Is Ait-Ben-Haddou worth visiting? The Complete Guide


Have you watched Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, or Prince of Persia? Is there something in common between these movies? Yes, the village of Ait Benhaddou.


Is Ait-Ben-Haddou worth visiting? The Complete Guide

  • Last update: Jan. 2, 2023, 9:29 a.m.

The village of Ait Benhaddou is especially famous for having been used as a stage in dozens of movies. Most of the time, this village replaced Jerusalem.

Ait Benhaddou is a small Moroccan town in the province of Ouarzazate, 190 km from Marrakech. This small city, on the edge of the High Atlas mountains, has the traditional architecture of southern Morocco.

Here we can find the iconic Ksar (fortified village ) of Ait Benhaddou. It is actually on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What to see in Ait Ben Haddou?

game of thrones

Game Of Thrones

The fortified village of Ait Benhaddou is On the sides of a hill. The sunlight on the fortified village delivers dazzling colors.

Inside, it feels like visiting an open-air museum. On the top of the hill, you will find the collective storehouse (named agadir in the Berber language). This impressive building worths the climb up there. Once at the top of the village, enjoy the incredible views of the region.

Bear in mind that the entrance to the fortress is free. So refuse people who want to charge you something to pass through their house.

How much time to spend in Aït-Ben-Haddou?

Aït-Ben-Haddou Sunset

Sunset At Ait-Ben-Haddou

The Aït-Ben-Haddou site is not very big. You will need about 2 hours to visit it.

Yet, if you want to enjoy the light of sunrise or sunset, you must spend a night there. It is then the opportunity to discover the ksar and its buildings in orange and red colors in the evening.

How to get to Aït-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech?

Aït-Ben-Haddou Road

Tizi n'Tichka Pass

The ksar of Aït-ben-Haddou is 190 km south of Marrakech. Meanwhile, it does not take 2h30 to drive from Marrakech but 4 hours.

If you want to get there in a single day from Marrakech, know that you will spend almost 8 hours round trip. Which can be extremely tiring. So, it is wise to sleep there if you want to take your time.

Where To Stay In Aït-ben-Haddou?

Aït-Ben-Haddou hotels

The village of Aït-ben-Haddou has many hotels, hostels, and inns. There are also many restaurants where you can taste some Berber specialties. 

Aït-Ben-Haddou restaurants

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