Ait Ben Haddou Trip from Marrakech: Tichka Pass, Telouet & Ksar
Why Choose This Ait Ben Haddou Trip
This Ait Ben Haddou trip from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas to the most famous earth village of Morocco. To begin with, you drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at about 2,260 m. Then you visit the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet, follow the Ounila Valley and explore the ksar with a local guide.
Throughout the day, you also travel privately with your own driver-guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. As a result, you stop at the viewpoints you like. In fact, the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
However, it is a long day of about 8 hours of driving in total. Therefore, if you have time, see our 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, which also stops here. Also see all our day trips from Marrakech.
| Duration | Full day, about 7:30 to 19:00 |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Driving time | About 4 hours each way |
| Main visits | Tizi n’Tichka, Telouet, Ounila Valley, Ait Ben Haddou |
| Guides | Local guides at Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou |
| Price | From 105 € per person |
Highlights of the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
- Then visit the painted halls of the Glaoui kasbah in Telouet.
- After that, follow the green Ounila Valley past earth villages.
- Later, explore the UNESCO-listed ksar with a local guide.
- Also, see where films such as Gladiator were shot.
- Finally, stop at the mountain viewpoints on the way back.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip: Itinerary
Morning: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your hotel or riad at about 7:30. Then you leave the plain and climb into the High Atlas on the Tichka road. Along the way, you also pass Berber villages, walnut trees and red slopes. Soon you reach the pass at about 2,260 m, with wide views in clear weather.
Late Morning: Kasbah Telouet
After that, you take the side road to Telouet. There a local guide shows you the kasbah of the Glaoui family, who once ruled the south of Morocco. In fact, the outside is in ruins, but some halls still have fine zellige tiles and carved cedar ceilings.
Midday: The Ounila Valley and Lunch
Then you follow the Ounila Valley, with its green fields, salt mines and old earth villages. Later, you reach Ait Ben Haddou and have lunch with a view of the ksar, for example a tagine on a terrace.
Afternoon: Ait Ben Haddou and Return to Marrakech
After lunch, you cross the river and climb through the lanes of the ksar with a local guide. At the top, you also see the old granary and wide views of the valley. In general, the visit takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Finally, you drive back over the Tichka pass, with stops at the viewpoints. As a result, you reach Marrakech at about 19:00.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Bring a warm layer, because the Tichka pass is cold, even when Marrakech is hot. In addition, take motion sickness tablets if you need them, since the road has many bends. Also, wear good shoes for the steep lanes of the ksar. Finally, in winter, snow can close the pass for a few hours, so we check the road the day before.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Local guides at Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou
- Entrance fees
- Stops at the viewpoints of the Tichka pass
- Not included
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Tips
Good to Know Before Your Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at about 7:30.
- Driving: the road is good but winding, so the day is long.
- Weather: the pass is often cold and windy, while Ait Ben Haddou is hot in summer.
- Walking: the lanes of the ksar are steep and uneven, so good shoes help.
- History: before your Ait Ben Haddou trip, also read our complete guide to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
- Families: older children enjoy the film sets, but the long drive can tire small children.
- Longer trips: for a night in the desert, see our Zagora desert tour.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the Ait Ben Haddou Trip
Prices start at 105 € per person, because every trip is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Telouet → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
FAQ About the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
How long is the drive to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou?
In general, the Ait Ben Haddou trip takes about 4 hours each way from Marrakech, with stops on the Tichka pass.
Is Ait Ben Haddou a UNESCO site?
Yes, in fact the ksar has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987.
Which films were shot at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou?
For example, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and parts of Game of Thrones were filmed in and around the ksar.
Do we visit Telouet?
Yes, in fact you visit the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet with a local guide before Ait Ben Haddou.
Do we go to Ouarzazate?
No, the day is already long. However, Ouarzazate is only about 30 km away, so we can add it on request.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included on the Ait Ben Haddou trip, so you can choose a restaurant with a view of the ksar.
What time do we leave and return?
In general, the Ait Ben Haddou trip leaves Marrakech at about 7:30 and returns at about 19:00.
What should I bring?
Above all, bring a warm layer for the pass, sunscreen, a hat, good shoes and cash for lunch.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
Read more reviews on Tripadvisor.