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Things to do in Ait Benhaddou

Our most recommended things to do in Ait Benhaddou

From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes

1. From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Sleep beneath the desert stars at a Berber campsite on an unforgettable dunes experience from Marrakech. Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, the Valley of the Roses, and Tinghir. Stop at traditional Berber villages around the Todra Gorge and trek with a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest in Morocco Day 1: Marrakech - TinghirYour shared 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will start early in the morning. Head to Ait Benhaddou through the Tizi Ntichka pass and the high Atlas Mountains. Make many stops along the way. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, which also served as a set for various Hollywood blockbusters. Continue to Ouarzazate and Kasbah Taourirte before lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Tinghir via the Valley of the Roses before you reach your hotel located in Tinghir. Dinner and overnight.  Day 2: Tinghir – MerzougaAfter breakfast at your hotel in Tinghir, your journey will start today with a drive along the road of 1001 Kasbah to the Oasis of Tinghir, where you will deviate to a minor road driving along the river to Todra canyons After some time at leisure to enjoy the immensity of the huge cliffs, and lunch at a local café (at your leisure), continue early in the afternoon to Erfoud, famous for its date market, and a starting point of the ancient trading caravans crossing the Sahara desert to Tombouctou. Continue to Merzouga driving through some rocky desert landscape. Upon arrival at the edge of Erg Chebbi dunes, meet your camel caravan, and ride your camels through the amazing color-changing dunes with the sunset on the horizon as a backdrop. Reach your Sahara Desert camp, nestled in the middle of nowhere just before darkness. After some time to admire the dunes and the surrounding landscapes, get ready for a Moroccan dinner served under the stars next to a campfire. Late at night, enjoy Berber music with the local hosts playing drums Day 3: Merzouga – MarrakechAfter an early breakfast and a camel ride back to the main road, meet your driver and head back to Marrakech. Enjoy lunch on the road as you pass the Valley of Roses, and continue through the high atlas mountains to Marrakech. Finish your desert tour in Marrakech around 8 PM.

From Marrakech: Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food

2. From Marrakech: Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food

Discover the edge of the Sahara Desert on a three-day budget tour from Marrakech, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley and Kasbah of Ouarzazate. Ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi by camel and sleep at a desert camp under the stars.  Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Begin your journey by crossing the High Atlas Mountains past one Berber village after another to the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. This village is famous for its kasbah and fortified village and has been used as a set for some famous Hollywood epics and magazine photo shoots. After some leisure time, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue your drive through Ouarzazate, known as the Gate of the Sahara. Continue to Boumalne Dades, admiring the scenic drive along the Dades Valley, where you can enjoy dinner and rest for the night at Kasbah Amazigh or Hotel Chems.  Day 2: Dades - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga Following breakfast, depart your hotel and drive to Tinghir and its dramatic Todgha Gorges, pausing for some free time to explore the canyons. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe and continue to Merzouga to meet your camel caravan. Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes on camelback and watch the sunset set. Reach your desert camp before nightfall and enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars. Local nomads will provide entertainment and show you how to play the traditional Tam Tam drums. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stop.  Day 3: Merzouga Ouarzazate - Marrakech Following an early wake-up to watch the sunrise before breakfast (optional), a driver will be waiting to pick you up for the transfer back to Marrakech. Stop halfway for lunch at a local restaurant. Get dropped off at your original departure point or Djemaa El Fna around 8 PM. You can also book upgrades for the night in the Bedouin camp such as the deluxe desert camp with a luxury private tent complete with an ensuite shower, bathroom facilities, and 5-star amenities. These upgrades need to be booked per person.

Marrakech: Overnight Sahara Tour to Zagora & Ait Ben Haddou

3. Marrakech: Overnight Sahara Tour to Zagora & Ait Ben Haddou

Discover Ouarzazate and Zagora on this 2-day trip from Marrakech. Visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou fortress and admire stunning views of the Atlas mountains. Ride camel through the Sahara during the sunset. Savor a local dinner and breakfast and stay overnight in a tent at the Zagora dunes.  Day 1: Begin with early-morning pickup from Marrakech. Travel through the dessert sandstone city of Ouarzazate. Stop at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where you will have free time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the verdant Draa Valley, which is well-known for its amazing ksour and kasbah. Head to Zagora and make your way to the windswept dunes for a sunset camel ride. Make camp at a campsite in the Zagora dunes and enjoy a hearty dinner of local flavors. Day 2: Wake early morning for a typical Berber breakfast before watching the sunrise from the back of your camel in the dunes. Board the bus and take the road back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains.

