
Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech worth booking?
Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech is a 10-hour experience in Marrakech, Morocco, from $50 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Departure at 08.00 from the hotel/riad where you stay. The excursion to Ouarzazate, known as “the gateway to the Sahara desert” and “Hollywood of Africa“, allows you to get a taste of southern Morocco. Along the way, you
What you get
- english speaking Driver
- Riad/Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Departure at 08.00 from the hotel/riad where you stay. The excursion to Ouarzazate, known as “the gateway to the Sahara desert” and “Hollywood of Africa“, allows you to get a taste of southern Morocco. Along the way, you can visit the ancient walled city of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most famous and representative places in Morocco. Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah has been chosen as the location for many films, for example Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Prince of Persia, Game of Thrones and many others. In Ouarzazate you can visit the Atlas Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Return in the evening to Marrakech.
What's included
Included
- english speaking Driver
- Riad/Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Ait Ben Haddou
Along the way, you can visit the ancient walled city of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most famous and representative places in Morocco.
120 minutes here
Ouarzazate
In Ouarzazate you can visit the Atlas Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Silence of Morocco
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Overpriced; book a group tour instead
Overpriced; did not meet "private tour" expectations. Our inputs (need a bathroom break, let's stop for a picture, want options for restaurants) were overlooked. Instead we stopped at the driver's pre-selected locations. By the time we made it to the bathroom at the Atlas Studios, I could barely make it to the bathroom without wetting myself. We were not given options for restaurants; instead we were dropped off at a restaurant that only had one menu selection available for the day and did not accept credit cards. It was also hard to communicate with the waiter since our driver/guide did not stay with us to ensure we had ordered. Had mentioned when picked up we needed to stop at an ATM before leaving Marrakesh--did not happen. Instead we had to look for and use the ATM closest to the restaurant in the Atlas Mountains for the restaurant (located at a hotel compound) claimed they did not have a credit card machine. It took 3 tries for the ATM to finally worked. We took a private tour with a different company and had a completely different positive experience. The driver rushed us trough Ait-Ben-Haddou and giave very little information about why it has been designated a UNESCO Site. My husband barely had time to take pictures. The Atlas Studio tour guide (we paid for it separately) was very good. I would bypass this private tour and take a group tour instead (which you can find for about 1/4 of this company's price).
via Viator
Stunning scenery and a trip into history
We had an amazing time and would highly recommend this experience. Our guide Omar was knowledgeable, friendly and made the trip highly enjoyable. He chatted with us during the drive, letting us know about the various points of interest as well as a history of the region. The highlight was of course Ait Ben Haddou. It is a magical place full of history. A must see if you come to Marrakech. The Atlas Mountains are beautiful, it made the drive extremely enjoyable. Would highly recommend this trip!
via Viator
Highly recommended
We had a fantastic time with our driver, Omar, who drove us gently through the winding mountain passes of Tiz n’Tishka on the way to Aït Ben Haddou and walked us through the old ksar before taking us to Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Omar was attentive and kind, and generously shared information about Berber life and culture (and played some great Berber tunes along the way!). We never felt pressured to buy anything, but instead enjoyed a very full day of exploring. Be prepared for a long day of driving, and if you are prone to car sickness, take meds.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended!
We had a fantastic time with our driver, Omar, who drove us gently through the winding mountain passes of Tiz n’Tishka on the way to Aït Ben Haddou and walked us through the old ksar before taking us to Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Omar was attentive and kind, and generously shared information about Berber life and culture (and played some great Berber tunes along the way!). We never felt pressured to buy anything, but instead enjoyed a very full day of exploring. Be prepared for a long day, and if you are prone to car sickness, take meds.
via Viator
Fun, informative, and comfortable day-trip
We greatly enjoyed our tour with Daoud! He was so much fun and very knowledgeable of the area and its history. The tour was very comfortable with a new and spacious vehicle, and he made extra stops along the way because I wasn’t feeling well that day. Highly recommend this tour if you are in Marrakech!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $100
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Marrakech.
How much does Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Marrakech usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Marrakech is not rushed.
Is Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Marrakech, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Marrakech can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Marrakech and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Excursion to Ouarzazate and Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Marrakech within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Marrakech?
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On Outty we rank every Marrakech experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Agafay Desert Quad Bike Camel Ride and Dinner Show, Best Marrakech to Fes Sahara Desert Tour with Camp & Camel Trek, 3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Camel Rides and Overnight. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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