How to plan your tour to experience Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate City

Are you planning a trip to Ouarzazate and looking for a unique experience to make your journey memorable? Look no further because a tour of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate City is just what you are looking for. In this day tour, you will explore the ancient Kasbah, visit Atlas Film Studios, see Taourirt Kasbah and enjoy a comfortable private transportation throughout the tour. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

Overview of the Tour

The tour begins with the pickup from your hotel in Ouarzazate. After a short drive, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning complex of earthen buildings with intricate architecture set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. Here, you will get an opportunity to wander through the narrow alleys and comprehend the culture and history of this ancient city with the help of an expert guide. You can capture some of the most scenic photographs, enjoy the berber culture and live the moment of the past.

Next, you will head to Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest movie studios in the world. The studios boast an impressive list of blockbusters that have been filmed on site, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and The Mummy. Here, you will learn about the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking and view some of the original movie sets used in these films.

After visiting Atlas Film Studios, you will move to Taourirt Kasbah, a palace with ornate decorations that showcase the former glory of Ouarzazate. Finally, your tour will finish at Hotel Sarayas, where you can take a break from sightseeing and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

What’s Included

The following amenities are included as a part of the tour package.

– Air-conditioned vehicle
– Private transportation to and from your hotel
– Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Ouarzazate
– Expert guide
– Admission fee to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
– Admission fee to Taourirt Kasbah

Note that lunch is not included in the tour.

Tour Details

You can attend this tour with your family or a group of friends. The tour will start at 10:00 AM, and you are requested to arrive at the meeting point which is located at Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate 45000 Morocco.

You can choose to head directly to the meeting point or request pickup from your accommodation in Ouarzazate or outside Ouarzazate center. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off back at the meeting point.

The tour will last approximately 6 hours, including the travel time from Ouarzazate to the historic sites.

Please note that the entry fee to Atlas Film Studios is not included in the tour package, and you will have to pay a fee if you desire to participate in this part of the tour.

How to Book the Tour

Booking the tour is easy and can be done in two ways. Firstly, you can book the tour through the official website of Viator, which will provide you with complete details of the tour itinerary, pricing, and availability. Secondly, you can book the tour through local tourism agencies, where you can negotiate the price and avail additional discounts. However, it is recommended to book through reliable and registered tour agencies to ensure safe and hassle-free travel.

To book the tour through Viator, visit the following link book the tour here and provide the necessary information as per the instructions.

Conclusion

Exploring Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate City is a unique experience that gives you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Morocco. This tour provides a perfect way to explore the historic sites, learn about the local culture, and make your trip truly unforgettable. With all the necessary details mentioned above, you are now equipped with everything you need to plan your tour to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate City, so start packing your bags and get ready for a thrilling adventure.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Ouarzazate City

If you’re planning a visit to Ouarzazate City, then you’re in for a treat. The desert landscape, the red clay buildings, and the majestic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, all together create a breathtaking experience. However, to make your trip more memorable than just a typical tourist experience, we have to look beyond the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of the city that only locals know.

Discover Hidden Gems in Ouarzazate City

While Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is the most popular attraction, there are also many hidden gems to explore in Ouarzazate City. The cinema museum of Ouarzazate might come as a surprise but the city has been the location of many famous films – Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones – and visiting this museum will give you an in-depth idea of the city’s cultural significance for film enthusiasts. Another hidden gem is Ksar of Tarmigte, a fortified village built in the 16th century, still preserved, and inhabited by Berber families.

Indulge in Authentic Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is well-known, and Ouarzazate is no exception, but to get the most authentic experience, you should try dining at the local family-owned restaurants. Order traditional dishes such as tajine, couscous, and harira soup and taste the locally sourced spices. There’s something unique to the food culture of Ouarzazate. Al Khaima restaurant is one such place to experience local food customary foods. While you enjoy your meal, the surroundings will mesmerize you with its traditional decor, showcasing an exclusive Arabic dine-in experience.

Embrace Local Traditions and Festivals

If you’re interested in experiencing local culture, then Ouarzazate has a lot to offer. The most notable festival is the International Film Festival of Ouarzazate that happens every year in December. It features an impressive display of internationally acclaimed films, workshops, and seminars conducted by top film experts from across the globe. The city also has an annual date festival where dates grown locally across the region are celebrated to signify the date harvest. The traditional dances and music are not to be missed.

Explore the city’s rich history

Ouarzazate has a significant place in Moroccan history. It was once a busy trading hub on the trans-Saharan caravan routes. Many notable dynasties such as Al- Mouahidin and the Saadian dynasty ruled the area, bringing about significant developments. Over the years, the city has undergone numerous battles and changes, each shaping the city in a unique and compelling way. The Glaoui Kasbah Taourirte is a perfect example of Ouarzazate’s past, reflecting the grandeur of the 19th-century fortification that stands splendidly for history buffs.

Go Beyond the Conventional

To have an unforgettable and unique experience in Ouarzazate, we recommend going off the beaten path. One such exploration would be visiting the Draa River. The deep blue-green river flowing amidst the brown desert and palm trees paints a picturesque view, perfect for those looking for a serene locale. Another suggestion is a hot air balloon ride to view the city from a better angle, from a bird’s eye view.

In conclusion, Ouarzazate City is a city that offers an authentic experience reserved only for those willing to explore it from a local’s perspective. To make the most of your trip, take some time to explore the hidden corners, experience local cuisine, embrace cultural traditions, explore the city’s rich history, and go on unique adventures that will create memories that will indeed last a lifetime.