1 Day trip to Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Telouet from Ouarzazate
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- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour category
- Day trips from Ouarzazate
- Languages
- English, French, Spanish
Discover the ancient Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet on a scenic day trip from Ouarzazate, with breathtaking landscapes and rich Berber history.
Tour highlights
- Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning earthen architecture and panoramic views.
- Explore the historic caravan route once connecting Marrakech to the Sahara, rich in cultural and trade history.
- Capture incredible photos from scenic viewpoints overlooking the Ounila Valley and its traditional Berber villages.
- Continue to Kasbah Telouet, the former palace of the powerful Glaoui family, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains.
- Discover intricate zellige tilework and painted ceilings that reflect the kasbah’s royal and colonial past.
- Enjoy a blend of natural beauty, history, and architecture on one of the region’s most enriching day trips.
Route at a glance
1 day
- Ouarzazate Start
- Ait Benhaddou UNESCO world heritage site
- Telouet Kasbah Telouet
- Ouarzazate End
About this tour
Ouarzazate, known as The Movie City, is perfectly located to explore southern Morocco’s cultural and natural treasures. A day trip to Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Telouet from Ouarzazate offers stunning scenery and deep historical insight. These iconic sites lie along the ancient caravan route that once linked Marrakech to the Sahara.
Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features well-preserved earthen architecture and breathtaking views of the Ounila Valley. The trip continues to Kasbah Telouet, former seat of the powerful Glaoui family, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. Though remote, it impresses with colorful tilework, painted ceilings, and rich history. Meanwhile, Ouarzazate itself offers film studios, oases, and nearby Berber villages to explore. For travelers seeking culture, nature, or history, a Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou day trip delivers a complete Moroccan experience. With curated routes and flexible options, it’s a journey worth taking.
Step by step itinerary
Print this itinerary-
Step 1 of 3
DAY TRIP FROM OUARZAZATE
Your day trip to Ait Benhaddou from Ouarzazate begins with a scenic drive toward a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1987.
Upon arrival, enjoy a breathtaking view from a nearby hill—perfect for panoramic photos of this historic desert village.
After that, take a short hike through Ait Benhaddou’s narrow alleys and discover its traditional architecture and clay houses.
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Step 2 of 3
DAY TRIP FROM OUARZAZATE
Soon after, we continue to the nearby Tamdakht Kasbah, an impressive five-story structure with nine defensive towers.
For those who enjoy walking, a relaxed stroll around the kasbah offers even more insight into local Berber heritage. Then, we follow the picturesque Ounila Valley, where small Berber villages cling to the cliffs and overlook lush greenery.
On the way, discover ancient cave dwellings once used by Berber tribes to hide from raiders and invaders.
Next, we pause for a relaxing lunch, depending on time and location along the valley route.
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Step 3 of 3
DAY TRIP FROM OUARZAZATE
Eventually, we arrive at the remote Kasbah Telouet, once a stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family.
Inside, explore its crumbling halls, intricate tilework, and the haunting beauty of a fading era of power.
Finally, your journey ends by crossing a different road through the High Atlas Mountains toward the Ouarzazate–Marrakech highway.
Enjoy the views as we return, completing a memorable day trip to Ait Benhaddou from Ouarzazate filled with culture and nature.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation in air conditioning 4WD vehicle or Van
- Professional driver speaking your language
- Traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Telouet
- Free wifi connection on board
Not included
- Tip & gratuities
- personal expenses
- Drinks
- Entrance fee & tour guide
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
Group rates
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | €75 per person |
| 4 people | €45 per person |
| 6 people | €37 per person |
| 8 people | €33 per person |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the day trip from Ouarzazate to Ait benhaddou and Telouet?
The trip takes approximately 8-9 hours, depending on stops, sightseeings, and time spent at each Kasbah.
What places will i visit on this day trip?
You will visit Ait benhaddou, Kasbah Telouet, and the scenic Ounila valley, with opportunities to stop at Berber villages and viewpoints along the way.
Is Ait benhaddou a UNESCO world heritage site?
Yes. Ait benhaddou has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987 and is one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages.
Will we drive through the Ounila Valley?
Yes. The route between Telouet and Ait benhaddou follows the spectacular Ounila valley, passing traditional villages, mountain landscapes, Kasbahs dating back centuries.
Where does this day trip start and end?
The day trip starts with pickup from your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate and ends with drop-off back in Ouarzazate.
Is lunch included in this day trip?
Yes. In our prices provided, lunch is included and can be arranged at a local restaurant along the way or specifically in a restaurant near kasbah Telouet. You can exclude it in the price if you want.
Do i need to walk a lot during this day trip?
A moderate amount of walking is recommended, especially when exploring the narrow streets and elevated areas of Ait benhaddou. Comfortable shoes are advised.
What is the best time of year for this activity?
Spring and Autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summer can be hot, so an early departure is recommended.
Can i customize the itinerary?
Yes. You can usually customize the stops and timing departure on your interests, including adding places such as Ouarzazate’s film studios or another nearby kasbah.
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