Is Ait Ben Haddou Worth Visiting on your Moroccan Itinerary?
Discover Whether To Explore Ait Ben Haddou!
Situated in the heart of Morocco, the iconic fortified Ksar, Ait Ben Haddou, has captured the imagination of travellers and adventure seekers for centuries. It is a cinematographer’s dream, having stared as the backdrop to numerous films and TV series since the 1960s.
Its History, architecture, and cinematic fame make Aït Ben Haddou a popular place on many Moroccan itineraries. But is it really worth visiting, especially if you’re travelling with kids?
Aït Benhaddou was the first stop on our 10-day Morocco itinerary. We stayed for one night to explore the ancient Ksar/Kasbah, and while we enjoyed our first taste of Morocco, we want to make sure you do too! So, here’s our experience and some tips to help you decide whether to add it to your ‘must-visit’ list.
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Is Ait Ben Haddou Worth Visiting?
The UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou (also spelt Ait-Ben-Haddou, Ait Benhaddou, or Aït Benhaddou) is a popular place to soak up some authentic Moroccan history, culture, and natural beauty. In our opinion, it is certainly worth a visit!
To give you time to fully appreciate the Kasbha, we suggest staying overnight and making the most of the local hospitality.
Our family explored the mud city unguided, giving us more freedom to interact with the local Berber folk to learn about its history. The steeply stacked mud buildings and narrow alleyways, which were once important for defence from enemy attack, became an exciting adventure of discovery, especially for our kids.
The 360-degree viewpoint at the top of the hill allows you to appreciate Ait Benhaddou’s commanding position. Anyone approaching the Kasbah can be seen well before they arrive, giving plenty of time to prepare, whether friend or foe!
The walled city that was once home to ancient Berbers now invites families to have an adventure while discovering its history and exploring a truly unique place.
What Is Ait BenHaddu?
Ait Ben Haddou is one of the best preserved and most important Ksars in Morocco. The 11th-century mud-fortified walls rise from the hillside, dominating the surrounding landscape at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Once a bustling stop along the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou was once a key trading point where nomads exchanged gold, ivory, salt, weapons and slaves within the city walls. It was also an important part of the defence infrastructure during military campaigns to protect the kingdom.
Talk to the locals to hear fascinating stories of trade, community, and resilience. Even today, the city still faces threats such as the recent 2023 earthquake despite being damaged.
Movie Sets Filmed At Ait Ben Haddu
Ait BenHaddu’s ancient architecture and dramatic desert landscape have been used in many blockbuster movies. Every year, thousands of travellers visit just to stand where a famous scene from their favourite movie was shot.
This historic kasbah has been featured in films such as Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and, most recently, Gladiator. Our teens enjoyed spotting locations they recognised.
Exploring The fortified Kasbah
Getting there is straightforward. A short walk from modern-day Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll be presented with the red mud city. Cross the Ounila River by bridge or stepping stones to the Kasbah entrance.
The Kasbah is a maze of narrow alleys, uneven staircases, and centuries-old buildings stacked together to create a fortress. Exploring this well-preserved example of traditional Moroccan architecture was fascinating for all of us.
Our kids were intrigued to learn that families have lived in the mud structure for centuries, especially when we considered how different life was, and still is, for Berber families. As we uncovered our path through twisting, narrow mud alleyways, our appreciation for the ancient craftsmanship increased.
Locals may allow you to explore the Kasbah deeper for a small fee. If you are offered this opportunity, take it, look around one of their homes, and visit the city mosque.
You’ll see where grain was kept in the ancient granary (it was damaged in the 2023 earthquake) and see local artisans’ handiwork made from clay, leather, and wood. There is no better location than this to try some Berber mint tea, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Watch the sunrise over the Kasbah and the Ounila Valley from one of the many viewpoints around the city. As it appears on the horizon, the sun illuminates the mud walls with its rays. Sunset is perhaps best viewed from the old Granary. This is a short hike with a great reward as the sun drops below the Atlas mountains.
Tips For Families Visiting Ait Ben Haddou
Here are some tips and things to know before visiting Ait Ben Haddu for the first time.
