Private Day Trip Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou From Marrakech: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about escaping Marrakech for a day and heading to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, is that right? It’s a pretty popular move when you’re visiting Morocco. The question is, you know, if splashing out on a private tour is worth your hard-earned cash. That’s what we’re going to find out. This review is all about breaking down what the trip actually involves, what makes it special, what to keep in your thoughts, plus if it really delivers that memorable experience you’re probably searching for. I will give you the lowdown, to be honest.

What to Count on During Your Day Away

Okay, so the first thing to keep in mind is that a private day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, alright, it’s basically a commitment. We are talking, like, a solid 10 to 12 hours, very. That might sound intense, that’s a pretty big chunk out of your vacation, very, but a bunch of that time, it’s spent drinking in some totally gorgeous views of the Atlas Mountains. The roads sort of wind and climb, and each turn is basically another postcard-perfect snapshot. Keep your camera ready, basically. You really will want it.

Basically, the Tizi n’Tichka pass is definitely a highlight, is that not so? It is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa, apparently, and standing there, you really do feel it. It is seriously like you’re on top of the, like your, a massive movie set. Which, actually, you practically are, as I was saying. Before you even reach Ait Benhaddou, there is very landscapes which are like things that you have only seen on television. I would never think these things existed, to be honest.

Ait Benhaddou: Walking into Movie History

Ait Benhaddou, to be honest, it’s like stepping straight into a movie, sort of. This ancient ksar (fortified village) has actually been the backdrop for a number of seriously major films and television series. Think Gladiator, think Game of Thrones – pretty legendary stuff, is that right? Wandering through its narrow, winding streets, anyway, you can really imagine what life used to be like here. You can almost hear the echoes of the actors and crews, you know.

I mean, sure, the place gets visitors, it is very touristy, very, but even with that, you can find peaceful spots if you go walking just a little bit further from the main drag, just. So the views from the top are seriously amazing, alright. You’ll get the entire valley stretched out before you. It definitely provides some seriously unforgettable photo ops, obviously.

Ouarzazate: More Than Just a Movie Studio

Alright, a lot of folks just know Ouarzazate, right, for its massive movie studios, I think. And sure, visiting those studios might be kinda fun, even a little bit cool, particularly if you’re like, kind of a film buff. But, to be honest, the town actually has so much more to offer than just that, right.

Okay, the Kasbah Taourirt, anyway, is a pretty amazing example of Moroccan architecture. We are talking, like, a palace once owned by the powerful Glaoui family, it is beautiful. So walking through its many rooms, just, and courtyards really, really gives you some seriously good sense of the region’s history and like, it’s cultural significance, pretty much. I’m being honest, I did like this a lot.

In a way, Ouarzazate actually feels more laid-back and a bit more modern, I guess, compared to Marrakech, usually. Which can actually be a nice change of pace, right. The city is a good place to chill out for an hour or so, is that right? Before going back over those seriously, seriously high Atlas mountains.

Why Go Private? Perks vs. Price Tag

Alright, so let’s chew over the most important thing to consider, that is going for a private tour rather than going for like, sort of a group thing. First, basically, is you get way more flexibility, just a little bit. Wanna, very, spend extra time in Ait Benhaddou trying to find the best viewpoint? Okay, alright! Think you might want to stop basically every five minutes to take pictures of some gorgeous mountains, is that so? That, I tell you, you will.

Okay, so a private guide actually can give you more sort of personalised attention, seriously answering your questions, okay, and even pointing out little stuff that, like, your average group tour will just pass right by. This kind of individual experience is one of the awesome benefits, it seems. Of going with this expensive private choice, very.

To be honest, the big drawback is almost certainly the price. So going private is definitely going to cost you extra, basically. It really relies on what you actually get from the expense. Think about how you prefer to get around on your days off. Is getting a comfortable and custom travel arrangement essential, actually? Are you really yearning for some personalised information, like you want a tour to focus on your particular points of interest? Alright, a private tour is definitely better. But just to be clear, alright, there are some acceptable, yet far more affordable, group choices on offer too.

Snacks, Stops, and Keeping Comfortable

Alright, so the distance between Marrakech, alright, and both Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou is seriously quite long, right. Which actually means you are going to be spending a seriously significant chunk of the day in your transport. This truly is where the private move basically becomes great, actually, is that right? With a smaller vehicle, that tends to mean far more relaxation and just space in general.

Make sure your driver actually plans regular comfort stops. Think bathroom breaks and, even more essential, tea breaks, alright? Sipping that classic Moroccan mint tea, pretty much, looking at such an awesome backdrop really just adds to the, like, adventure and the memories, and just like sort of experiencing something out of this reality.

When it comes to eats, well, your guide should actually have some advice for decent locations, alright? Obviously, don’t be reluctant to actually ask. Often the ideal spots are not really those closest to the most well known tourist traps, really. Don’t be afraid to go searching for the proper stuff. As for bites to eat between the lunch time period, right, it might actually be smart to bring some delicacies together with you, just.

Photographing the Day: Tips and Tricks

We should get to this, is that right? You might find you get tons of opportunities when travelling here, honestly. And as a result, you should get photos of stuff as it appears.

Okay, so Ait Benhaddou is like, sort of, totally photogenic. The ideal times for photography are in the early morning and so the late afternoon, often, when that light just kind of casts, in a way, seriously attractive shadows and brings out those colors in that old construction. Attempt to find special angles or perspectives. You might have already seen a million images from there, typically, but your perspective really could provide you the shot to end all shots.

Of course, always, basically, be mindful and regard people and stuff. Basically, always request consent prior to photographing regional individuals, right? Regard can go a seriously long way, I think.

A Thoughtful Traveller: Showing Respect

When taking trips in foreign lands, is that so, specifically in places which have wealthy ethnic histories, alright, showing respect is actually extremely vital, honestly. This is really like also your clothing. So Morocco is a primarily Muslim nation, so I feel covering shoulders and also knees, generally, is constantly respectful. This, anyway, relates also to behaviour. Steer clear of openly caring for affection and stay aware of local customs. I feel showing valid respect to customs helps the enjoyment for everyone, alright.

Basically, support small businesses by purchasing goods from nearby artisans, anyway. This puts back straight into the society and actually sustains the local economy. The only thing that’s most obvious, but also the fact that doing this can assist, is bargaining, still, okay. Okay, so be sensible and be conscious you’re haggling when taking care of persons, so I believe, to reach an arrangement is actually great for people and that means you.

Learn a bit of key Arabic phrases, alright, and the impact may basically astound you. Saying ‘Shukran’ (Thank You) actually displays that you actually made the time to try actually speaking the regional language, okay, and I believe actually the inhabitants are certain to actually notice it, is that not true?

So, Is This Trip Worth It? My Final Verdict

Alright, so, okay, here’s the final thing to consider, in short: is the private day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou worth it? The short answer is, alright, almost certainly, you know. But a little extra information, right, for that high priced expenditure! It really hinges regarding what you are trying to get from that experience, right. To the traveller attempting convenience, personalized convenience as well as a higher in depth experience, very, after that yes, you almost certainly defintely wont feel disappointed, to be honest. But those who have only a specific budget or may feel content choosing a properly maintained visit in a bus with several people. So then, okay, perhaps that more affordable alternative gets you simply since pleased actually!

That scenery of these Atlas hills is just completely fantastic and actually Ait Benhaddou offers an actually uncommon glance with earlier also contemporary records of the show organisation. Just make certain you’ve arranged a schedule along with loads of stops and that your driver happens to actually be equally professional also type to the best visit feasible. After that all you really have to accomplish now, very, is absorb every minute!