Marrakech – Ouarzazate road trip in 2 days: Tizi n'Tichka and Aït-Ben-Haddou

It's one of Morocco's most beautiful roads: from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, the road crosses the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, then descends towards earthen kasbahs and the gateway to the desert. Here is our 2-day itinerary, to enjoy at your own pace with a rental car.

Photo: Abdou Faiz / Unsplash

The essentials

• Distance: about 200 km from Marrakech to Ouarzazate
• Drive: about 4 hours without stops
• Best over: 2 days, with a night in Aït-Ben-Haddou or Ouarzazate

Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït-Ben-Haddou

Photo: Patrick Ogilvie / Unsplash

• The Tizi n'Tichka pass (over 2,200 m): the road winds through the mountains with spectacular views. Stop at the viewpoints.
• Detour via Telouet: an old kasbah in a wild landscape, a few kilometres off the main road.
• Aït-Ben-Haddou at the end of the day: this earthen ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been the backdrop for many films and series. Climb to the top for sunset, then stay the night.

Day 2: Ouarzazate → back to Marrakech

• Ouarzazate, nicknamed "the gateway to the desert": visit the Taourirt kasbah and the film studios where many movies were shot.
• Drive back to Marrakech on the same road in the early afternoon, to cross the mountains in daylight.

More time? Continue to the Draa Valley, the Dades Gorges or Todgha, and allow 4 to 5 days.

Road tips

• Leave early in the morning: the mountain road is more pleasant in daylight.
• Take your time on the bends and watch out for lorries.
• In winter, check the weather: snow can close the pass for a few hours or days.
• Fill up before the mountains and keep water in the car.

Which car for this road trip?

• An SUV is the most comfortable: Dacia Duster, Hyundai Tucson or Volkswagen T-Roc.
• With family: the Skoda Kodiaq or the Dacia Jogger (7 seats).

With Branded Rental Cars: unlimited mileage, no deposit and 24/7 assistance throughout your trip. Book your car.