Review: Marrakech Day Trip to UNESCO Kasbahs & Ouarzazate

Thinking about escaping Marrakech for a day? The “Marrakech Day Trip to UNESCO Kasbahs and Ouarzazate” sounds like a winner, too, if you’re eager to soak in some seriously stunning scenery and also get a taste of Moroccan history. It offers you a peek into the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, which has starred in lots of movies, along with a trip to Ouarzazate, which they sometimes call the “door of the desert.” But, what is it really like, that tour? Does it deliver on its promises, basically? Let’s walk through it and see what makes it worthwhile, yet.

What to Expect From the Drive

The day starts super early, very, so you should prepare for a long ride. Picking you up is usually easy, so the drivers are mostly punctual and professional. The road to Ouarzazate crosses the High Atlas mountains, you see, and this part of the trip, you know, offers some unbelievably majestic views. Those winding roads could be a bit unsettling if you’re easily carsick, though. I would say you should bring some medicine or ginger candies, you know, if that’s you. You might want to brace yourself, actually; sometimes, you’re sitting for large stretches. Yet, even the drive itself does give you a kind of preview into Berber villages and lifestyles, it is almost like little moments you might not experience otherwise.

Exploring Ait Benhaddou Kasbah

Ait Benhaddou is absolutely the main draw, like the real superstar of the trip. This ancient fortified city is stunning, yet! Seeing it rise out of the desert landscape, so, feels just like stepping onto a movie set, which it happens to be. Tour guides often take you around, which provides a good deal of insight into the history and significance of this place. Be sure to explore those narrow alleys and climb up to the top, since those panoramic views make all the walking more than worthwhile. You’re bound to find little stalls where locals offer their wares, very, so haggle a bit if you want souvenirs. Remember, it can get quite hot, especially during midday, actually, so hats, sunscreen and water are musts!

A Glimpse of Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, it’s a modern contrast to Ait Benhaddou’s ancient charm. The city has movie studios, basically, where they filmed huge blockbuster movies. So, if you’re lucky, you’ll get the opportunity to tour one. These visits could be really interesting for film buffs. Then there is the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. You might find it very interesting because, unlike Ait Benhaddou which may appear as one homogenous spectacle from afar, inside it displays the reality that different families added additions to their homes based on how prosperous their members where, in other words, wealth created the chaotic floorplan that can be experienced there. Lunch in Ouarzazate, usually included or an optional extra, you know, generally offers Moroccan dishes. Be prepared, yet, some tour packages sometimes spend too little time in Ouarzazate, maybe, which feels somewhat rushed. Take your time, anyway, if you do explore, and don’t rush, too!

Things That Could be Better

Okay, let’s address a few potential drawbacks, you see. The sheer length of the trip could be tiring for some. So, a long drive and many hours in the sun may not suit those with trouble moving around. I mean, they say these tours are offered year round, very, so plan to visit depending on what temperatures you prefer. Ask to see a vehicle like your or similar to the one you may get taken in. Certain customers claim tour vehicles are poorly equipped, that, with broken AC, basically, especially when you consider how many hours one will be inside them. It depends if the language skills of guides are top tier. Most guides will be bilingual but that really doesn’t mean you should anticipate outstanding information in both languages. Be ready, because mass tourism may impact some spots; at times Ait Benhaddou gets extremely busy, really affecting the feel of the place. Tour operators need to consider how to avoid the peak hours, since doing so greatly enriches your time, too.

Food on the Trip

When it comes to the culinary side of this adventure, you get a taste of Morocco, too. So, meals typically happen in Ouarzazate, in some respects, offering standard Moroccan fare. Expect tagines, couscous and other regional dishes, right. Food quality seems fine, and this should meet the average traveler’s needs. Consider looking into other places to eat that your fellow travelers may or may not have visited and may or may not have been highlighted by travel writers, you see. So, those might very well represent an option, maybe. However, it really is an enjoyable part of your tour to be offered a moment when food is an active component.

What’s Good about this Tour

Breathtaking Scenery: I mean the Atlas Mountains, you know, and desert landscapes? Totally photo-worthy, and like no other scenes.
Historical Insight: Ait Benhaddou, like with its amazing stories and architecture, so enriches your journey.
Convenience: It is really useful that pickup and transport, right, is handled, actually allowing you to relax and enjoy the trip.
Cultural Exposure: The local interaction is genuine, just a little, maybe, opening your eyes to Berber life, basically.

Travel Tips

Wear comfy shoes: Expect lots of walking around those Kasbahs, in some respects.
Stay hydrated: Carry water. I’m being so for real!
Bargain politely: Shopping can be enjoyable, seemingly.
Dress respectfully: Dressing to not stand out, like you or similar to how the locals are, you see, would be in everyone’s interest.
Protect your skin: The desert sun really doesn’t mess around.
Learn some key Arabic words: It means a lot to attempt greeting and thanking folks using their native tongue.

Is the Marrakech Day Trip to UNESCO Kasbahs and Ouarzazate worth it?

If you only have a short amount of time in Marrakech but really feel that burning urge to see more of Morocco, you know, then I am willing to bet this day trip could be a great way to do it. Yeah, the travel takes many hours and you are in that vehicle for large periods, though the mix of scenery and history is interesting and satisfying, too. Just know what you’re signing up for, also, come prepared. It depends, because maybe this excursion isn’t going to deliver you a deeply authentic travel experience or take you off of the beaten path, then the trade-off that might get someone to accept those things just so that they can claim that they’ve had an amazing time may exist for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to take this day trip?

The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons offer mild and agreeable temperatures, right, so which creates favorable touring conditions. These seasons make sure you avoid the heat of summer, basically, as well as cooler, wetter winter months.

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?

The drive typically takes approximately four to five hours each way, since it goes through those Atlas Mountains with few direct routes.

What should I wear on the trip?

It is usually a good idea to dress in layers, since morning and evenings could be cool while midday gets hot. Respectful clothing is important too, it is almost like long pants or skirts and tops that cover shoulders.

Are meals included?

Meal inclusion depends on the particular tour package that was selected, but the trips tend to allow dining options at eateries in Ouarzazate. It might depend on tour, or sometimes at an additional cost, yeah!

Is there much walking involved?

Expect a decent amount of walking, that, particularly at Ait Benhaddou, like your trip around, and this takes place across uneven terrain. Be certain, so you put on suitable footwear.