Ouarzazate + Äit Ben Haddou: A Guide to Morocco’s Door of the Desert
Venture outside of Marrakech and step back in time – here’s why you need to plan a day trip to Ouarzazate and Äit Ben Haddou.
We quickly fell in love with Morocco on our first trip. So much so, that we opted for a multitude of day trips to see as much of the country as possible. And the trip to Ouarzazate and Äit Ben Haddou was easily our favourite.
Sandwiched between the Atlas Mountains and the vast expanse of the Sahara, Ouarzazate blends adventure, history, and cinematic landscapes. This region of Morocco is a gateway to a world of stunning kasbahs, timeless villages, and landscapes that have inspired travellers (and filmmakers) for centuries.
Visiting Ouarzazate and Äit Ben Haddou: Our Experience
Our day trip to Ouarzazate and the iconic Äit Ben Haddou was a little bit of a whirlwind – and we loved it. As always, we booked our tour through Get Your Guide with Click Excursions.
It’s an early start, with pickup around 7 am. But the day was packed with SO much insight into one of the most historic places in Morocco that we promise you won’t mind too much.
Once we set off on the tour, we quickly discovered that space on the bus was a bit tight. It’s a bit of a luck-of-the-draw situation; we’ve been on other tours with plenty of legroom, but this one was a cosy squeeze. Regardless, our guides, Simo and Ramoune, were ridiculously fun and helped keep our spirits high even when the bus felt a bit cramped.
The journey itself was stunning, with dramatic mountain landscapes lining the roads. We had plenty of stops to stretch our legs and soak in the views. Along the way, we visited an argan oil cooperative where we got a glimpse into the traditional process of making this liquid gold – and tried what they call “Moroccan Nutella.” Verdict: It’s tasty AF.
Travel Tip
Visiting female cooperatives is common practice on tours in Morocco and can be pretty interesting (the first time, at least!) You will be gently encouraged to try and buy some of the products, so don’t feel bad about politely declining.
Visiting Äit Ben Haddou
We then headed further into the Ouarzazate region. If you’re heading into the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, you’ll travel along the Tizi N’Tichka pass. This is a series of white-knuckle roads with epic views. Our tour guide pulled over so we could take some photos of the impressive view.
Most of our tour was spent exploring the tiny town of Äit Ben Haddou. Split into new and old sides, with an often-dried-up river separating the two, this is one of Morocco’s most celebrated kasbahs. We met our local guide, Said, before heading inside the ancient fortified village to marvel at its impressive earthen architecture and winding, maze-like passageways.
Said shared plenty about the kasbah’s long history and the lives of those who’ve called it home, as well as some more glossy secrets about its role as a backdrop in some of Hollywood’s most famous films. Said was fantastic – knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the kasbah’s history. Tipping is customary, but it’s well-deserved here.
We’ll warn you: visiting Äit Ben Haddou is a bit of a workout, especially in the summer heat. The walk to the top is manageable, with shaded spots along the way, but it’s wise to come prepared for the heat. Seeing both the old and new sections of the village, along with panoramic views from the top, made it well worth the sweat.
Travel Tip
Bring plenty of water and sun cream with you. The sun is unbearably hot in summer and, while you will be given some time to grab water, we needed way more than anticipated.
A Traditional Moroccan Lunch
After exploring Äit Ben Haddou, we headed for a well-earned lunch. We approached the menu with a little bit of trepidation and ordered a traditional tagine. We were pleasantly surprised with how tasty it was.
The menu had a variety of Moroccan dishes to choose from, plus some pizza and chicken skewers for the pickier eaters. It was fairly late in the afternoon, so if you’re planning a similar trip, definitely pack a few snacks for the journey, especially if, like us, you head out without breakfast. After lunch, our tour headed back towards Ouarzazate.
Heading Inside Atlas Studios
We are both big movie buffs, so we always knew we wanted to visit Atlas Studios when in Morocco. Ouarzazate has earned the nickname ‘The Hollywood of Morocco’ thanks to its legendary film studios, where blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.
Our tour offered a guided visit to Atlas Studios, which is filled with ancient Egyptian sets, crumbling Roman temples, and medieval Arabian forts. To be honest, the tour felt a little rushed. There is a separate access fee – plus a near-enforced tip – but our guide was very knowledgeable, so it felt worth it.
After visiting Atlas Studios, we began the return journey to Marrakech. This drive was much quieter, with only one rest stop later into the drive. By then, we were pretty tired and ready to grab dinner back in the city.
Travel Tip
You do not have to take part in the Atlas Studio tour, but you’ll otherwise sit at the entrance for an hour while you wait.
How to Get to Ouarzazate and Äit Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate is tucked away in southern Morocco, so reaching it can be tricky. The closest major city is Marrakech, so most travellers start from there. You can rent a car, take a bus, or book a guided tour that includes transportation. The latter is the most convenient option.
The drive from Marrakech takes around four to five hours, winding over the scenic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Brace yourself for dizzying turns and breathtaking views. Once you’re in Ouarzazate, Äit Ben Haddou is only about 30 km away.
Best Ouarzazate Tours
We recommend booking a tour to Ouarzazate from Marrakech. Why? Well, the logistics are all taken care of for you and you don’t need to worry about where or what to eat for lunch. This is the easiest way to travel to one of Morocco’s most historic towns.
We opted for a one-day tour as we were short on time, though you can also book a multi-day tour to the Merzouga Desert that stops in Ouarzazate and Äit Ben Haddou. In fact, this tour is at the top of our list when we next return to Morocco.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate
If you’re heading to Morocco, we recommend staying in Marrakech and taking a day trip to Ouarzazate. When booking a tour, the company will send you the nearest meeting point to your accommodation. In most cases, this will be less than five minutes on foot.
That said, it’s also possible to book a Ouarzazate hotel – accommodation here ranges from traditional riads and kasbah-style hotels to more luxurious stays.
What to Know Before You Go
While Ouarzazate is no stranger to tourists, Moroccan culture is still conservative in smaller towns. Remember to dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas. Also remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sensible shoes – it’s a steep trek to the top of Äit Ben Haddou.
Be aware when booking the tour, there is a considerable amount of driving. You’ll be sat in the bus for up to two hours at a time.
