Private Kasbahs Tour: Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet Exploration in a Full Day Trip from Marrakech

Embark on a private day trip to the world heritage fortified kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet from Marrakech. Explore stunning landscapes, cross the Atlas Mountains, and visit iconic film locations.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - This trip offers a spectacular opportunity to observe best part of Morocco, all within a full day. It is the perfect trip for people who do not want to sleep a few nights in Ouarzazate and want to return to Marrakech.

The day starts early, we leave from Marrakech at 08.00 and our driveway brings us to the High Atlas Mountains.

There are countless little Berber villages along the way and we will have the opportunity to take pictures of this spectacular landscape before we continue our way to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. It will take a few hours before we arrive, but the scene stays beautiful on the way.

The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village that houses about half a dozen marketplaces and merchant houses. Ait Ben Haddou is a remarkable common feature for Hollywood films and production companies.

Later we drive to Ouarzazate, where we will visit the film studios. Ouarzazate is a popular place for filmmakers, many of whom came here especially for the old buildings and beautiful landscapes. You will feel like you have made travel time as you explore gold-colored buildings.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Personalized experience with a private tour
  • Knowledgeable driver/guide provided
  • Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned minivan or 4WD
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This exclusive day tour to the globally recognized fortified kasbahs across the Atlas Mountains is a unique chance to see much of Morocco in just one day. It’s the ideal journey for those with limited time, but a keen desire to discover one of Western Morocco’s most captivating sights. Appreciate the spectacular views as you traverse the elevated Atlas Mountains and the astounding Tichka Pass, offering numerous photo opportunities.

Your tour will include:
• A visit to The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a global heritage site since 1987 and a filming location for well-known international movies.
• A trip through the Onnila Valley, the ancient pathway of caravans.
• A tour of the 18th-century world heritage site, Kasbah of Telouete, boasting its impressive and vibrant ceilings.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Location
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(7 Ratings)
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Trevorwotton
Oct 23, 2022
Brilliant Day trip from Marrakesh to Quarzazate and back - A great day trip from Marrakesh to Telouet, Ait Benhaddou and Quarzazate. Good organisation and communication with Rachid and the excellent driver Hammou. I have already recommended to other people and will use again when in Marrakesh
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mirathepumpkin
Aug 10, 2019
Learn about Morocco's past and Berber lifestyle, enjoy beautiful nature and UNESCO sites - On the day of the trip, we were picked up by a young man from the company (I forgot his name, unfortunately!), who was our guide and driver. We went to the top of Atlas mountain, which is a bit more than 2km higher than the sea level. The guide was a nice guy who is originally from a tribal Berber community. Despite he was raised in mountains in houses made of stone, far from Marrakesh, he managed to get high education and moved to Marrakesh. On the way up to the Atlas, we passed many of awe-inspiring Berber villages, which looked like if they were lost in time. We visited Kasbah Telouet, built in the 18-19th centuries, which belonged to one influential guy who was of almost king status over Berbers and Marrakesh people. He was a son of slaves, a ruthless guy, killing those who would oppose him. He was a friend of France but lost his power eventually. His house/castle has only partially survived. Next, we went to Ait-Ben-Haddou, another UNESCO heritage site. It is a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. This is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. The oldest constructions were built in the 17th century, and since then little has changed about them – there’s no electricity, no sewers, and you need to go 3km away with a donkey from the settlement to get water. There’s a river nearby, which actually looks like a tiny stream of water. The water is very salty there, and people wash their clothes there. There’s something like an oasis where people grow some apples, figs, dates and almonds, and, if you are lucky, you can catch some fish. The village is strategically located on a route between Sahara and Marrakech. Crafters of the village would sell their crafts for food. They also would buy salt to preserve food for longer. Their storage place is on the top of the tallest hill, where villagers looked for caravans, stored food supplies, and where women and children hid if someone dared to attack the village. Interestingly, many movies were filmed there, including Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Our local guide also brought us into one shop where one seller showed a method used for writing secret messages. For example, you can use very sugary tea instead of ink on the paper. When it dries out, you don’t see anything, but if you bring this paper to fire, the sugar caramelises, and you see the message. He gave me a little painting he did in less than 10 seconds as a gift. I had no cash to buy any of his paintings – I regret this. The food in a restaurant nearby was edible but not as good as in some places in Marrakesh. On the way back, it was snowing heavily. Being in clouds felt wet and cold, but seeing heavy snow was something totally unexpected. The trip lasted 12h, and I got exhausted. However, I got to see so many great places and get immersed in a history of Morocco, I had a great company - our guide, who stopped any time my co-traveller or I asked him, and it is an amazing trip indeed. I highly recommend this agency - I booked camel ride with them and was left highly satisfied.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardmarlesmp
Jan 11, 2019
Safe and very rewarding day - This company was really attentive and made sure that we knew exactly where to meet and what to do with this trip. Our driver was Ali who was a very nice and gentle person. He was also a safe driver. Visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou is an amazing experience. It is genuinely one of the most amazing sites you’ll ever see. This trip offers the opportunity to see it while staying based in Marrakech which works for families. It means the trip is all about the driving. It is a long drive but it is spectacular. The main point to make is that Ali made us feel safe on the drive and was great company. It was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend the trip, the company and Ali.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jepiters
Oct 16, 2019
It was great - Yassin is a great guide and driver. We felt very safe. It is a very very long drive so you should really keep that in mind. But it is a perfect way to see more of Marocco and the sites where beautful. Yassin was on time, friendly, flexible and respectable for our space. The car was very comfortable, got a lot of water. The only downside was that there wasn't a lot of information about the sites. But all together a great day and great trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ps
Dec 12, 2018
Long day, long drive, beautiful mountains and scenic drive - Our driver and guide, Omar, picked us up at our hotel and we left Marrakech at 0800 heading towards the Atlas Mountains. There are a few Berber villages along the way and we did stop for photos of the scenic landscape. The mountains are colourful with red, yellow sandstones and some with plantation but mostly are barren. After a long drive, we arrived at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, took a few beautiful photos and was impressed there were about 26 Hollywood movies filmed here. There are few shops in the square but it is ashamed that there weren't many people living in the square anymore. After Kasbah in Ait Ben Haddou, Omar drove us to Ouarzazate, where we had lunch and visited the film studios. The stages are made from plastic, visit with an open mind, it looks real though. Another 4 hours drive back to Marrakech. Omar is a good driver and we thanked him for driving us the whole day, on windy roads, and bumpy roads due to road constructions. The mountains and landscape are beautiful. Recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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