Ait benhaddou & Telouet
Tour Overview
Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet Kasbahs day trip will give you the chance to experience the best of the south, learn more about the Glaoui tribes and visit the most famous kasbahs of Morocco. Cross the Atlas Mountains and take the road to the Sahara Desert and the old caravan routes.
What's included
Itinerary
Ait benhadou and Telouet Kasbahs day trip takes you across the chain of the High Atlas mountains and over the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass, one of the most dramatic passes in Morocco (The government started a project to renovate a big part of the road after a tragic bus accident in 2012 and the work is still ongoing due to the harsh winter climate and geography). All along the road you can see Berber villages scattered along the side of the mountains, sometimes hard to distinguish from the mountainous entourage. As you reach the far side of the mountains, the landscape changes drastically, becoming semi-arid and desert-like as the chain of the Atlas mountains acts as a barrier separating the Mediterranean climate of the north from the Arid desert winds on the south-east.
After the Tichka pass 2162m, we leave the main road and take a side road to the Telouet Kasbah, which belonged to the Pacha of the Atlas, the Glaoui, and stands in ruins after the last Pasha fled the country after the departure of the French armies. In the first kasbah you will visit only a few rooms that can be seen, as much of the kasbah has been closed off because of the falling ceilings and unsafe walls. However, the tiled walls, fluted pillars, beautifully painted wooden ceilings and colored glass windows of the reception rooms allow you to imagine what it was like in its prime.
From there you continue for lunch at Ait Ben Haddou along the newly asphalted road. Once in the village, you will get a closer look at the Kasbah's architecture with turrets on all the buildings, adorned with grilled windows and soft peach colored walls. These traditional houses are made of adobe, highly suitable for the climate conditions of the south and the summits of the mountains because it is an efficient temperature isolator and the building materials are abundant and require no transportation or significant transformation process.The afternoon is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, This is the most famous of all Moroccan kasbahs, largely due to its appearance in many Hollywood blockbusters. It was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road caravan routes, where traders brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. Before leaving Ait Benhaddou, you will take one last glimpse of the village from a distant point offering a wonderful panoramic view, especially under clear blue skies.
- Reach out to us with your preferred travel dates and group size via the form on this page.
- We'll get back to you within 24 hours with a personalized itinerary and quote based on your preferences.
- Once you're happy with the itinerary, we'll send you a secure payment link to confirm your booking.
- After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the trip details and your local guide's contact information.
- the remaining balance can be be paid directly to the guide on the day of the trip, in cash or via another secure link.
- Enjoy your unforgettable day trip in Morocco!
FAQs
Most private day trips start between 8:00 and 9:00 AM from your accommodation and return in the late afternoon or early evening (around 6:00–8:00 PM), depending on the destination and pace.
Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel, riad, or any accessible location. If your accommodation is inside the medina, your driver will meet you at the nearest vehicle-accessible point.
All our day trips are fully private. You will travel only with your own group and a dedicated driver or guide, ensuring flexibility, comfort, and a personalized experience.
Yes. Private day trips are flexible and can be adjusted to your interests, pace, and preferences. Scenic stops, photo opportunities, or short detours can usually be arranged with your driver.
Driving times vary by destination. Coastal trips like Essaouira take about 2.5–3 hours each way, while mountain destinations such as the Atlas Valleys or Ouzoud Waterfalls may take 2–3 hours. Your driver will include scenic stops to make the journey comfortable.
Transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles suited to your group size, with comfortable seating and professional drivers experienced in long-distance travel.
Certified city guides are included in City sightseeing tours, most other, while others offer optional local guides for deeper cultural insight. Your driver can help arrange a local guide if desired.
Meals are typically not included, allowing you to choose restaurants according to your taste and budget. Your driver/guide can recommend quality local restaurants along the route.
Yes. Private day trips are comfortable and can be adapted for families, children, or travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with minimal walking.
Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun protection, a hat or scarf are recommended. Depending on the destination and season, a light jacket or swimwear may also be useful.
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