landscapes, traditional Berber villages, and the famous UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It’s the perfect experience for travellers who want to explore Morocco’s cinematic scenery and historic kasbahs in just one day.
Quick Overview: Full-day excursion from Marrakech to Ouarzazate via the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, including a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and scenic stops across Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes.
This excursion combines Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes with cultural and historical discoveries. In just one day, you’ll experience the High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, and the desert gateway city of Ouarzazate.
Ideal for travellers with limited time who want to explore the Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, and cinematic landscapes in a single day from Marrakech.
Below is the detailed itinerary for your 1-day tour from Marrakech, including key stops and included experiences.
During this Marrakech to Ouarzazate day trip you will have the chance to discover many Berber villages on the way, their way of living and a variety of local women cooperatives making different local items.
Today the day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate starts with an early pick-up and leave from Marrakech, we pick you up from your hotel at 8 am and we cross the high Atlas mountains towards Kasbah of Ait Ben-Haddou via Tizi N’Tichka pass. It is a famous UNESCO site, located in Atlas. Then, we continue to Ouarzazate where you visit a local movie studio, where many movies were filmed such as; “Lawrence of Arabia”, “The Mummy” and “Gladiator”.
After lunch and a guided excursion, we explore the famous Kasbah of Taourirt. Then we return to Marrakech and arrive late in the afternoon and our Marrakech to Ouarzazate day trip ends.
This Ouarzazate day trip includes all the essentials for a comfortable and worry-free experience:
Let us know your travel date, number of travellers, and we’ll design your perfect Ouarzazate 1-day trip.
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If you’re looking for a different duration or itinerary, explore our other desert tours departing from Marrakech, including shorter trips and extended Sahara adventures.
Ouarzazate is approximately 200 km from Marrakech. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours each way, crossing the scenic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Most day trips start around 7:00 AM and return to Marrakech by 7:00 – 8:00 PM. It’s a long but rewarding day filled with cultural and natural highlights.
Meals are generally not included, but there are many restaurants in Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch.
Yes, the trip is suitable for all ages, but please note that it’s a long day with considerable time spent in the car. Some walking is required at the kasbahs and viewpoints.
Yes, it’s best to book in advance, especially during high season or holidays, as availability may be limited and departure times are early.
Yes, the road is safe and well-travelled, but it winds through the High Atlas Mountains. Drivers are experienced, and vehicles are modern and well-maintained.
Our Morocco tours depart from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, and Errachidia, offering private and small-group desert tours to Merzouga, Zagora and imperial cities. Designed by local experts, our itineraries combine culture, adventure, and comfort.
