Camel Ride TripsDay Trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 meters, to Ait Ben Haddou, the earthen ksar listed by UNESCO and seen in many films. Climb to the granary at the top for the view, then visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate before driving back to Marrakech.
Is the Ait Ben Haddou day trip worth it?
Yes, if you love mountain scenery and history. The drive is about 4 hours each way, with stops for photos and coffee. You cannot reach the Sahara dunes in one day; for that, choose the 3-day Merzouga tour, which also stops at Ait Ben Haddou.
- About 4 hours' drive each way
- Walk to the top of the ksar
- Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned car or minivan, only for your group.
English-speaking driver-guide
A local who knows the roads, the villages and the best stops.
Your pace
Stay longer where you like; the trip is private and flexible.
Door to door
Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech.
Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip Program
- Stop 1
Over the High Atlas
Early pickup at your hotel or riad. Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with stops at viewpoints and Berber villages.
- Stop 2
Ait Ben Haddou
Walk through the earthen ksar with your driver-guide and climb to the old granary at the top for the view over the valley.
- Stop 3
Lunch
Tagine and other Moroccan dishes at a local restaurant.
- Stop 4
Ouarzazate
Continue to Ouarzazate, the 'gateway to the Sahara', and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a former Glaoui palace with carved and painted rooms.
- Stop 5
Back to Marrakech
Drive back over the High Atlas, arriving in Marrakech in the evening.
Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Included & Not Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide, who also guides you in Ait Ben Haddou
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Entrance fees (such as the Taourirt Kasbah)
- Tips and gratuities
- Activities not listed above
Questions About the Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
How long is the drive?
About 4 hours each way, over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Can I see the Sahara on this day trip?
No. The big dunes are too far for one day. The 3-day Merzouga tour includes Ait Ben Haddou and a night in the dunes.
Are entrance fees included?
Walking through Ait Ben Haddou is free, though some families ask a small fee to visit their homes. The Taourirt Kasbah ticket is not included.
More day trips from Marrakech: Essaouira, Ouzoud Falls, Ourika Valley, Imlil, Marrakech city tour.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.