How many days for an Aït Benhaddou desert tour from Marrakech?

Two days is the comfortable minimum to enjoy both the Tichka pass and the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Benhaddou without rushing. A third night in Skoura's palm grove is the most popular extension.

What's included in this 2-day Marrakech tour to the desert kasbahs?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech, a private air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, fuel and one night in a traditional kasbah hotel near Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate. Meals and entry fees are excluded.

Is this Marrakech tour to the desert kasbahs family-friendly?

Yes — the Tichka pass is paved and scenic, the kasbah climb is short and Atlas Studios is genuinely fun for kids who recognise the films. Booster seats and stroller-friendly hotels can be arranged on request.

When is the best time for this Marrakech desert tour to Ouarzazate?

October to April gives clear views of the Atlas peaks and pleasant kasbah temperatures. In high summer we leave Marrakech early to avoid the midday heat at Aït Benhaddou.

2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate

2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou

English / French / Spanish Meet with guide 2 days

Marrakech, Morocco (52 Reviews)

2-day tour from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate — UNESCO kasbah

Overview

This private 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Ouarzazate runs in comfortable vehicles with an English-speaking local guide or driver. The route makes a perfect taster for the south's classic Morocco desert tour landscapes — we cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, then reach the famous ksar of Aït Benhaddou. To extend the trip onto the dunes, slot in our 3-day Merzouga tour or request a tailor-made quote.

Highlights

Tizi n'Tichka pass Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar Taourirt Kasbah Atlas film studios Private driver-guide

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Ouarzazate

Local Morocco Tours is your private tour company for trips departing from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. After breakfast, we begin our journey into the Atlas Mountains and make our way to Aït Benhaddou via the breathtaking Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass. We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage ksar that has featured in major Hollywood films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. After the guided walk, you will have the afternoon at leisure before we drive you on to Ouarzazate for an overnight stay in a nearby hotel or riad.

Day 2

Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Today we focus on the highlights of Ouarzazate, including the Taourirt Kasbah in the city centre and a stop at one of the famous film studios. After lunch, you may take part in optional activities such as a quad-bike ride. We then leave Ouarzazate and drive back across the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. At Local Morocco Tours, we will do everything we can to tailor a holiday in Morocco that is perfect for you, your family, your friends or your group.

What's included

All hotel pick-up transfers
Comfortable, private travel in an air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced local tour guide
Dinners and breakfasts
Drop off at your accommodation at the conclusion of the tour

Not included

Lunches and soft drinks
Admission fees and gratuities

Guide languages

English, Spanish, French, and more languages are available upon request.

Departure

We depart from your hotel at your requested time — usually at 8:00 am. Let us know how many people are travelling, your travel date, and the accommodation category: standard or luxury.