From Marrakech: Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

4. From Marrakech: Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

Discover local village, natural landscapes, and Kasbah Ait Benhaddou fortress on this day trip from Marrakech. Travel in an airconditioned van or car and stay connected with wi-fi access as you drive. Uncover movie-magic with a stop at the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.  Start your day trip with pickup from your Marrakech accommodation from 7-8 AM. Hop inside a spacious and comfortable vehicle and soak up the scenery as you travel into the Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in local culture with a stop at the small village ofAit Ben Barka near the hilly countryside of Toufliht. Explore the area with your driver and learn about the schedule sights for your trip. Have some free time for a break before crossing the the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop to capture pictures of mountain peaks on the pass from 7,415 feet above sea level (2,260 meters). Continue on to the Atlas Film Studios at Ouarzazate, the largest film studio in the world which famously featured in the TV series Game of Thrones. Spend some free time to visit the studios or to explore on your own. Take some pictures of the unique rugged local landscapes in the area. After the studio, you purchase lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area, with excellent prices and stunning panoramic views.  Finally, head to the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, which is recognized as a UNESCO site and one of the most extraordinary kasbahs (fortresses) in Morocco. End your day of scenic views and memories by relaxing in your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle on your drive back to your hotel in Marrakech.

From Marrakech: Zagora 2-Day Desert Safari with Food & Camp

5. From Marrakech: Zagora 2-Day Desert Safari with Food & Camp

Live the life of a Berber on a 2-day desert safari to Zagora and the Draa Valley from Marrakech. Experience the shifting sand dunes on the back of a camel, sleep under a canopy of stars, and follow in the footsteps of Hollywood royalty on a visit to the world heritage village of Ait Ben Haddou. Day 1: Marrakech - Zagora Following an early morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, drive across the High Atlas Mountains en route to Ouarzazate, where you will stop for lunch at your leisure. Continue to the oasis of Agdez, before driving through the date and palm trees of the Draa Valley. Marvel at the fortified Kasbahs along the way. Upon arrival at Zagora, meet your camel caravan and ride a camel over the sand dunes as you watch the sunset paint the desert sands. Then, transfer to your Sahara Desert camp just before dark. Settle into your private tent, and enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding desert scenery. Dinner will be served under the stars while your nomad hosts entertain you around a campfire with the beat of their tamtam drums. Day 2: Zagora - Marrakech Wake early to experience the magic of a desert sunrise (optional). Then, enjoy breakfast before climbing back into the saddle of your camel for the ride back to the main road. Here, your minibus will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive to the world heritage village of Ait Ben Haddou. Instantly recognizable as the setting of various Hollywood epics, it’s also a popular backdrop for photo shoots with international fashion magazines and agencies. Explore the Kasbah at leisure, with some free time for lunch, before the picturesque drive back to Marrakech.

From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Tour to Fes

6. From Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Tour to Fes

Discover Fes and Marrakech, Morocco's imperial cities, on a guided 3-day tour. Day 1: Marrakech — Ait Ben Haddou — Dades (1st night at Kasbah Amazigh) Start your tour with an early pickup. Meet your driver at your hotel or riad in the morning before crossing the High Atlas Mountains towards Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. After a guided walk in the village, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Ait-Ben-Haddou. In the early afternoon, travel northeast to Boumalne Dades via Ouarzazate. Take a drive along the Dades River with the marvelous sunset as your backdrop. Reach the way to Dades Valley and make a pit stop to enjoy the amazing scenery. Then, continue to a hotel where you will dine and rest for the night at Kasbah Amazigh. Day 2: Dades — Merzouga Start the day with breakfast at your hotel. Set out on a journey along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to Tinghir, an oasis where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an hour-long walk by the river bank all the way to Todgha Gorges. Here, get some free time to enjoy the scenery before lunch.  Early in the afternoon, walk to Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. From here, ride your camel through the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi while enjoying a mesmerizing sunset.  Before dark, reach your Sahara desert camp nestled between the dunes, where you will eat a Moroccan dinner under the stars while being entertained by local nomads playing their drums around the campfire. After the campfire, relax in your standard or luxury tent, depending on which one you choose. The standard tents are basic accommodation, while a private tent is subject to availability. The toilets are right outside, with facilities to freshen up in a shared room. If you choose the luxury tent, it is located in a more isolated and scenic area, providing extra comfort, and a guaranteed private tent with flushable western toilets, hot showers, and a rich dinner and breakfast. Day 3: Merzouga — Fes  Get woken up by your desert hosts if you wish to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, drive along the Ziz River with its amazing oasis lined with palm trees and fortified ksours (castles) all the way to Midelt, a small town in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, your lunch stop for the day. In the afternoon, continue crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains towards Fes. Notice a dramatic change in the landscape: snow-capped mountains, cedar forests, and rich vegetation, a complete 180 from the arid and rocky landscapes of the rest of the tour.  End your Marrakech to Fes desert tour in the early evening as your driver takes you to your riad or hotel in Fes.

