From Marrakech: Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate & Film Studio Trip

From Marrakech: Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate & Film Studio Trip

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Explore Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the vibrant city of Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and tour film studios where iconic movies and TV shows are made.

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Highlights

Explore Kasbah Aït ben Haddou, a UNESCO site of stunning history & architecture
Tour Ouarzazate, the Gateway to the Desert, famed for its Kasbah & cinema legacy
Visit the Film Studios, a movie wonderland, known for keeping its film sets
Enjoy a delightful lunch on a terrace overlooking panoramic views of the valley
A scenic drive through Tizi n'Tichka pass, the Atlas Mountains & Berber villages

Description

Begin your journey with morning departure from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, or the nearest accessible point by car. Then, you venture south on a captivating day trip to Kasbah Aït ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. The route takes you through the majestic High Atlas Mountains and over the renowned Tizi-n-Tichka pass, the highest in Africa at 2,260 meters. Along the way, you will pass traditional Berber villages that blend harmoniously into the rugged mountain terrain. On the far side of the mountains, the scenery transforms into a semi-arid, desert-like landscape. This striking shift occurs as the Atlas Mountains act as a natural barrier, separating the lush Mediterranean climate of the north from the arid desert winds of the southeast. Arrive at Kasbah Aït ben Haddou just in time for lunch, enjoying a meal at a restaurant with panoramic views of this iconic site. After lunch, explore the Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its historical significance and distinctive architecture. Stroll through the village and marvel at the Kasbah’s unique design, with its turrets, grilled windows, and adobe walls providing both beauty and practicality in the harsh climate. Once a vital stop along the ancient Salt Road caravan route, Aït ben Haddou played a key role in trade, linking sub-Saharan Africa with Marrakech. Before departing, enjoy a panoramic view of the village under the clear desert skies. Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert.” Visit the famed film studios, a wonderland of cinema history where iconic movies and series such as Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones were brought to life. Explore the sets and learn how this unique location has captivated filmmakers from around the world. As the day winds down, begin your return journey to Marrakech. Traverse the Tichka Pass once again, savoring the changing scenery along the way. Arrive back in Marrakech by early evening, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.