Aït Ben Haddou: Day Trips and Tours from Marrakesh

The red clay architecture of Aït Ben Haddou that spills over its remote hilltop location is one of the most prolific places of interest in Morocco.

It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and Aït Ben Haddou stands as a testament to centuries of history with its ancient earthen architecture and intricate alleys inviting travelers to step back in time.

A day tour from Marrakesh to Aït Ben Haddou is your ticket to tradition as you are set to explore the many treasures captured in the arid Moroccan landscape.

Here's all you need to know about Aït Ben Haddou, one of the most exciting day trips from Marrakesh.

How to get to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh?

Aït Ben Haddou is just over 3 hours southeast of Marrakesh.

From Marrakesh to Aït Ben Haddou by car

The most direct route is to follow the N9 from Marrakesh. The route is just over 180 kilometers long. For a more scenic route, take the P1506 turn-off after about 105 km and drive over the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass.

Guided tour to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh

When traversing the rugged landscape of Morocco, a guided day tour to Aït Ben Haddou is usually the most convenient option. Sit back and enjoy the sublimely scenic route while your guide and driver take care of all your needs for the day.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day tour to Aït Ben Haddou starts with an early morning departure from your hotel in Marrakesh, setting off for a full day of adventure. Your journey will take you through the Atlas Mountains on a spectacularly scenic drive towards Aït Benhaddou village. Wind along the picturesque Tishka Pass where you will stop for photos of the expansive scenery as you reach what seems to be the roof of north Africa.

You will arrive in the village around noon and meet your local guide. You will have time to enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice before you explore the village's history and architecture with your guide.

In the afternoon you will take a 45-minute drive to Ouarzazate, where you can delve into the town's attractions, including Kasbah Tawrirt and the monumental film studio that set the scene for Hollywood classics like Game of Thrones and Gladiator. The day concludes with your return to Marrakech by around 7 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Aït Ben Haddou?

There are several tours available to take you to Aït Ben Haddou, each offering the perfect solution for your budget or style of traveling.

Guided tours to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh

Group day tours to Aït Ben Haddou are the most budget-friendly way to visit this iconic city. As part of a group you will take a tour with a local guide, have time for lunch and visit a few nearby attractions. These tours offer optimal convenience with hotel pickup and a skilled driver that will navigate the treacherous mountain roads.

Private tour to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh

Opt for a private tour to Aït Ben Haddou if you enjoy setting your own pace and leaving some space for flexibility on your itinerary. On private tours, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide all day and you can adapt the itinerary as you please. These tours also usually include lunch and there will be time for short activities like visiting a Berber home or a stop at the women’s co-op where traditional products are sold.

2-Day tour to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh

To break up the long journey between Aït Ben Haddou and Marrakesh you can book an overnight tour to this captivating destination. You will have more time to explore the village of Aït Ben Haddou but also make leisurely stops at Telouet Kasbah, Ouarzazate and Fint Oasis. This small group 2-day trip to Aït Ben Haddou includes your overnight stay high in the Atlas mountains.

How much does a day trip to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh cost?

A basic excursion to Aït Ben Haddou from Marrakesh starts from as little as US$30 per person. This includes hotel pick-up and drop-off but you will need to pay for your own lunch and tip your local guide after the tour.

Private day trips to Aït Ben Haddou cost between US$140 and US$200 per person depending on your group's size and everything included in your trip. Some tours include lunch and/or breakfast and entry fees while others require you to pay that separately.

Also for around US$200 per person, you can enjoy an overnight trip to Aït Ben Haddou which includes accommodation costs and entry fees to any attractions.

What will you see and do?

There are several stops on a day trip to Aït Ben Haddou and these are some of the highlights you can look forward to:

Aït Ben Haddou

At Aït Ben Haddou, you'll step into a world frozen in time, with its iconic clay-brick structures rising against the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a mesmerizing blend of history and architecture, offering a glimpse into the ancient caravan routes and the striking beauty of its kasbahs and winding alleys.

Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass

Tishka Pass, a winding and bumpy mountain pass, offers panoramic vistas of the Atlas Mountains that will leave you awestruck. As you drive this route, you'll have the chance to capture the ever-changing landscapes through stops at scenic viewpoints. Each turn reveals a new facet of the rugged beauty of the Atlas range, making this journey a truly unforgettable experience.

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Sahara," welcomes you with its distinct charm and cinematic allure. The town boasts the stunning Kasbah Taourirt, a testament to its historic significance as a trade hub. Adjacent to Ouarzazate lies the Atlas Film Studio, where numerous iconic movies have been filmed. While not part of the tour, this studio has contributed to the area's fame as the "Hollywood of Morocco," adding a touch of glamour to your exploration of the region.

When is the best time to visit Aït Ben Haddou?

The best time to visit Aït Ben Haddou is during the fall, from September to November, when the post-summer temperatures become more bearable, and there's a minimal chance of rain. Spring, from March to May, offers another favorable window with moderate temperatures and the beauty of nature in full bloom.

Are there any tours to Aït Ben Haddou from other cities in Morocco?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Morocco:

• Day Trips to Aït Ben Haddou from Ouarzazate

Travel tips

• The site requires a good deal of walking, often on uneven terrains, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential.
• Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
• Given the temperature variations, especially between day and night, pack layers so you can adjust as needed.