About

Ouarzazate is a city in the heart of Morocco, located south of the High Atlas Mountains. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” it is a major tourist destination in the country. The surrounding Atlas Mountains are home to many Berber villages where ancient traditions and customs have been preserved. A walking tour in this region offers the opportunity to explore these villages and learn about the rich cultural heritage of both the Berber and Jewish communities.

Ait Benhaddou one of the most fascinating villages to visit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic village is renowned for its traditional mud-brick architecture and is a place where Berber and Jewish communities have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

During the walking tour, you can wander through the narrow streets and alleys, discovering traditional adobe houses that reflect the region’s unique architectural style. A highlight of the visit is the ancient Kasbah, a fortified stronghold that once protected the village from external threats.

Another significant part of the tour is a visit to the Berber and Jewish cemeteries, where you can observe distinct burial traditions and gain insight into the customs and beliefs of both communities. This experience provides a deeper understanding of the shared history and cultural richness of the region.

A walking tour of the Atlas Mountains near Ouarzazate is an immersive way to explore the traditions, history, and daily life of the Berber and Jewish people. It offers a unique perspective on this extraordinary region of Morocco, allowing visitors to connect with its heritage and appreciate its timeless beauty.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Itinerary

Day 1

We organize daily walking tours to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech.
Here are the details:

Departure

Departure from your accommodation at 9:00 am.
The driver picks you up from your hotel or Riad.

Along the way

Along the road to Ouarzazate, we will have many stops:

We will cross the Tichka Pass (2260 meters: the highest pass in Morocco)

You will see many Berber villages.

You will see fortified houses built of mud, known as “Kasbah” and fortified villages are known as “Kssar”.

On the road, several stops for photos and a visit of a cooperative of Argan oil.

Arrival

Once you arrive, there are some of the top things to see and do in Ouarzazate:

Arrival at Kasbah Telouet, a historic fortress located in the High Atlas Mountains. It was built in the 18th and 19th centuries as the residence of the powerful Glaoui family, who were feudal lords and rulers of the region. The Kasbah is known for its stunning architecture and intricate decorations, which blend traditional Moroccan and European styles.
Continue the road to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou(It is a fortified village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination), a stop to explore the famous Kasbah with several buildings and houses made of clay and straw, surrounded by high walls that are reinforced with corner towers with traditional restaurants, shops, and panoramic view.
After the visit: Take lunch at a restaurant of your choice.
Continue the road to your accommodation with a couscous dinner.

Day 2

Get up early to be able to listen to the silence and the voices of the birds outside.
After a Berber breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour

continue to walk through the village, we’ll see the Berber people in their daily lives, their traditional clothes, and ornaments. We can also visit a The Jewish quarter of the village wish is home to a small community of Jews. We’ll learn about their culture and customs, and see the cemetery, and other heritage sites.
A tea break in the Berber house of your guide.
Hiking in the mountains: We’ll take a short hike in the Atlas Mountains to reach the old caves, which are said to have been inhabited by humans as far back as 2,000 years ago. We’ll see ancient rock paintings and engravings, and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Return to the Kasbah (your accommodation).

Note: This walking tour is just a suggestion, and your guide can customize the itinerary to suit your interests and fitness level. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the trek.

Return

Return to Marrakech from your accommodation around 4 pm to 5 pm.
The driver will wait for you in the car until the return time.

Package

1 Person

225.00€

3 Persons

180.00€/person

4 Persons

150.00€/person

Round trip

370 Km

Duration: 1 Day

– Start at 08 am -09 am
– Finish at 6 pm-7 pm.

Included

Travelling in air-conditioned vehicle
An english speaking experienced driver
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast.
The guide Atlas.
Guide in the Casbah Ait Benhaddou.