Your Day Trip to Ait Ben Haddou begins at 8:30 AM when your driver picks you up from your riad or hotel in Ouarzazate. Buckle up your day is about to blend Morocco’s deep heritage with silver screen magic.
The first stop brings you to the legendary film studios just outside Ouarzazate. These studios are a slice of Hollywood in the Sahara. As you walk through preserved sets from epic movies like The Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Kingdom of Heaven, you’ll get a unique, behind the scenes peek into how Morocco became a favorite for filmmakers around the world. You’ll feel the cinematic magic in every stone wall and ancient prop.
Next, you’ll journey to the iconic Ksar Aït Ben Haddou a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits proudly on the edge of the Salt River. This fortified village is Morocco’s most famous Kasbah, and it’s easy to see why. Towering mudbrick buildings cascade down the hillside, each one whispering tales of warriors, traders, and filmmakers. With a local guide, you’ll uncover its secrets, explore narrow alleys, and learn how the ksar has remained frozen in time for centuries. You’ll stand in spots where Alexander, The Mummy, and Gladiator once filmed making this moment feel both real and unreal.
Leaving Aït Ben Haddou behind, you’ll venture deep into the colorful Ounila Valley. This route is a destination in itself. As you wind through the valley, you’ll pass remote Berber villages nestled against red cliffs, green fields of almond trees, and historic caravan trails that once connected the Sahara to the Atlas. It’s a living postcard, filled with textures, colors, and quiet beauty.
After soaking in the valley’s charm, you'll arrive at the lesser known but equally powerful Kasbah Telouet. Perched high in the Atlas Mountains, this was once the opulent seat of the Glaoui family one of Morocco’s most influential dynasties. Although the earthquake of September 2023 has led to the closure of its interior, the exterior still tells a compelling story. With ornate stonework and a dramatic setting, Kasbah Telouet remains a hauntingly beautiful relic. Your guide will offer insights into its history, secrets of its decline, and the legacy it left behind.
As the day draws to a close, the return journey is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll drive along the southern stretch of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, climbing through rocky gorges and panoramic plateaus. The dramatic views of the High Atlas Mountains will leave you in awe a perfect ending to a day that blends Morocco’s raw beauty with its cultural richness.
By late afternoon, you’ll be comfortably dropped back at your hotel in Ouarzazate, carrying with you not just photographs, but vivid memories of ancient kasbahs, cinematic legends, and Berber hospitality.Whether you’re staying in Marrakech or already exploring Ouarzazate, this is more than just a day trip it’s a deep dive into Morocco’s timeless spirit. Perfect for travelers looking to balance history, adventure, and cinematic discovery, our Day Trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou offers something for every curious soul.
