Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Full Day Tour with Transfer–Marrakesh

Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village dating back to the 11th century, was established during the Almoravid era. Though its origins are ancient, most of the current structures were built in the 17th century using traditional earthen construction. Located in the Ounila Valley, it once sat on a vital trans-Saharan trade route linking Marrakech to the Dra’a Valley via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Other ksars, like Tamdaght, lined this historic path.

Today, the site’s role has faded. Only a few families remain within the ksar, while most residents live across the river in modern homes, relying on farming and tourism. A pedestrian bridge, added in 2011, connects the old ksar to the new village and improves accessibility.

In September 2023, Ait Ben Haddou suffered damage from a major earthquake. Early reports noted cracks, partial collapses, and ongoing structural risks, raising concerns about the site's preservation and long-term stability.

Ouarzazate began as a small stop for African traders traveling north. In the 16th century, Sheikh Abu al-‘Abaas Ahmed al-Warzazi—local emir and father of Lalla Masuda—played a key role in bringing the Sous-Dra’a region under Saadi rule. By the mid-20th century, the city was home to a thriving Jewish community, with around 170 residents in the Mellah in 1954. The Old Synagogue, nearly 300 years old, still stands today, along with a now-abandoned Jewish cemetery.

Under French colonial rule, Ouarzazate grew into an important military and administrative center. Key landmarks include the 1931 church and Kasbah Taourirt, once home to caïd T’hami El Glaoui. In modern times, Ouarzazate has gained international recognition: it was part of the 2006–2007 Dakar Rally route and became home to the Noor solar power plant, connected to the grid in 2016. On November 1, 2023, the city was named a UNESCO Creative City, honoring its rising cultural and artistic influence.

Atlas Studios, situated approximately 5 km west of Ouarzazate, is surrounded by striking desert and mountain scenery. Numerous film sets are still in place, making it a favored destination for guided tours and tourists.

Established in 1983 by entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi, the studio has flourished due to the area's consistently stable climate and its capacity to mimic a wide range of natural landscapes for film productions.

Moroccan cinema includes Arabic and Tamazight films, with roots going back to an 1897 film by Louis Lumière. Modern Moroccan cinema began with Wechma (1970) by Hamid Bénani, seen as the country’s first major film. Early works often echoed Egyptian melodramas until local filmmakers found their own voice.

In 1982, Farida Bourquia became Morocco’s first female director. The Marrakech International Film Festival, launched in 2001, helped support the industry. Amazigh cinema gained momentum in the mid-2000s with CCM support.

Since 2020, Moroccan cinema has entered a dynamic phase. In 2022, it produced its first animated films. By 2023, production hit record highs, with over 1.1 billion dirhams in foreign investment—though Hollywood films still lead the box office.