Day Trip Essaouira

Your Day Trip Ait ben Haddou kicks off at 8:30 AM from your riad or hotel in Ouarzazate, as you set out on a full day journey steeped in cinematic magic and Berber history. First stop: the legendary Film Studios just outside the city, where preserved sets from global hits like Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones await your exploration offering a behind the scenes look at Morocco’s role in Hollywood. 

From there, you’ll head to the postcard perfect Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This mudbrick marvel perched on the edge of the Salt River has starred in epics like Alexander and The Gladiator and stands as Morocco’s most iconic Kasbah. Your journey then takes a scenic turn through the ruggedly beautiful Ounila Valley to the remote Kasbah Telouet, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui clan. 

Although the interior has been closed since the September 2023 earthquake, the Kasbah's striking exterior and dramatic setting in the High Atlas Mountains still make it a rewarding stop, especially with insights from a local guide. 

The day winds down as you return to Ouarzazate along the majestic route south of the Tizi n Tichka pass, with your driver dropping you back at your accommodation by late afternoon leaving you with vivid impressions of Morocco’s cinematic and cultural soul.