Aït Ben Haddou is a ksar, a village of earth buildings behind defensive walls, and one of the best-preserved in southern Morocco. UNESCO lists it, and film crews have used it for decades.
It is 169 km from Marrakech across the High Atlas, about three and a quarter hours each way without stops, so this is a full day. A local guide walks you through the ksar.
- Duration
- 1 day (about 8:00–18:00)
- Route
- Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – (Telouet) – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
- Starts
- Marrakech, about 8:00
- Ends
- Marrakech, about 18:00
- Style
- Private or small group
- Level
- Easy (long drive)
- Languages
- English, French, Spanish, Arabic
- Price
- Price on request
Highlights
- The Tizi n'Tichka pass across the High Atlas
- A guided visit of the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou
- Optional stop at the kasbah of Telouet
- Lunch with a view of the ksar
The day
Morning: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka
An early start and the climb over the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m on the sign), with stops for views. Optional short stop at the Telouet kasbah.
Midday: Aït Ben Haddou
Walk up through the ksar's lanes, houses and towers with your local guide, and learn how it was built and lived in.
Afternoon: lunch
A Moroccan lunch at a guesthouse or restaurant facing the ksar, and time to explore the villages nearby.
Evening: back to Marrakech
Return across the mountains with a last photo stop, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
Included
- Air-conditioned transport
- Licensed local guide
- Entrance fee to Aït Ben Haddou
- Lunch
Not included
- Tips
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Good to know
- About 6½ hours of driving in total. If you are heading on to the desert, Aït Ben Haddou is on the way on our Sahara tours.
Ask about dates and price
Every tour is private and priced for your group size and dates. Send us your dates and how many you are, and we reply with a price and a plan.