Ait Ben Haddou: ksar of Amazigh

Ait Ben Haddou resembles a clay and stone village with massive walls enclosing the structures. The proximity of Marrakech (about 190 kilometers away) makes this fortress a joint excursion for tourists from the ‘red city.’ People who want to visit the desert and southern Morocco should consider this place as one of the most beautiful in the country.

These kasbahs were formerly large Amazigh villages in the Moroccan desert. They were walled and designed to defend the houses, crops, and palm groves that grow along their riverbeds. These communities formed large agrarian and mercantile communities with a unique vision of Islam.

Ait Ben haddou

Aït Ben Haddou is a ksar that builds in the Ounila valley. This valley was one of the crossing points between Marrakech and the southern Sahara for caravans.

The oldest elements of ksar date back to the 17th century. The ksar has retained its organization, construction, and materials authenticity. He uses red earth, which is very common in southern Morocco.

In addition to a mosque and two graves (one Muslim, the other Jewish), the ksar contains a public area, an attic, and various cultural and agricultural relics. Because of the frequent occurrence of drought in this part of Morocco, preserving the cereals harvested in the previous years in the granary was possible.

The Kasbah Ait Ben haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. is an example of how people build things like this in southern Morocco. But also a model of life and organization in this region of Morocco.

Top Attractions in in Ait Ben haddou

As a whole, the city already deserves to be admired at length. The sunlight on the fortified village offers great colors; it is a feast for the eye. The ksar is built on the sides of a hill, making the spectacle even more beautiful. Inside, it feels like visiting an open-air museum! Entrance to the fortress is free so refuse people who want to charge you something to pass through their house.

The collective granary (Agadir) at the top of the hill is impressive and worth climbing.

The mausoleum of Ben-Haddou, on the other side of the city, is also worth seeing. It is at the foot of the hill on the other side of the town.

Before arriving, but also once at the top of the village, enjoy the incredible views of the region.

Things to Do in Ait Ben haddou

Visit the old Kasbah

The famous Kasbah in Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk through its small streets, taking in the traditional mud-brick buildings and the beautiful views from the top of the hill.

Explore the film locations

Find out about the famous places where Hollywood movies and TV shows like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones” were filmed. Ait Ben Haddou is a popular movie location because it has many historical sites.

Take in the view of the sunset

If you go to the top of the Kasbah, you can see a beautiful sunset over the desert. The golden light bounces off the clay buildings, creating a stunning sight.

Explore the local culture

You can meet local artists at the small market stands and buy craft-made fits, rugs, and pottery. A traditional tea house offers tea with a view, like in the Hills Around You.

Hike in the Hills Around You

Take a short walk around Ait Ben Haddou to see the beautiful scenery. The nearby Ounila Valley also has gorgeous scenery, with red rock formations, riverbeds, and palm trees.

Where to Stay in Ait Ben haddou

There are many places to stay in Ait Ben Haddou, from simple guesthouses to nice private hotels. Many places to keep up that look like kasbahs offer a real Moroccan experience and beautiful views of the old town. Staying in a riad or eco-lodge that combines modern comfort with traditional Berber design is possible. Many places to stay have rooftop patios to watch the sun go down over the kasbah. There is a warm place for everyone to enjoy the charm of Ait Ben Haddou, whether you want a cheap stay or a more fancy one.

Best Time to Visit Ait Ben haddou

When is the best time to visit Ait Ben Haddou? Spring (March- May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is nice, and the temperature is just right. It can be very hot in the summer, which makes viewing hard, and it can get cold in the winter, especially at night. Going during the shoulder seasons, you can easily explore the kasbah and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery without dealing with extreme weather. The ancient fortress looks even more attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when the light is golden.

How to get to Ait Ben haddou

It’s 190 kilometers south of Marrakech and 33 kilometers north of Ouarzazate to get to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It takes four hours to drive from Marrakech, not the two-and-a-half hours shown on the map. It’s all up to you, whether you take the bus or rent a car, and how fast you go.

Buses do not go directly to the kasbah but can drop you off at the junction (between the N9 and the P1506), about 7 km from your destination. At this location, you will typically find several taxis waiting. A seat will cost you around 10 dirhams or €0.90. The whole cab costs 60 dirhams or 5.30€.

If you are driving, you must take national road 9 from Marrakech and turn at the junction with the P1506 road.

If you want to get there in a single day from Marrakech, know that it is best to do so with a specialized agency. Also be aware that you will spend almost 8 hours round trip in transport, which can be tiring. It is advisable to sleep there if you want to take your time.