Hotel pickup
Leave Marrakech by 4x4 and climb into the High Atlas.
Mountains
Road of the Kasbahs by 4x4: Telouet & Aït Benhaddou with Lunch
Overview
This trip takes you over the High Atlas on one of the most spectacular roads in Africa, full of hairpin bends, Berber villages and wide views. On the other side the landscape changes to desert colours and palm oases.
The highlight is Aït Benhaddou, a ksar of earth houses climbing up a hill above a river. A local guide explains its history as a caravan stop and its second life as a film set. Then you continue to Ouarzazate before the drive back over the mountains.
Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before
Pay on the dayEuro or dirham, no prepayment
12 hoursEarly pickup at 7:30
Live guideEnglish, French, Arabic
Hotel pickupFrom your hotel or riad
Small groupup to 6 people per 4x4
At a glance
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Distance
- About 180 km to Ait Benhaddou, around 4 hours each way
- Difficulty
- Easy. A long day with short walks.
- Best season
- March to May and September to November. In winter, check snow on the pass.
- Altitude
- The Tizi n'Tichka pass is at about 2,260 metres
- Transport
- 4x4 with driver, up to 6 people per vehicle
- Meals
- Lunch in Ait Benhaddou
- Languages
- English, French and Arabic
- Group size
- Small group, up to 6 people per 4x4
Highlights
Cross Tizi n'Tichka, Morocco's highest road pass at 2,260 m
Visit the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet
Explore Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Lunch included in Aït Benhaddou
Itinerary
Tizi n'Tichka
Photo stop at the top of the pass.
Telouet
Visit the painted rooms of the old Glaoui kasbah.
Ounila valley
Drive the old caravan road through red canyons and villages.
Lunch in Aït Benhaddou
Lunch included with a view of the ksar.
Aït Benhaddou
Guided walk up to the granary at the top of the hill.
Return drive
Back over the mountains, arriving in Marrakech around 20:00.
Included
- Return transfer in a 4x4 with driver
- Guide
- Lunch in Aït Benhaddou
Excluded
- Entry to Telouet kasbah and Aït Benhaddou (they help pay for restoration)
- Drinks
- Tips
Where you will go
The pin shows the area, not an exact meeting point. We confirm your pickup by email. Open in Google Maps
Weather and best time
The pass is cooler and can have snow from December to March. The south side is warm and dry. If the pass is closed, we tell you in advance and offer another day.
What to bring
- A warm layer for the pass
- Comfortable shoes for kasbah paths
- Water and snacks for the road
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Cash in dirham or euro for tips and drinks
- Phone or camera
Pickup
Pickup from all hotels and riads in Marrakech. We confirm the exact time and place by email.
Know before you go
- Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
- Long day with about 8 hours of driving in total
- The mountain road has many bends; take something if you get car sick
Gallery
Questions about this tour
What time is pickup?
Early pickup at 7:30. We confirm the exact time by email once you book.
How long does the tour last?
About 12 hours, including transfers.
Where do you collect me?
Pickup from all hotels and riads in Marrakech. We confirm the exact time and place by email.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
When do I pay?
Reserve now and pay on the day, in euro or dirham. No online payment.
What is included?
Return transfer in a 4x4 with driver; Guide; Lunch in Aït Benhaddou.
Which languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak English, French and Arabic.
