The Ultimate Guide To Aït Ben Haddou in Morocco
Nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains you will find Aït Ben Haddou, a ksar (fortified village). The beautiful red buildings in the village are made from red mud and clay. It’s one of those unique places you simply have to see for yourself, especially when you’re planning a road trip through Morocco. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and the many movies and TV series that were filmed here, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for travelers to Morocco!
The History Of Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is a ksar, which is a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. The historic village dates back to the 17th century, though some parts of the village may be older. The ksar’s red buildings and imposing kasbahs (fortified homes) were built using traditional techniques, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. It was once a busy trading post on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, facilitating the exchange of goods like gold and spices, but also enslaved people. Today, you can wander around its narrow streets and marvel at its amazing architecture.
How To Visit Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is perfectly located between Marrakesh and the Dadès Valley (Dades Gorges), which makes it a wonderful stop on your way to the Valley or the Sahara desert. The best way to explore the area is by rental car. It’s a 3-4 hour drive from Marrakesh, but you will probably want to make some stops to enjoy some of the amazing viewpoints. I recommend spending the night so you don’t have to rush your visit and to watch the sunrise the following morning. It’s also possible to visit Aït Ben Haddou on a day-trip from Marrakesh, but because of the large distances I would not recommend it.
Tip: I recommend to rent a car through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Watch The Sunrise At Aït Ben Haddou
One of the most unique and magical experiences in Aït Ben Haddou is to watch the sunrise. As dawn breaks over the High Atlas Mountains, the ancient ksar undergoes a metamorphosis and turns completely orange while bathing in the morning sun. The best place to watch the sunrise is from the (mostly dried up) river that lies between the new village and the old ksar. After watching the sunrise you can walk to the village and enjoy it while it’s still quiet. You might even have the place all to yourself!
Aït Ben Haddou As A Movie Set
The village has drawn filmmakers from all over the world to use the village as a backdrop for films and TV series. When you wander around you might recognize some of the places from movie scenes. Some of the productions shot here include:
- Gladiator: “Are you not entertained?” Both the ksar and its scenic surroundings provided the perfect setting for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe.
- Game of Thrones: Fans of the series will recognize it as the city of Yunkai in Slaver’s Bay, where Daenerys Targaryan frees the enslaved people of Slaver’s Bay.
- Lawrence of Arabia: Even though it’s an oldie, this film really put Aït Ben Haddou on the map, showing off its landscapes and historical structures.
Where To Stay In Aït Ben Haddou
Make your visit to Aït Ben Haddou even more special by staying at one of the guesthouses inside the walls of the ksar. For a truly unique experience, stay at Kasbah Tebi, where the candle-lit rooms take you back in time. Looking for a little more comfort? Another great option inside the walls is Kasbah el Hajja. Outside the walls of the ksar you can find Riad Paradise of Silence, where you can take a dip in their lovely pool and have amazing views on the kasbah.
Here are all your hotel options in Aït Ben Haddou
The Best Time To Visit Aït Ben Haddou
The ancient ksar is equally beautiful year round, but the best time to visit Aït Ben Haddou is during the shoulder season, from March to May and from September to November. In these months it will be nicely sunny and warm, but not too hot. Shoulder season also tends to be less busy, which is another win!
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