Morocco | A Day in Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou (November 2025)
Last updated on : January 4, 2026
In November 2025, during our trip to Morocco, we spent five days in Marrakech. A fascinating and vibrant city – sometimes intense – where moments of wonder often go hand in hand with a certain sensory overload. To balance that energy and discover other facets of the country, we chose to include a few day trips from Marrakech.
The excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou was not part of our original itinerary. It was added at the last minute, as we had intentionally kept one day more open. In the end, the desire to explore the surrounding areas and experience landscapes completely different from the city outweighed the idea of spending another full day in Marrakech.
With cooler temperatures at higher altitudes at that time of year, some options – such as the Ourika Valley or the Imlil Valley – felt less suited to the clothing we had planned to bring. Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou quickly emerged as the ideal alternative: a striking change of scenery, spectacular landscapes, and an immersion into a more mineral, more cinematic side of Morocco.
This day turned out to be far more than a simple excursion – a journey across the Atlas Mountains, a dive into legendary film settings, and a truly refreshing escape that perfectly complemented our stay in Marrakech.
Day Trip : Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou
From Marrakech, there are many organized day trips available – some more popular than others – offering the opportunity to explore the surrounding region. The excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou is among the most impressive in terms of scenery, as it crosses the High Atlas Mountains and offers spectacular panoramas throughout the journey.
It’s a long day on the road, with several hours spent in a minibus, but the mountain landscapes, mountain passes, and planned stops along the way make the journey far more enjoyable than one might expect. Despite the length of the drive, the experience is well worth it.
We chose to book this excursion through GetYourGuide, a simple and efficient option. Transportation from Marrakech, the presence of a guide, and the various stops throughout the day were all included. The pace of the day was well balanced, allowing us to enjoy each location without feeling rushed—even with a significant amount of time spent on the road.
First Step: Crossing the High Atlas – Tizi n’Tichka Pass
On the road linking Marrakech to Ouarzazate, the excursion begins with one of the day’s highlights: crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Very quickly, the scenery changes, and the road winds its way through dramatic mountains, offering spectacular views at every turn.
Along the way, we stopped at a restaurant perched high above the valley, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. In the morning, rain accompanied part of the journey, wrapping the mountains in a misty, almost mysterious atmosphere. Despite the grey weather, we still took a few photos. On the return trip later in the day, the sky had cleared, revealing much brighter and more contrasted landscapes. The view was completely different, beautifully highlighting the shapes and contours of the valley.
When we reached the viewpoint at the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the cold quickly set in. At this altitude, the wind was icy, but the view was absolutely worth it. The scenery was breathtaking, and despite the intense cold, we took the time to capture a few photos. Thankfully, we had our down jackets with us – essential at this elevation, even in November.
This crossing of the High Atlas, as spectacular as it was climatically demanding, was one of the most memorable moments of the day and a stunning introduction before continuing on toward Ouarzazate.
Second Step: Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate
Our time in Ouarzazate focused on one of its most iconic sites: Atlas Studios (80 dirhams per person, not included in the excursion). The day trip did not include a visit to the city itself, but it did allow us to explore these world-famous film studios, which have been used for decades by the international film industry.
Atlas Studios have served as the backdrop for many well-known productions, both Hollywood and European. Films such as Gladiator, Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, as well as scenes from Game of Thrones, were filmed here. Ouarzazate is often nicknamed “the Hollywood of the desert,” and for good reason.
Several factors explain why international film productions choose to shoot here. First, the country’s stability and the safety it offers crews make it possible to recreate settings that might otherwise be more complex or risky to film on location. Then there’s the climate: the sky is very often a perfect shade of blue, which greatly facilitates the integration of special effects in post-production. Finally – and this is a practical reality of the industry – production costs are significantly lower than in North America or Europe, making these studios especially attractive.
The studio visit is conducted with a local guide who works on site. This was not our excursion guide, but a studio employee who accompanied us from one set to another, explaining how the spaces are used, past film shoots, and the techniques involved. We walked through various sets and backdrops – some still in use, others left exactly as they were after filming wrapped.
