Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech between 7:30 and 8:00 am, followed by a breathtaking drive through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest in North Africa at 2,260 meters, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides, with photo stops along the way to capture the stunning scenery. Continuing your journey, you may stop to visit the Kasbah Telouet, once the grand palace of the Glaoui family, or pass through the film-making hub of Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa.” By midday, you’ll arrive at the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s most iconic ksar, famous for its striking red mudbrick architecture and maze of narrow alleys.
With a local guide, you’ll explore the ancient granaries, fortified walls, and traditional earthen houses while learning about its fascinating history and its role as the backdrop for legendary films and series such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. After the visit, enjoy a leisurely lunch in a restaurant overlooking the kasbah, where you can savor authentic Moroccan cuisine while admiring panoramic views. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to wander at your own pace, take photos, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this timeless desert fortress. As the day draws to a close, you’ll depart Ait Ben Haddou around 3:30 to 4:00 pm for the return journey through the Atlas Mountains, arriving back in Marrakech by 7:30 to 8:00 pm with unforgettable memories of one of Morocco’s most legendary landmarks.
