Visit Aït Ben Haddou
If you’ve ever seen pictures of the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, I know your first thought was “Wow!”
This unique place is a true escape from the ordinary and an incredible journey through time that you simply can’t miss when visiting Morocco.
I first discovered it on Facebook. A friend from my master’s program had stopped there during her trip. I had only seen it from afar, but I was struck by a landscape that went beyond anything I could have imagined!
Later on, it was Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett who gave me a glimpse into its depths in the film Babel, and my excitement about this dreamlike place only grew.
Until 2024, when I finally had the chance to explore it. At first, I admired it from a distance, walking around its base to take it in from every angle.
Then, step by step, I wandered through its winding alleys. I took my time to observe it in silence and marvel at every detail. My climb was slow, filled with photos, gasps of wonder, and chats with local vendors.
Once at the top, I sat under the granary to take in the surroundings, listen to the wind whistling, and the distant voices of tourists. A suspended moment to savor breathtaking beauty between human construction and awe-inspiring nature.
Now it’s time to tell you how to visit Ait Ben Haddou!
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Plan Your Stay in Ouarzazate in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Dar Adiafa Dar Asalam (to experience life with a Moroccan family)
- Kasbah Tebi (to sleep in the ksar)
WHERE TO EAT?
- Salon de thé Tawesna (a community project)
- Café Restaurant Moussa (to eat in the ksar)
TOUR FROM MARRAKECH:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Visit Aït Ben Haddou
What is Aït-Ben-Haddou?
This incredible complex of buildings is a fortified village located between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, along the ancient caravan route that connected the Sahara to the Atlantic coast. It is a gem of traditional rammed-earth architecture.
Built starting from the 11th century, the ksar with its red walls served as a stopover for merchants crossing the desert, who came to rest among its stacked houses and crenelated towers.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has also been the setting for numerous films and series. I mentioned Babel earlier, but I could also add The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
WHAT IS A KSAR?
A traditional fortified village built with rammed earth (pisé), designed to protect against external attacks and the arid climate of southern Morocco.
Typical of pre-Saharan regions, they are often built on hills or plateaus.
Inside, you’ll find a maze of mud-brick houses, collective granaries, vaulted passages, and sometimes a mosque or a central square.
Surrounding it all is a thick wall with a few gates encircling the entire settlement.
Throughout the ascent, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings. But it’s when you reach the granary that you’ll get a full 360-degree panorama.
These narrow alleys and stairs lead you to countless corners—some in ruins, others beautifully restored—a perfect mix to appreciate all its facets.
Remember, entry is free! If someone asks you to pay, it’s a scam!
Planning a trip to Morocco? My articles on 3 days in Marrakech, things to do in Ouarzazate, and the best hotels in Chefchaouen will definitely interest you.
How to get from Marrakech to Aït-Ben-Haddou?
Most travelers reach Aït Ben Haddou by taking the N9 road, but it’s better to go via the P1506, which crosses the beautiful Ounila Valley and offers a wide variety of spectacular landscapes.
Plan for about a 1 hour 30 minute drive from the point where the P1506 branches off from the N9.
Roads in Morocco are generally in good condition, but expect slowdowns due to roadworks or stones blocking the way.
If, like me, you’re traveling alone and don’t feel like driving, you can take a bus from the CTM or Supratours companies from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
Take advantage of your stop to explore the city before catching a taxi, either the same day or the next, to get to Aït-Ben-Haddou.
You can also join a tour from Marrakech that will take you to discover the ksar and the city of Ouarzazate in less than a day.
How long should you stay in Aít-Ben-Haddou?
In just a few hours, you can explore this incredible site at a leisurely pace, but seriously, it would be a shame not to fully enjoy such a spectacular setting. I therefore recommend spending at least one night there.
You’ll be able to slow down and enjoy a unique environment for a beautiful, peaceful break, while also supporting the local economy. In fact, most tourists only come as part of a tour and don’t spend any money on-site.
Take a stroll through the nearby village, accept invitations for mint tea to get to know the locals, and visit the restaurants!
When is the best time to visit Aít-Ben-Haddou?
Spring is the ideal season to admire the surroundings from Aït-Ben-Haddou, as nature dons lush greenery that creates a striking contrast with the red of the ksar. However, autumn also offers a good amount of greenery. I was there at the end of October, and it was truly beautiful!
That said, avoid summer because the temperatures get very high, which can make your visit quite exhausting. Remember, there’s some uphill walking and quite a few stairs!
If you can, I recommend coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperatures are a bit milder and the tourist crowds are much thinner.
READ NEXT: 7 Things To Do In Ouarzazate
What to bring during your visit?
Get ready to work up a sweat while exploring this magnificent ksar! So, the first thing to pack in your bag is, of course, water. I also recommend bringing sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and why not a hat?
If you plan to buy souvenirs from the vendors scattered around the site, it’s best to have some cash on hand.
There are also cafés where you can take breaks to hydrate and grab a bite. As a conscious and responsible traveler, I highly recommend the Tawesna tea room—an Amazigh restaurant run by women, dedicated to promoting and preserving the region’s culinary traditions.
Where to stay in Aít-Ben-Haddou?
I spent 2 nights at a charming place run by a lovely Moroccan family.
Besides enjoying delicious homemade meals, I had the chance to spend time with the children, learn a few words of Arabic, and unwind in a beautiful, peaceful setting.
If you’re looking for an authentic stay to meet locals and learn more about life in the region, Dar Adiafa Dar Asalam is the perfect spot!
You can also stay at one of the few accommodations located inside the ksar, such as Kasbah Tebi or Hotel Lakasbah Aït-Ben-Haddou.
Is Aït-Ben-Haddou worth it?
The answer is clear: absolutely yes!!! This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, magical, and mysterious places I’ve ever visited. A true journey back in time that transports you to another world!
It’s no coincidence that this site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll discover a place like no other, where you can take your time and imagine the countless lives that have passed through here over the centuries.
How to travel responsibly in Aít-Ben-Haddou?
This ksar attracts thousands of visitors every year, which can lead to negative impacts:
- On the environment, due to heavy pressure on water resources, which are already scarce in the region.
- On the traditional architecture, weakened by poorly managed tourist developments.
- On the local population, whose way of life is changing in response to the commercialization of their heritage.
A few simple actions can make a real difference and support more sustainable tourism:
- Stay in a local guesthouse built with respect for traditional techniques, rather than in a standardized hotel.
- Eat in small family-run restaurants or cooperatives to support the local economy.
- Respect the site by not climbing on the walls.
- Buy directly from village artisans who preserve ancient know-how.
- Use a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
There you go, you now have everything you need to visit Aït-Ben-Haddou and be dazzled by its beauty and magic. Take your time to enjoy this truly unique stop! If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment!
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