One particularly surprising moment came at the end of the visit: the guide filmed a very short movie with the visitors, using nothing more than an iPhone. The result, sent to those who wished to receive it, was surprisingly impressive and perfectly illustrated the creative and technical potential of the place.
What struck my husband and me the most was the contrast between what we see on screen and the reality on site. Up close, some of the sets appear much simpler – sometimes even rudimentary – than one might expect. Yet on screen, everything takes on an entirely different dimension. It’s fascinating to see how camera angles, lighting, and editing transform these structures into spectacular cinematic worlds.
An experience that was both informative and surprising, offering a true behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking and a deeper appreciation for the magic of cinema.
Third Step: Lunch Break in Ait Ben Haddou
Our third stop of the day took place in Ait Ben Haddou, where a lunch break was scheduled before visiting the ksar. As is often the case with organized day trips, the guide brought us to a restaurant accustomed to welcoming large groups – most likely chosen for its ability to serve several dozen people quickly and efficiently.
Once seated and handed the menus, our initial enthusiasm quickly faded. The choice was very limited, the meals seemed pre-set in advance, and the prices felt high for what was being offered. While the menu did include a main dish, a drink, a starter, and a dessert, the overall offering didn’t really appeal to us – especially considering the cost.
Around the table, the discomfort was shared. A group of young Spanish travelers were the first to decide to try their luck elsewhere, having spotted other restaurants along the main street. Shortly after, the French family sitting at our table expressed the same hesitation… and that’s when we decided to follow suit.
What ultimately pushed us to leave was also the service. Just as the server had begun taking our orders, he abruptly walked away to collect payment from another group, without any explanation – leaving us quite literally waiting at the table. On top of that, our guide had mentioned he would be having his meal elsewhere and would come back later, leaving us free to decide where to eat.
So we left the restaurant and walked for a few minutes. We quickly came across a small inn called L’Étoile Filante d’Or, whose menu was more varied, simpler, and – most importantly – about half the price. We were able to choose exactly what we wanted to eat, without being constrained by a fixed menu. The result: a pleasant meal, at our own pace, and with much better value for money.
When the guide returned and spotted us outside the restaurant – by then we had already finished eating – he seemed somewhat surprised, even slightly annoyed. Some members of the group were still seated elsewhere, which caused a small delay before continuing the visit. We calmly explained our choice, openly and respectfully: the first restaurant simply didn’t meet our expectations.
In the end, even though this spontaneous detour slightly shifted the schedule, we don’t regret our decision at all. We enjoyed a good meal at a reasonable price and experienced a small, unplanned pause in the heart of an already full and memorable day.
Fourth Step: Visit to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
For this fourth and final stop of the day, we visited the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (also commonly referred to as a kasbah), accompanied by a local guide – as is often the case in this region.
The way organized excursions work in Morocco is fairly well established: our main guide primarily accompanied us during the drives, sharing insights about the regions we passed through, as well as general cultural and historical context. Once on site, local guides take over for more specific visits—at Atlas Studios earlier in the day, and here in Ait Ben Haddou.
We reached the ksar by crossing the pedestrian bridge that now connects the modern village to the historic site. In the past, when the river rose during the wetter season, crossing was sometimes impossible, which gradually led residents to move to the opposite bank. According to our guide, a small number of people – around twenty – still live within the ksar today, adding to the site’s authenticity.
From the moment we arrived, the view of the ksar was spectacular. We then followed the guide through narrow alleys and interior passageways. At times, it almost felt as though we were moving directly from one house to another, as the paths are so closely intertwined. The structure of the site is fascinating and truly gives the impression of stepping back in time.
Because we had fallen slightly behind schedule at the previous stop, the pace of the visit was fairly quick. The guide walked fast – sometimes too fast – making it feel more like we were keeping up than truly strolling. Some members of the group, particularly the young Spanish travelers, often stopped to take photos, which created a bit of a gap and seemed to occasionally frustrate the guide. It’s the kind of reality that comes with group tours: not everyone moves at the same pace or has the same priorities.
