Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet Kasbah Guided Day Tour from Marrakech

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• Marrakech (Pass by)

  Pick-up and Departure Your driver and guide will meet you at your accommodation in Marrakech at the agreed time (usually around 8:00 AM). After a short introduction to the day’s program, you will set off in a comfortable private vehicle towards the High Atlas Mountains. As you leave the city behind, the landscape quickly changes from the busy streets of Marrakech to wide plains and the foothills of the Atlas. The journey begins on the road to Ouarzazate, one of Morocco’s most scenic routes, gradually climbing towards the mountains. Along the way, your guide will share insights about Berber culture, the history of the caravan routes, and the importance of the High Atlas as a natural barrier and cultural crossroads. Your first scenic pause will be in Ait Barka, a Berber village nestled at the foot of the mountains. Here you can stretch your legs, enjoy tea on a panoramic rooftop, and admire the views before continuing the climb towards the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

  Admission ticket free
• 1

  Stop in Ait Barka After leaving Marrakech behind, the road begins to wind into the foothills of the Atlas. About one hour into the journey, you will reach Ait Barka, a small Berber village that serves as a natural pause before the climb to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Here, you will take a short break to enjoy the calm mountain atmosphere. Many travelers choose to relax on one of the village’s rooftops, where traditional tea is served with sweeping views over the valleys and terraced fields. This is an ideal moment to take in the contrast between the fertile green foothills and the rugged mountains that lie ahead. Ait Barka is more than just a photo stop; it offers a first glimpse into Berber daily life. You may see villagers heading to the fields, children on their way to school, or women carrying baskets of local produce. The stop provides a gentle introduction to the rhythm of the mountains before continuing higher into the Atlas.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Tizi n Tichka

  Tizi n’Tichka Pass After Ait Barka, the road climbs into the High Atlas until reaching the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, the highest road in Morocco. This legendary crossing offers breathtaking views of valleys, terraced fields, and rugged peaks. It was once an essential caravan route linking Marrakech with the Sahara and remains one of the most scenic drives in the country. Here, you will pause to stretch your legs, capture panoramic photos, and admire the changing landscapes. On clear days, snow-capped summits contrast with the ochre mountains, making this a memorable highlight of the journey

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  Kasbah Telouet Hidden in the High Atlas at 1,800 meters, Kasbah Telouet was once the palace of the powerful Glaoui family. Built along the old caravan route to the Sahara, the kasbah is now partly in ruins but still reveals its past grandeur. Inside, you can wander through vast reception halls decorated with painted cedar ceilings, colorful zellij tilework, and delicate plaster carvings. From the rooftop, the views stretch across valleys and rugged peaks, showing why this site was both a fortress and a symbol of power. Visiting Telouet offers a rare glimpse into Morocco’s history, the rise and fall of the “Lords of the Atlas,” and the cultural crossroads of the mountains. On Thursdays, the nearby Berber souk brings extra life to the village.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 4

  Ounila Valley Villages Driving from Telouet towards Ait Ben Haddou, the road winds through the stunning Ounila Valley, once part of the ancient caravan route. Here, small Berber villages blend seamlessly with the dramatic iron-colored mountains, their houses built from clay and stone in the same hues as the cliffs. These settlements seem almost hidden, as if they were sculpted from the landscape itself. Along the way, you’ll see terraced fields, orchards, and traces of old kasbahs that once guarded the trade road. The valley offers one of the most authentic glimpses of traditional Berber life in the High Atlas, far from the main tourist routes, and provides countless opportunities for unforgettable photos

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

  Arrival at Ait Benhaddou: As you reach the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient ksar rises against the Atlas Mountains. Your guide will take you through narrow streets and historic earthen buildings, sharing stories of Berber life. This village has served as the backdrop for many films, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and Jewel of the Nile—making it a cinematic as well as cultural treasure.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 6
  Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

  Lunch in a Local Restaurant (Information): During your visit, you will have the option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The restaurant offers a buffet of traditional Moroccan dishes in an authentic setting, allowing you to experience local flavors and hospitality. Lunch is not included in the tour price and costs 130 Dhs per person.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• Marrakech (Pass by)

  Return to Marrakech: After exploring Ait Benhaddou and enjoying the optional local lunch, you will start your journey back to Marrakech. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains, reflecting on the day’s cultural and cinematic highlights. You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, completing a memorable day trip.

  Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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