Ouarzazate Day Trip: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah & Film Studios

Walk through a UNESCO kasbah and the sets where Hollywood films were made, all in one day from Marrakech.

A full-day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes you across the Atlas Mountains to the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Atlas Film Studios. You'll meet a professional multilingual driver at your accommodation, cross the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, spend around an hour exploring the kasbah's earthen architecture and ancient corridors, then tour the film studios where Game of Thrones, Gladiator and other productions were shot. The day includes an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, and a guide at the kasbah; lunch is arranged separately at a local restaurant near the site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ouarzazate Day Trip and Sightseeing

• Meet driver at accommodation
• Drive through Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass
• Explore Ouarzazate and have lunch
• Visit Atlas Film Studios
• Walk through Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch break near Kasbah
• Drive back to Marrakech

The Experience

The driver picks you up from your Marrakech accommodation and heads south through the Atlas Mountains on one of Morocco's most dramatic roads. The route climbs to the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, where you stop to photograph the panoramic views and take in the Berber villages scattered across the slopes. The pass sits at 2,260 meters and marks the gateway to the Sahara—the landscape shifts noticeably as you descend toward Ouarzazate.

At the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a guide meets you to walk through the fortified village's narrow alleys, ancient doors and earthen buildings stacked against the mountainside. The kasbah is one of Morocco's best-preserved examples of traditional Berber architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its location at the edge of the Atlas has made it a favorite backdrop for Hollywood productions. You'll have around an hour to explore, then a 90-minute lunch break at a nearby restaurant where you can taste authentic Moroccan food and rest before the afternoon leg.

After lunch, you visit the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, walking through the legendary sets and backdrops used in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and other international films. The studios are the reason Ouarzazate earned the nickname "Hollywood of Morocco"—the combination of desert light, mountain backdrops and proximity to the kasbah made it a natural filming location. You'll see the sets up close and understand why filmmakers chose this corner of Morocco.

The return drive to Marrakech follows the same mountain road in reverse, arriving in the evening. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and the driver speaks English, Spanish, French or Arabic depending on the option you choose. WiFi is available on board, and the trip is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Professional multilingual driver and guide at the kasbah.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• transport insurance.
• pickup from your Marrakech accommodation.
• access to the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and the Atlas Film Studios.
• stops at the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass for photographs and views.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by CLICK EXCURSIONS

Is this one for you?Choose private if your group wants a dedicated driver and vehicle; choose shared if you're traveling solo or as a pair and prefer to split costs with other travelers.

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Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?

The full day runs 11 to 12 hours from pickup to drop-off, with the drive south taking several hours and the return journey the same. The stops at the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, the kasbah and the film studios break up the road time, and the 90-minute lunch break gives you a chance to rest in the middle of the day.

What is the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou?

The Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified villages, built from earthen brick and clay in a traditional Berber style. It sits at the edge of the Atlas Mountains and has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Gladiator and other major productions. You'll walk through its ancient corridors and alleys for around an hour with a guide.

What will I see at the Atlas Film Studios?

The Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate showcase the sets and backdrops used in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and other international films. You'll walk through the legendary movie sets and experience the cinematic history that earned Ouarzazate its nickname, "Hollywood of Morocco."

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but it is arranged at a local restaurant near the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. You'll have a 90-minute break there to eat and rest during the middle of the day.

What language does the driver speak?

The driver is multilingual and speaks English, Spanish, French or Arabic depending on which option you select at checkout. A guide in the same language will meet you at the kasbah to walk you through the site.

Can I book this as a private tour?

Yes, a private tour option is available at checkout, so you can book the driver and vehicle for your group alone. A shared group option is also offered if you prefer to travel with other visitors.