Day Tour — Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, Ounila Valley & Telouet Kasbah
Private 4x4 circular day from Ouarzazate visiting the major historic kasbahs of the south — including the UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou and the Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet — with a scenic crossing of the Ounila Valley and the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Local guide
Hotel pickup
Small groups
Private available
1 day (about 11 hours)
Private — 2 to 5 people
English / French
About Us
- ›A packed cultural day from Ouarzazate covering the major strategic kasbahs of southern Morocco: the 17th-century Kasbah Amerhdil at the Skoura oasis, the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — used as a filming location for many epic Hollywood films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia — the ruined Kasbah Tamdaght of the Glaoui family, and the partly restored 19th-century Kasbah Telouet, seat of power of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech during the French Protectorate.
- ›The road runs through the rugged but fertile Ounila Valley — once part of the ancient sub-Saharan camel trading route before the Tizi n'Tichka pass was built in the 1930s — and back over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass itself, with panoramic mountain views.
- ›Inside the Telouet Kasbah, a local guide shows you the remarkable mosaics and tiled reception rooms.
- ›This is a perfect day out for anyone who wants an insight into the architecture, history and tribal traditions of the old caravan routes.
Experience Itinerary
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1
Departure from Ouarzazate (8:30 / 9 am)
- ›Pickup at your hotel between 8:30 and 9 am.
- ›Drive east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the grand palm groves of the Skoura oasis.
- ›Guided visit of the 17th-century Kasbah Amerhdil, with its square towers etched with Saharan motifs.
- ›Views from the battlements over the palm groves and the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains.
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2
Ait Ben Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage site
- ›Double back via Ouarzazate and head north to Morocco's most famous kasbah: the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
- ›Climb the old dusty streets to the top of the most intact walled kasbah in the country.
- ›Your guide will point out the spots used in Hollywood films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
- ›Lunch break near the kasbah.
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3
Kasbah Tamdaght (ruined Glaoui kasbah)
A short stop at the ruined Kasbah Tamdaght, built by the powerful Glaoui family who ruled most of southern Morocco for over half a century until the 1950s.
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4
Ounila Valley & Kasbah Telouet
- ›Drive through the rugged but fertile Ounila Valley, once part of the ancient sub-Saharan camel trading route before the Tizi n'Tichka pass was built in the 1930s.
- ›Final visit of the day: the gothic-like remains of Kasbah Telouet, seat of power of Thami El Glaoui — Pasha of Marrakech under the French Protectorate, who fled Morocco in 1956 branded as a traitor.
- ›Inside, see the remarkable mosaics and tiled reception rooms; a local guide will explain the history and views over the valley.
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5
Return via the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- ›Return to Ouarzazate via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass with stunning panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains.
- ›The road descends back into the arid semi-desert landscape, with arrival at your hotel around 7 to 8 pm after a packed day of scenery, culture and history.
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, fully licensed and insured for tourist transport
- Professional dedicated driver for the day
- English- or French-speaking guide and escort
- Guided visit of Kasbah Amerhdil at the Skoura oasis (entrance not included)
- Visit of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Stop at the ruined Kasbah Tamdaght
- Visit of Kasbah Telouet with a local guide (entrance not included)
- Scenic drive through the Ounila Valley and over the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
- 24-hour English-speaking customer hotline
- Local tourist taxes
Not Included
- Entrance fees to the kasbahs and historic sites (Amerhdil, Telouet, etc.)
- Lunch and drinks with meals
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance (required)
Know Before You Go
| Duration | 1 day (about 11 hours) |
| Languages | English / French |
| Level | Easy — all ages and fitness levels |
| Group type | Private — 2 to 5 people |