Ait Benhaddou
A fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its striking red mud-brick buildings.
Overview
Welcome to Ait Benhaddou, a mesmerizing destination where the ancient beauty of Morocco‘s kasbahs comes to life. Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, boasting a history dating back to the 17th century. Its unique architecture, characterized by earthen clay buildings, has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climate in Ait Benhaddou is desert-like, with hot summers and mild winters, offering visitors a chance to explore its wonders year-round. The village is nestled within a stunning geographical area, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop to its ancient structures. Ait Benhaddou is also home to a variety of plant species, including date palms and olive trees, adding to its picturesque charm. Explore the maze-like streets of the kasbah, where every corner reveals a piece of history, or embark on a journey through the surrounding valleys and oases, where the beauty of the landscape is truly awe-inspiring.
Things to Do
Explore the Ksar: Wander through the maze-like streets of the ksar, marveling at the ancient mud-brick buildings and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Visit the Kasbah: Climb to the top of the kasbah for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Shop for Souvenirs: Browse the local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs, including rugs, ceramics, and traditional Moroccan clothing.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Moroccan dishes at one of the local restaurants, such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
Take a Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Ait Benhaddou from knowledgeable local guides.
Visit the Film Locations: Explore the locations where famous movies and TV shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Gladiator” were filmed.
Photograph the Sunset: Capture the stunning sunset over the ksar and the surrounding desert landscape.
Attend a Cultural Event: If you’re lucky, you might be able to attend a local cultural event or festival, showcasing traditional music, dance, and art.
What to See
The Ksar: Admire the well-preserved mud-brick buildings of the ksar, which date back to the 17th century.
The Kasbah: Visit the kasbah, a fortified citadel that once served as a stronghold for local chieftains.
The Mosque: Explore the ancient mosque in the ksar, which is still used by the local community for worship.
The Granary: Visit the old granary, where villagers used to store their grain and other food supplies.
The Views: Take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Atlas Mountains from various vantage points in the ksar.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ait Benhaddou is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring the ksar and the surrounding area.
Getting there
By road: Ait Benhaddou is located about 30 kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate, which is accessible by road from Marrakech and other major cities in Morocco. You can travel to Ait Benhaddou by car, bus, or organized tour, which offers scenic views of the Moroccan countryside along the way.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Riad Ksar Ighnda
Riad Ksar Ighnda offers a blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests enjoy easy access to the historic site and Moroccan hospitality.
Hotel La Kasbah
This hotel provides comfortable accommodations and serves as an ideal base for exploring the area. Guests can visit the kasbah and nearby attractions easily.
Kasbah Isfoula
Kasbah Isfoula offers mid-range accommodations with a focus on a unique and authentic experience. Guests can immerse themselves in local culture and history.
Luxury Accommodation:
Kasbah Tebi
Kasbah Tebi offers luxurious amenities and views of the Atlas Mountains. Guests can indulge in a luxurious retreat while being close to the historic site and surrounded by natural beauty.
Dar Mouna
Dar Mouna provides lavish accommodations and top-notch facilities. Guests can relax in luxury while being within reach of area attractions.
Kasbah Ellouze
Kasbah Ellouze offers upscale amenities and a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a luxurious retreat and easy access to the historic site and surrounding landscapes.
Other Attractions in Morocco
Chefchaouen
Marrakech
Fez
Asilah
The Saharan Desert
Rabat
Casablanca
Meknes
Essaouira
Taghazout
High Atlas Mountains
Agadir
Tangier
Ouarzazate
General Knowledge Base
General information about Ait Benhaddou, Morocco.
Ait Benhaddou is located in the Ouarzazate province of southern Morocco, near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village (ksar) that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved clay buildings and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Yes, Ait Benhaddou has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including “Gladiator,” “Game of Thrones,” and “The Mummy.”
Ait Benhaddou is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, although some parts of the village may be even older.
Ait Benhaddou is made up of several kasbahs (fortified houses) and a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, surrounded by high walls for protection.
Ait Benhaddou was traditionally a trading post on the caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, known for its production of pottery, carpets, and other crafts.
Ait Benhaddou is near the town of Ouarzazate, which is known for its film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah, another impressive example of Moroccan architecture.
The best time to visit Ait Benhaddou is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring.
