You can have a most memorable journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. On this road try, you will have a beautiful view of the Atlas Mountains Morocco. Crossing Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou is a famous route for reaching Ouarzazate, known for its extreme beauty and architectural wonders. On your way, you will also cross Tizi and Tichka passes, Berber villages and famous Kasbahs. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, love nature, a movie freak or an adventurer, you can have an unforgettable trip to Ouarzazate. Let’s have a look at how your journey through the Atlas Mountains and the Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate will look:
A Journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Your journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate will be full of excitement as you will discover ancient buildings listed in UNESCO’s Heritage, like Ait Ben Haddou. On this trip, you can experience mountainous landscapes and desert scenery in a single day. This journey will be for around 3 to 4 hours. After a long drive, you will have a rewarding destination.
Starting Point: Marrakech to The Red City
Your starting point is Marrakech, which is a vibrant place known for its beautiful gardens and palaces. Before setting off, you need to hire a Private Driver Morocco to keep a time track and for customisation of the itinerary. Make a schedule for how much time you’ll spend at different places like Jeema el-Fnaa square and in the atmosphere of the French city. Start your journey early in the morning to have more time for exploration.
Crossing the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Atlas Mountain is a natural barrier that divides Marrakech and the desert regions of Morocco. After setting off from Morocco, this will be the first thing you will cross. These mountains are usually covered with snow and offer a beautiful view of the terraced valleys and villages.
The Scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
After crossing the Atlas Mountains, you will drive through the Tizi n Tichka pass, which has an altitude of 2260 m. This high-altitude road offers a beautiful view of rugged cliffs, valleys and remote settlements in the surroundings. If you have a private driver, you can also stop at this path and take amazing pictures because it offers something different. At a few points one can stop and admire the beauty.
Exploring Berber Culture Along the Way
On your way, you will also see beautiful small Berber villages. These people have high hospitality, so you can explore their communities and learn about their simple lifestyles.
Ouarzazate – The Gateway to the Desert
Ourazazate is known as the Hollywood of Morocco. It is famous for its historical film studios and beautiful Kasbahs. It is a beautiful city, which is a blend of modern and traditional architecture. The City is commonly used as a base for exploring the Sahara Desert. However, it also offers many attractions for the travellers.
Atlas Film Studios Morocco
One of the famous studios of Ouarzazate is the Atlas film studios, where many iconic movies in TV shows were filmed. Gladiator, Game of Thrones and The Mummy are some of the famous movies directed here. As a traveller, you can explore the setups of these big cinemas.
Ouarzazate Kasbah Tour
The Ouarzazate Kasbah tour will be a thrilling experience. It’s a 19th-century Fortress that is the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. It’s a labyrinth of rooms, towers and a courtyard that reflects traditional Moroccan architecture.
The Legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is the most anticipated stop of this journey. It’s a fortified village, which is also listed in a World Heritage site known as Morocco’s most iconic line.
A Glimpse into History
Ait Ben Haddou dates back to the 17 century and is an important stop for the road between the Sahara and Marrakech. Kasbah basically means a building made of mud brick, including a narrow courtyard and strategic locations. Ait Ben Haddou is also made of my break, and it’s a beautiful building surrounded by defensive walls. You can also climb to the top of the village to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a small and easy hike from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Sahara desert in the mountains.
Ait Ben Haddou in Cinema
Ait Ben Haddou is a famous Hollywood production house. There are many films like Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator that have been produced. The dramatic settings and the sites make it a favourite location for makers and producers.
Cultural Insights Along the Route
On your Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou day trip, you will also encounter cultural sights of Morocco.
Meeting Local Artisans
You can meet different artists, especially while visiting the communities and the villages. These local people are experts in handicraft. They craft poetry, textiles and exceptional jewellery.
Tasting Moroccan Cuisine
Every trip is incomplete without a mouthwatering meal. On your way, you can find many roadside restaurants and cafes that sell traditional Moroccan dishes. You can enjoy the meals along with the beautiful views of the mountains.
Travel Tips for the Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou Day Trip
- For travelling to Ait Ben Haddou, Marrakech, you must consider booking a guide who can help you provide insights into the places. These two places can be confusing for the visitors. Ouarzazate is a city which is a gateway to the Sahara, whereas Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified mud village. Both these places are very significant and hold a lot of stories. So having a proper guide is compulsory.
- Try to visit these places with a Private Driver Morocco. Although you can reach Ait Ben Haddou through public transport or with shared tourist groups but with private travel, you can have a more memorable trip.
- Always wear comfortable clothes because you have to work on uneven parts while exploring Kasbahs.
- Kickstart your journey early in the morning to ensure you have enough time for exploring each place.
- Before travelling, ensure whether the Tizi n Tichka class is open or not. Usually it remains open for the whole year, but between November and March the past becomes inaccessible due to snow.
Conclusion
Travelling from Marrakech to Ouarzazate through the Atlas Mountains will be a memorable journey. This journey will be full of beautiful landscapes, cultural history, and significant places like film houses. If you are a movie lover or an art enthusiast, then this is the best place for you. It has crazy cinematic buildings and beautiful landscapes from which you can enjoy different views of mountains and deserts. Visiting and exploring Kasbahs is the most favourite part for tourists, as it’s a unique thing. You can have different activities like visiting the museum, climbing to the top of the hill for beautiful views and meeting local people.
