Day tour from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou

When we head to the far side of the mountains the landscape changes dramatically, becoming semi-arid and desert-like. Here is the Kasbah architecture with turrets on all the buildings, adorned with grilled windows and soft peach coloured walls. These traditional houses are made of adobe, highly suitable for the climatic conditions of the south.

We leave the main road and take a side one the telouat kasbah which belonged to the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui family, and which now stands in ruins. From there we continue for Lunch at Ait Benhaddou.

The afternoon is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, which has been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters. It was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road caravan routes, where traders brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.

We end our day trip heading back to Marrakech were you still enjoy the views of the high Mountains.