We made a stop at a local artisans’ workshop, where a demonstration was presented. They create drawings using natural ingredients that are invisible to the naked eye, and only reveal themselves when exposed to flame. The image slowly appears, creating an impressive and poetic effect. Of course, there was a commercial aspect to the visit – as is often the case – but the demonstration itself was truly worth seeing.
We then continued the climb to the top of the hill to enjoy a panoramic view over the entire ksar and the surrounding landscape. The scenery is grand and dramatic, but the conditions were rather intense: strong winds combined with gusts of sand made the experience more challenging. At times, we had to completely turn away to avoid getting sand blown straight into our faces – a situation that helps you better understand why desert inhabitants often wear scarves or head coverings for protection.
The descent followed a different path, where we noticed several film posters, reminding us that the ksar has served as a backdrop for many film productions, including Gladiator, Troy, and Game of Thrones. Its proximity to Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios makes it a highly sought-after filming location.
Despite the fast pace and the windy conditions, this visit was deeply memorable and incredibly interesting. Ait Ben Haddou is a spectacular, history-filled site, and without a doubt one of the highlights of this day trip.
Fifth Step: Return to Marrakech
In the late afternoon, we got back on the minibus and began the journey back to Marrakech. The return trip once again took several hours, with a stop along the way at the same rest area as on the outbound journey. This break allowed us to use the restrooms, stretch our legs, and browse the small market located inside the restaurant.
We took the opportunity to buy a few snacks, which we quietly enjoyed on the bus for the remainder of the drive. A simple pause, but a welcome one after such a full day.
We arrived back in Marrakech relatively late in the evening. Initially, we had thought about going out for dinner, but between the accumulated fatigue and the snacks we had eaten along the way, the motivation simply wasn’t there anymore. We decided instead to head straight back to the riad, have something light with what we already had, and get some rest.
If I Had More Time
Within the context of a day trip, the pace is inevitably faster. If I had had more time, I would without a doubt have slowed things down in Ait Ben Haddou, especially within the ksar itself.
The guided visit was very interesting and rich in information, but the imposed pace left little room for more free exploration. I would have loved to take more time to wander, to stop more often, to get a little lost in the narrow alleys, and to immerse myself even more deeply in the site’s unique atmosphere.
As a photography lover, this was also the place where I felt a certain sense of frustration. The ksar is filled with incredible viewpoints, beautiful plays of light and shadow, and rich textures – both within the fortified village and from the higher vantage points. But between the group’s pace and the guide’s brisk walk, it was sometimes difficult to search for the right angle, frame a shot calmly, or wait for the ideal light.
Ait Ben Haddou is a place that invites slowness, observation, and contemplation. With more time, I would have loved to linger longer, allow space for exploration, and fully nurture my passion for photography in such an exceptional setting.
In Conclusion
This day trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou was, once again, a memorable part of our journey through Morocco. While Atlas Studios are not natural landscapes but rather cinematic sets, the visit remains fascinating. Having never stepped foot in a film studio before, I found the experience genuinely interesting. Walking through places where major films were shot, discovering what happens behind the scenes, and realizing how the magic of cinema can transform sometimes very simple structures into grand on-screen worlds – all of this offers a new perspective on the films we later watch.
That said, the true highlight of the day was without question Ait Ben Haddou. Even though the visit felt a bit too short and rushed for my liking, I am deeply grateful to have discovered this exceptional place. Knowing that this excursion was added to our itinerary at the very last minute, I now realize how unfortunate it would have been to miss it. This visit added an extra layer of depth and richness to our journey.
Despite the many hours spent on the bus, I would recommend this excursion without hesitation. The landscapes along the way – especially through the High Atlas Mountains – are stunning and far from monotonous. The journey itself is very much part of the experience and contributes greatly to the beauty of the day. For those wishing to discover a different side of Morocco, blending mountains, cinema, and historical heritage, this excursion is, in my opinion, a wonderful choice.
In Video
To extend this day trip, I invite you to discover the accompanying video. It offers a visual immersion through the spectacular landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, a visit to Atlas Studios, and the unique atmosphere of Ait Ben Haddou. A beautiful way to relive this experience from a different perspective – through images.
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