Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou: Honest Day Trip Review

So, you’re probably considering a day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, huh? It’s almost a very classic Moroccan excursion, promising dramatic landscapes and a peek into the nation’s cinematic past. That said, before you decide, maybe it’s helpful to take a closer look at what you’re truly signing up for. That’s what we are doing here.

What You Can Expect from the Drive

First, alright, let’s chat about the drive because it really eats up most of the day. Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, is that right, a one-way trip is typically about four hours. You might want to remember this. That actually means you will spend around eight hours on the road.

The High Atlas Mountains, by the way, they’re undeniably quite stunning. You’ll drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, very high up there, that provides photo opportunities galore. Very often, trips involve brief stops at scenic viewpoints and spots where you could, too it’s almost, purchase Argan oil products, yet maybe keep in mind these stops are frequently quite tourist-focused and, well, maybe not the most “authentic” experiences. It could be like your typical highway pit stops.

The bus itself, if you are thinking about it, it depends a bit on the tour. Some are mini-buses that could be a bit crammed, in some respects at least. It is often a good idea to check reviews and ask what the transport is similar to prior to booking. Comfort may vary considerably. Air conditioning is usually available, but then again maybe not always, particularly in older vehicles. Prepare for a rather long and winding road; those, is that right, prone to motion sickness might want to take precautions.

Ait Benhaddou: Stepping Back in Time (Sort Of)

Ait Benhaddou itself? Alright, that is truly something to lay eyes on. It is, after all, a fortified village, also known as a ksar, that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its reddish-brown buildings that seem to rise naturally from the earth will probably catch your attention. It is, actually, just stunning in photos.

Lots of big movies have shot scenes here, so it is almost recognizable if you watch TV, very much like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. It is, clearly, kind of cool to walk where Russell Crowe once did or where Daenerys Targaryen plotted to win Westeros.

Yet, alright, the reality of visiting, it might be slightly different than the photos you’ve looked at. The site definitely gets quite crowded with tourists. Especially in the peak season, you’ll have, just a little, to share the narrow streets with lots of other people. It is often quite hot and there’s limited shade, so that is always a solid thing to keep in mind. Walking, like your, up to the top of the ksar provides amazing views, but keep in mind that it also involves some climbing over uneven terrain.

What About Ouarzazate?

Many trips will probably throw in a stop in Ouarzazate, frequently, too it’s almost, referred to as the “door of the desert”. The town is actually home to Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios globally. Sometimes, alright, tours include a quick visit to the studio, very like seeing some props and sets from well-known films and TV shows.

Let’s be honest here, now, the Ouarzazate portion might feel a bit rushed. If you’re, for instance, a big movie buff, in fact you may find it interesting. Yet it is, typically, a quick stop designed to fill the day more than provide an immersive experience.

The Guide: Is It Worth It?

Whether the guided aspect is valuable for you? The local guides at Ait Benhaddou, I mean, are often quite informative and really do provide context on the history and construction of the ksar. Some, too it’s almost, speak multiple languages and really want to answer questions.

It’s common to tip the guide after the tour, as a matter of fact maybe budget for that. Now, in some instances, alright, you may feel very much pressured to buy souvenirs from specific shops that the guides recommend, which is probably something to prepare yourself for. Whether the guide truly “makes” the experience really boils down to your personal preferences.

Things That Are Smart To Take Along

You will want to make preparations if you plan to go, after all. Consider bringing these items:

• Sunscreen: This Moroccan sun is often very strong, now.
• A hat: Very important for that protection, right.
• Water: You are going to want to stay hydrated, still. Buy lots of water!
• Snacks: Maybe pack a few, alright, since meal stops might be limited or at tourist-focused locations.
• Comfortable shoes: Walking those slopes will require them, well.
• Local currency: Smaller denominations will be convenient for tipping, you know.

So, Is the Day Trip a Smart Decision for You?

Now, back to the central issue. A day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, it is just, a fantastic opportunity to view the landscapes and glimpse traditional Moroccan architecture, right. But maybe keep in mind the trip demands a whole day, that is usually includes lots of time spent traveling. If, too it’s almost, you’re short on time, but if that appeals, it is certainly doable.

If, however, alright, you happen to value a less hectic pace, in the meantime consider breaking the trip up with maybe an overnight stay in Ouarzazate or perhaps a nearby town. It might sound better.

Do you actually want a more authentic and less touristy experience? Next, that it might be interesting to rent a car and visit independently, or that you find a smaller, privately guided tour. Anyway, whatever you opt for, I hope the trip offers memories.