This day trip from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas to two of southern Morocco's best-known sites: the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the town of Ouarzazate. It is a long day, with about 7 hours of driving in total, made in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver.

Pickup at your hotel or riad is around 7:30. The road climbs over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 m, with photo stops on the way, and you reach the Ouarzazate area around 11:00 to 11:30, roughly 3.5 hours after leaving. The return starts around 16:00 and you are back in Marrakech between 19:30 and 20:00, a day of 10 to 12 hours.

At Aït Ben Haddou you walk through the ksar, its earthen architecture and its lanes, with panoramic views over the site and free time for lunch nearby. In Ouarzazate you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the cinema studios if you wish. Entrance fees to kasbahs and studios are not included.

• Included: round-trip private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Marrakech, a professional driver and transport insurance.
• Not included: lunch, drinks, monument and studio tickets, and a guide.
• Price: 690 MAD per adult and 300 MAD per child. Children under 12 pay the child price; children under 4 go free.
• Vehicle: private for your group, minimum 2 people.

All ages can join, but the day is long and includes some walking, so it suits travellers with good stamina. With young children, weigh the hours on the road before you book.

To reserve, select the date and the number of adults and children, then submit the form. Our local team confirms the pickup with you, and payment is made on site on the day. You can cancel at no cost.

For a day by the ocean instead of the mountains, see the Essaouira day trip from Marrakech.