Kasbah-Ait-Ben-Haddou

Overview

Ait ben haddou is an interesting day trip from Marrakech. After you cross the high Atlas Mountains, Ait ben haddou is a UNESCO site classified since 1987.

Along the way, you will admire the Berber villages in the mountains of high Atlas. 4 km of rocky off-road along the salty valley of Ounila to get to ben haddou Kasbah, a natural decoration for many movies which were shot in the area. Take a walk and cross the dried river.

You will be invited for a cup of tea with one of the families. Free time to explore the kasbahs of Ait ben Haddou and have lunch in local restaurant overlooking the ksar(Moroccan old palace), after lunch we will continue to –Ouarzazate; visit of cinema studios and the Kasbah Taourirt another palace of Pacha El Glaoui. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Marrakech via the TIZI N’ tichka.

Why Ouarzazate /Ben haddou ?

Ouazarzate is known as a bit Berber Hollywood: the beauty of its natural scenery and the quality of live has attracted many directors. Being located at the confluence of the valleys of Draa and Dades, the city is a must for southern Morocco. It has a pretty kasbah that belonged to Pasha El Glaoui.

Historical view :

For a long time, Ouarzazate was a small crossing point for African traders on their way to northern Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town, administrative centre and customs post. It is home to the kasbah of Taourirt, which was the casbah of the former caïd and later owned by T'hami El Glaoui. The Krupp field gun which secured Glaoui power is displayed outside the kasbah today. The area is also known for its Ouazguita carpets with geometric designs of red-orange on black background.

Climate :

Ouarzazate is hot and dry in summer, but can be very cold in winter, with icy winds coming from the High Atlas Mountains.

Ben haddou :

The kasbah-town of Aït Benhaddou is nearby. Many excursions through the valley of the Draa River into the Sahara start from the city. These include trips to Zagora, an oasis town surrounded by palm tree plantations and a departure point for camel trains to Timbuktu, a journey that would take about 52 days. These days the border to Algeria is closed, stopping the Timbuktu route. The city was part of the route of the 2006 and 2007 Dakar Rally.

Inclusions

• Morocco Travel: In minibus

• English, Arabic, French Speaking Driver, Guide

• Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel In Marrakech

Pricing Plan