Book your day trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Imagine stepping into a real-life movie set, just hours away from Marrakech. Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, isn’t just stunning—it’s legendary. From its ancient mudbrick architecture to its cinematic history, this day trip offers a memorable mix of culture and adventure. Here’s how you can experience it all in one unforgettable day.
Marrakech/ Marrakech
If you’re staying in Marrakech, a day trip from Marrakech Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is the perfect escape from the bustling city. This ancient village, known for its clay-brick architecture, feels like stepping back in time. With its scenic surroundings and fascinating history, it’s no wonder this spot draws visitors from all over the world.
A trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah is a great way to escape the city for a day. It usually kicks off around 8:00 a.m. when your driver arrives at your riad. Since many medina streets are too narrow for cars, you’ll likely need to meet the driver at a spot nearby. Once you’re in the car, you can play your favorite music using a USB or AUX cable, or just enjoy the driver’s playlist.
As you leave the city and begin climbing into the mountains, you’ll spot Berber villages blending perfectly into the rocky surroundings. These communities live off the land, growing crops and raising animals, selling livestock like sheep or goats at local markets to cover essentials like tea, sugar, clothing, or electricity. Villagers eat only sick or weak animals, except during special occasions or religious events. After driving for a while, you might stop at a roadside café to stretch your legs and grab some coffee before continuing through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, which rises to 7,415 feet.
When you arrive at Ait Benhaddou, you’ll notice the term “ksar” being used. In Morocco, this word can mean two things: a grand palace or a group of kasbahs behind protective walls. In the case of Ait Benhaddou, it’s the latter. This ancient village, located in the Ounila Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and incredibly well-preserved. Historically, it was a caravan stop where traders carrying gold, silver, salt, spices, and even slaves would rest or exchange goods on their way between the Sahara, Marrakech, and Europe. Even today, nearby salt mines remain active, and you might see salt deposits along the Ounila River as you approach the village.
Our day trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben haddou kasbah is a chance to explore the filming location for Hollywood blockbusters. Movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Jesus of Nazareth used this site for their iconic scenes. Even TV shows like Game of Thrones have filmed here, such as the scene where Daenerys enters a desert city with pyramids. Around the village, you’ll spot photos of these productions on display. Climbing to the top of the hill gives you a breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding kasbahs.
You’ll have about two hours to explore the village, take in the sights, and enjoy a meal on a terrace overlooking the kasbahs. Afterward, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, located just 30 kilometers from Ait Benhaddou. Known as Morocco’s filmmaking hub, Ouarzazate is home to two major studios and a fascinating cinema museum. The city’s name comes from the Berber words for “quiet” and “peaceful.”
One of the top spots to visit here is the Taourirt Kasbah. This impressive structure has a rich history and was once the residence of Pacha Glaoui, the region’s former ruler. Entrance costs 20 dirhams per person, and you can hire a local guide to learn more about its stories. Across from the kasbah is the Museum of Cinema, a treasure trove of props, costumes, cameras, and effects used in various films. Entry is 30 dirhams, and guides are available here as well.
Before heading back to Marrakech, you might also stop by the Atlas Studios at the city’s entrance. While filmmaking happens here, the museum usually offers a more engaging experience since the studios are often empty when no filming is taking place. By the time you return to Marrakech, the sun will be setting. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or another spot of your choice in the city.
A 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga typically includes activities such as visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, exploring the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, riding camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes, camping in traditional Berber tents, enjoying conventional Moroccan meals, and stargazing in the desert at night. These activities provide a unique and unforgettable experience of the Moroccan desert landscape and culture.
The Erg Chebbi Desert is considered the most beautiful desert in Morocco. Located near the town of Merzouga, it is known for its stunning orange sand dunes, which can reach heights of up to 500 feet. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, camping under the stars, and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views in this picturesque desert.
On a two-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, transportation typically involves a 4×4 vehicle or a minibus. The journey involves crossing the High Atlas Mountains and passing through various traditional Berber villages. The tour includes stops at scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and opportunities to experience local culture. Once in Merzouga, travelers may switch to camels for a desert trek to reach the desert camp, where they will spend the night under the stars.
Merzouga is a small village in the Sahara Desert in southeastern Morocco known for its stunning orange dunes, some of which can reach up to 150 meters high. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a desert experience, with activities such as camel trekking, sandboarding, and camping under the stars. Merzouga is also home to the annual cultural festival known as the International Sahara Festival, which celebrates the region’s traditional music, dance, and arts. Additionally, the village is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the dunes, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences in the desert.