- Plan Your Visit: Allow at least half a day to fully explore and soak in the atmosphere. Sunrise and Sunset are particularly worthwhile times to visit.
- Consider Hiring a Guide: A guide can enrich the experience by adding history, tales and depth to your visit. Locals will happily show you around for a small fee.
- Visiting The Kasbah Is Free: Locals may request payment at the entrance and along the alleys, but there is no official entrance fee to visit Ait Ben Haddou.
- Take It Slow: The kasbah’s charm lies in wandering its alleys, taking in the views and interacting with locals.
- Accessibility: Pathways can be steep and challenging for younger kids or anyone with mobility issues. Wear sturdy shoes that cover your toes.
- Food and Drink: Small cafes and restaurants are nearby, where you can grab a meal, mint tea, or carry your own.
- Weather: The kasbah can get quite hot, especially in the summer. If you’re visiting with children, aim for a morning or late afternoon visit during a cooler or during a less busy season.
- Be prepared with cash: The kasbah has several stalls selling local crafts, where you can buy souvenirs. Remember, haggling is part of the Moroccan experience!
How To Get To Ait Ben Haddou
Due to its location between the desert and the mountains, reaching Ait Ben Haddou can be an adventure in itself.
Most visitors travel up to 5 hours through the Tizi n’Tichka pass from Marrakech. The winding mountain roads provide breathtaking views. If you’re travelling with children, make sure to bring snacks, water, and some entertainment. You can also stop as part of multi-day guided tours from Marakesh, Fez and Casablanca.
We started our Moroccan road trip from Ouarzazate, a 40 minute self-drive from Ait Benhaddou.
Other Things To Do In Ait Ben Haddou
While exploring the ancient fortress is the main thing to do in Ait Ben Haddou, the modern city is compact. Shop for local souvenirs and sit in one of the many restaurants and cafes to simply enjoy the vibe.
Most travellers arrive on a tour from Marrakesh and spend only an hour or two at Ait Ben Haddou. We recommend staying overnight before continuing your journey to Dade Valley or the Sahara Desert.
The foot of the Atlas Mountains offers stunning hiking routes in the Ounila Valley near Ait Ben Haddou for those looking for local adventures.
Where To Stay In Ait Ben Haddou
There are many accommodation options at the foot of the Ksar in New Ait Ben Haddu. Modern hotels and homestays have been built in the style of the traditional Kasbahs using mud, straw, and wood. You will also find campsites.
We stayed at Auberge Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a family-run traditional-style Kasbah with views of the ancient Ait Ben Haddu. The hospitality, food, and service were excellent, and our family room easily accommodated five. The roof terrace has a small plunge pool, and while we didn’t use it in December, it would be a definite plus in the summer!
Visiting Ait Ben Haddou FAQs
There is no official entrance fee to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou. However, locals may request unofficial payments for access to their kasbahs. As the Ksar is still inhabited, the site remains open 24 hours a day.
Aït Benhaddou has been a vital trading post in Morocco since the 17th century. Its well-preserved traditional architecture, history, and picturesque location have made it a renowned landmark. Its use as a location for iconic films has further boosted its global popularity.
This really depends on your availability and interests! You can spend anywhere from an hour to a full day exploring the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. The site transforms throughout the day, with sunrise and sunset offering particularly stunning views.
Final Thoughts | Visiting Ait Ben Haddou In Morocco
We left Ait Ben Haddou with a deep appreciation for Morocco’s rich history. The stunning scenery and ancient buildings made it easy to visualise the nomads who once crossed the deserts, passing through the towns and cities to trade.
The beauty of Moroccan architecture surrounds you, and if you’re considering a visit, we wholeheartedly recommend staying overnight.
A night in a traditional style Kasbah will help your family appreciate the setting and allow you to experience both sunrise and sunset.
Our next stop after AIt Ben Haddou was Dades Valley to hike Monkey Finger Gorge, followed by Todra Gorge and Merzouga before finishing our 10-day itinerary in Marakesh.