From Marrakech: 2-Day Desert Excursion

7. From Marrakech: 2-Day Desert Excursion

Pass thorugh stunning valleys and the Atlas Mountains on this 2-day trip from Marrakech. Travel through the Draa valley to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Stay overnight in a desert camp in Zagora, ride a camel in the Sarhara, and enjoy a delicious dinner and breakfast. Day 1: Depart early in the morning from Marrakech. Be stunned by the valleys and hills as you travel 7400 feet up in your air-conditioned vehicle. Arrive at the ksar (fortified city) of Ait Ben Haddou, which is located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Capture pictures of the city of Ait Ben Haddou which has served as the backdrop for films such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Time Bandits”, “Kundun”, “The Mummy”, and many more. See why it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. Stop to purchase lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Ouarzazate which home to film studios and famous sandstone buildings and desert scenery. Cruise through the inspiring Anti Atlas Mountains (Tizi N Tnifift), as well as lush valleys of Agdz and the Draa valley. Arrive in Zagora and ride a well-trained camel through the desert as the sun sets over the sand. Stop at your campsite and tuck into a hearty dinner before sleeping like a local in an authentic Berber tent. Day 2: Wake up in the early morning to enjoy the sunrise before taking a fresh shower and eating some breakfast. Ride your camel back to Zagora where you will meet your driver. Travel back to Ouarzazate by car, though Draa valley and anti Atlas mountains. Stop in Ouarzazate for 40-minutes and have the opportunity to visit the Kasbah of Taourirt or the museum of cinema. Enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate and return to Marrakech where the tour concludes. Your arrival in Marrakech is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

From Marrakech: Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains Day Trip

8. From Marrakech: Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains Day Trip

Discover the great views of the Atlas Mountains on a guided day tour from Marrakech. Drive through the Tizi n'Tichka pass and explore the charming town of Ait Benhaddou, known for its famous Kasbah. Benefit from pickup at your accommodation in Marrakech, and then journey to the ancient settlement of Ait Benhaddou via the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival, discover the center of Morocco's movie industry and see where films such as "Gladiator" and "Lawrence of Arabia" were shot. Get a wonderful view of the entire valley from the top of a hill, and admire the typical clay architecture of the historic settlement. Take two hours to explore the village and enjoy a meal on a terrace with clear views of the Kasbah. Continue to Telouet and pass from the Ounila Valley. Return to Marrakech and get dropped off at your accommodation on arrival.

From Marrakesh: 2-Day Desert Zagoura Tour

9. From Marrakesh: 2-Day Desert Zagoura Tour

Spend two days exploring mountainous and desert scenery, as well as traditional Moroccan cities and towns with an experienced guide.   Day 1: Depart from Marrakesh at 9:00 AM in a modern, air-conditioned minibus and head to the Atlas Mountains. Drive through the range, taking in magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and snow-capped mountains. You’ll soon arrive at the Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village that exemplifies Morocco’s traditional earthen clay architecture.   Afterwards, continue to Ouarzazate for lunch at a local café or restaurant. Continue on along the Drâa Valley to reach the town of Zagora. Here, you’ll meet your camels, who will take you on a 1.5-hour trek into the dunes. From atop these tall, sometimes graceful animals, you’ll get amazing views of the desert on your way to your camp in the dunes.   Day 2:  After a traditional Berber breakfast, head out just before sunrise on another 1.5-hour camel ride to get the best views of the changing colors of the sky. Head back to Zagora by camel and say goodbye to your traveling companion.   From Zagora, head back to the Atlas Mountains by minivan, with plenty of stops for photos and lunch. You’ll arrive at Marrakesh between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM and be taken to your hotel.

Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour

10. Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert & Kasbah Ait Benhaddou Tour

Explore Ouarzazate and Zagora on a 2-day trip from Marrakech. Visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and admire the Atlas Mountains. Ride a camel to the campsite and savor a local dinner and breakfast. Stay overnight in a private tent at the Zagora dunes. Choose from a tour with a standard or a luxury tent. Day 1: Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, and Zagora Following pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakesh, begin by crossing the high atlas mountains via the Tizi N’ Tichka pass. Stop at the UNESCO world heritage kasbah fortress of Ait Ben Haddou where you will have free time to visit this Heritage Site. After a lunch break, continue to the verdant Draa Valley, which is well-known for its amazing kasbah fortresses. Head to Zagora and make your way to the windswept dunes. Watch the sunset while riding a camel to the campsite in the Zagora dunes. Delight in a delicious local dinner. Spend the night in a private standard or luxury tent under the stars. Day 2: Zagora, Draa Valley, and Ouarzazate On the second day, wake up early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise view followed by a typical Berber breakfast. You can then opt to take part in a camel trek journey back to meet your driver. Drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains.

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What people are saying about Ait Benhaddou

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 9,126 reviews

Beautiful experience! Travel by comfortable and clean minivan, with the kind and very nice driver Nourdine who makes stops for breakfast / lunch and toilet. Visit to the Kassar Ait Ben Haddou, a small town which has been the setting for some famous films. Last stop just outside Zagora to get on the dromedaries for the sunset walk of more than an hour accompanied by the Berbers. Once you arrive at the super-equipped camp with electricity, clean toilets and showers, tea will be served with Moroccan sweets. Abundant typical Moroccan dinner and after all together around the fire to sing, play and dance with the Berbers. You will sleep in an equipped and comfortable tent. Wake up early, have a hearty breakfast and walk to see the sunrise over the desert dunes. Return by dromedary (shorter) and then we leave for Marrakech with several stops during the journey. Thanks to the organization for the experience. Ps: in the winter period technical clothing is recommended

Perfect trip for first time travelers to Morocco, ideal to get a taste of the country outside the main cities. The trip will take you from the Atlas Mountains, through inner valleys and gorges to the very far desert. You will see a great variety of climates and landscapes changing before your eyes as you head toward Merzouga. Personally, we especially enjoyed Ait Ben Haddou, Todra and the magical experience of the camel ride at sunset and sunrise in the desert - a highlight of the experience, highly recommended! Our guide Ali was exceptionally friendly, kind and so insightful on all the aspects of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the Berber communities. He helped us navigating through the souks and gave great recommendations along the way for future trips to Morocco. We were delighted to meet him and have him as our guide and friend for journey. We loved every stop along the way and wish it could have lasted longer. Until next time!

It’s a 3days trip, with one hotel stop before entering Sahara desert and one hotel stop more and less inside the desert, that also means, in winter (Feb. 2023) 2 nights without heating (but with warm water!) at freezing cold temperature. But the view over the endless red golden Sarah sand, long hour camel trekking as well as sand boarding reward all the trees we had, and made this trip an unique one, especially for those who didn’t do any desert trip before. The whole organization of the trip is perfect (picking up, transport, hotel, restaurants) and the guid (Houcine) is very nice and always helpful, he is at the same time also the driver during the whole trip. With his positive energy and his knowledge about his country, Houcine made this trip for us an unforgettable Morocco journey.

Great experience travelling through the High Atlas Mountains and to the desert. Our driver Ibrahim was a great guide, and we always felt that we got good guides at the stop offs and also decent spots for breaks and food on the drive. There is a lot of driving, but it is worth it for the views. Felt like we had plenty of time at Ait Benhaddou, which was one of the main things I was hoping to see, and the desert experience was incredible. We booked the luxury option, so got a tent of our own, and that was also such a unique special experience. The last day back to Marrakech was very long 10 hours, but with a good amount of stops, and it is necessary to see the desert within the 3 days.

The best tour with Mehdi that lasted three days. We visited numerous interesting locations and learned about the history and life of people who live outside the city. We also visited the Sahara and camped there. Mehdi fulfilled our every wish when we wanted to drink coffee, have lunch and take photos. Three days of travel, excitement and fun passed quickly with Marrakesh travel services and Mehdi. Thank you! I recommend this tour to everyone!