Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou From Marrakech: A Complete Guide

Are you visiting Marrakech and want to explore some of Morocco’s most stunning landmarks and culture on a day trip? If so, a visit to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou are not to be missed.

Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou lie to the south of Marrakech and make for perfect day trips. These stunning locations, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, boast some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Morocco, making the journey and the destination an unforgettable experience.

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, including:

• What You Can Expect on the Trip
• How to Get There
• What to See and Do in Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou
• Where to Eat and Stay
• Travel Tips for Visiting Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

What You Can Expect on the Trip

The trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou offers a unique experience that combines adventure and culture. You can expect a journey that takes you through the stunning green valleys of the Atlas Mountains, lavishing in the vibrant colors of the desert landscapes, small Berber villages, kasbahs and many roadside attractions.

The trip is usually done in just one day; however, if you want to take your time visiting some of the places en-route, you can break up the journey into two days by either staying in Ouarzazate or Ait Benhaddou.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to plan where and when you want to stop along the way. The journey takes approximately four hours (one way) so plan ahead if you want to make the most of your day. Additionally, you can hire a private driver who will take you directly from Marrakech Airport/City Centre/ Hotel – it typically costs approximately $400 for a full day tour.

Alternatively, you can take a Grand Taxi from one of Marrakech’s leading taxi stations, such as Bab Doukkala or Place Abdelmoumene. These typically cost around $75 (one-way) and accommodate up to 6 people so can be shared with other passengers. You can also catch several buses throughout the day including: the comfortable “Supratours” buses which have of WiFi and complimentary drinks or CTM Express buses which are slightly cheaper (about $15 per person one-way). You can purchase tickets online or at any self-service ticket office.

What to See and Do in Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

Ouarzazate is mainly known as Morocco’s Hollywood because of its immense popularity with filmmakers – the popular TV series Game of Thrones was filmed here! On arrival, you will be welcomed by a unique town overflowing with art galleries and Berber takeaways. Don’t forget to visit the fascinating Atlas Studios located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate which offer a guided tour of their spectacular film sets where classics like Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and Lawrence of Arabia were shot. Additionally, there are several unique Souks located in the center of town which are great for authentic souvenirs so be sure to visit and haggle.

Ait Benhaddou is located just 40km east of Ouarzazate so can easily be visited in one day. It is considered one of Morocco’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites full of kasbahs and earthen buildings – another location used by many filmmakers like Gladiator. Once there, you can easily wander around the site; however, if you wish to explore more thoroughly, it is best to hire a local guide who can offer a wealth of knowledge and answer any questions you have as you explore the walls and hidden alleys of this site.

Where to Eat and Stay

Ouarzazate is full of accommodation options including luxury hotels, guesthouses, riads and campings sites for those looking for a unique experience in the desert. When it comes to dining options, there is an array of restaurants available ranging from traditional Berber, French cuisine, Chinese food, seafood and more. Two of our favorite restaurants are La Tour de l’Olivier, with its heady mix of wooded interiors and vibrant French cuisine; and Restaurant Al Hawa where you can sample some divine Moroccan dishes accompanied by great music!

If planning on staying or stopping by Ait Benhaddou, there are several guesthouses available such as Berber View Guesthouse and Dar Houdou for those looking for some luxury. For cheaper alternatives you can either camp at one of the local camping sites or opt for a private tent set up by locals. In terms of food there are several small local restaurants within the village walls; however, if you want something a bit more “gourmet’ then we recommend Restaurant Mari Menou which offers delicious dishes and stunning rooftop views over the village so make sure you book ahead!

Travel Tips for Visiting Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

It is always best to plan ahead when undertaking a day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou so make sure that you plan what you would like to do before leaving – otherwise you might get overwhelmed with all the great attractions this area has to offer! Additionally, when travelling throughout the region be mindful that some roads are in bad condition so take it slow and be careful when driving. Finally, whilst Morocco is considered safe overall we still suggest taking precautionary measures – avoid late night walks unaccompanied, don’t carry too much cash with you at one time, use official taxis within towns and don’t leave valuables unattended.

On the whole a trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou is an unforgettable experience – full of vibrant culture, stunning scenery, places for adventure enthusiasts but also those looking for something more relaxed. If planning on visiting this region we highly recommend looking into day tours from Marrakech, as these are great ways of ensuring you make the most out of your trip as you get round trip transportation back to Marrakech as well as knowledgeable guide with insider knowledge on this corner of Morocco!

Whether it is taking pictures of the historic sites or its breathtaking nature or even enjoying some delicious local cuisine – there is something for everyone here! We hope this guide has helped inform you about planning a day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou – Good luck on your adventure!