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In this travel guide, we provide you with all the essential information for your visit to Aït Ben-Haddou, Morocco. Nestled in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas in the Province of Ouarzazate, the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou stands as a stunning testament to southern Morocco's architectural ingenuity and cultural heritage. This ancient fortified village, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveller, Ait Ben Haddou is a must-visit destination. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
1. What is Ait Ben Haddou?
Ait Ben Haddou is a ksar (fortified village) located in the Ounila Valley. It is renowned for its striking example of southern Moroccan architecture. The ksar consists of a grouping of earthen buildings surrounded by defensive walls, reinforced with angle towers and a baffle gate. Inside, you'll find houses ranging from modest dwellings to small urban castles with high towers and decorative motifs in clay brick.
Historically, Ait Ben Haddou was a key stop on the trade route linking ancient Sudan to Marrakech, making it a melting pot of cultures and a vital trading post. Today, while only a few families inhabit the ksar, its historical significance and architectural splendour attract visitors from around the world.
2. How to Get to Ait Ben Haddou?
Ait Ben Haddou is located approximately 180 kilometres southeast of Marrakech and about 30 kilometres northwest of Ouarzazate.
You can reach this destination by:
Organized tours: Many tourists visit Ait Ben Haddou through guided tours from Marrakech or Ouarzazate. These tours often include other attractions in southern Morocco.
By car: Renting a car is a popular option. The drive from Marrakech takes you through the scenic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Public transport: Though less common, you can also take a bus to Ouarzazate and then a taxi to Ait Ben Haddou.
3. Best Time to Visit
Ideal seasons
The best times to visit Ait Ben Haddou are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summer can be very hot, and winter nights can get quite cold.
Duration of stay
A half-day visit to Ait Ben Haddou is usually enough to see the main sights. However, if you want to experience the desert village at sunset and explore the surrounding area, it's a good idea to stay for 1 or 2 nights.
4. Key attractions in Ait Ben Haddou
Experience life from the past
A walk through the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou is ideal for experiencing its history. Crossing the river offers a glimpse of this spectacular city. Inside the vast Kasbah, you can explore old houses, often for just a small fee, and get a unique look at how people lived in the past.
Explore the Ksar of Aït Ben-Haddou
As you make your way to the top of the village, you'll pass many souvenir shops, a few restaurants, and charming cafés. Some of these spots are great for taking Instagram photos. It's amazing to think that this fortified city once housed 2,500 people just 50 years ago.
Enjoy a 360° View
At the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape. This is one of the highlights of visiting Aït Ben-Haddou. You can see the entire valley, beautiful clay buildings, and rocky landscapes stretching to the white peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Imagine what life was like for the Berbers 1,000 years ago.
Best viewpoints in Ait-Ben-Haddou
The village offers stunning panoramas, with the city’s colours changing throughout the day. Ait-Ben-Haddou is perfect for capturing photos in the morning light, at sunrise, and at sunset. Even with a good phone, you can take amazing pictures.
The Ksar Itself: Wander through the narrow streets, houses, and community buildings, including a mosque, caravanserai, and granary.
Panoramic Views: Climb to the top of the village for a full view of the valley and surrounding desert.
Filming Locations: Visit spots where movies and TV series like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones" were filmed.
5. Famous films shot at Aït Ben-Haddou
It's no surprise that this magical place has become so famous. Aït Ben-Haddou has served as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies. Here are some of the films shot here: Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Asterix and Obelix, Aladdin, Prince of Persia, The Mummy, The Hills Have Eyes II, Babel, Alexander, Lawrence of Arabia, and many more.
6. Where to stay
Riad Caravane: Offers charming accommodations with a fabulous breakfast and a beautiful pool.
Kasbah Tebi: Ideal for couples, this romantic kasbah is in the heart of the old town, illuminated by candlelight at night.
Hôtel Paradis du Silence: Features superb rooms, a pool, and delicious cuisine.
7. Practical tips for visiting
Entry and Hours: Ait Ben Haddou is open all day with free entry, though some private museums may charge a small fee.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and, in winter, warm clothes for the evening.
Guides: your guide can provide detailed insights into the history and architecture of the site.
8. Exploring with Nomadik Morocco
Nomadik Morocco offers an unforgettable experience with our exclusive three-day tour into the enchanting Sahara Desert. Our journey includes a visit to the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, where you can explore the rich history and stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our treks are designed for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike, providing a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, and comfortable accommodations under the starry desert sky.
Join us on a journey that promises to immerse you in Morocco's beauty and connect you with its ancient traditions and warm hospitality.
For more information or to book your trek, contact us at info@nomadikmorocco.com
Want more information about Morocco? Read our FAQ and get ready for your 2024 travel.
Sources
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. Retrieved from whc.unesco.org
Wikipedia contributors. (2023, May 1). Aït Benhaddou. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org
Destination Marrakech. (n.d.). Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. Retrieved from destination-marrakech.fr
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