Welcome to Aït Ben Haddou, a gem nestled in the Moroccan desert landscape. This fortified village, with its striking red mud-brick facades and ancient walls, feels like a setting straight out of a biblical tale. Situated on the route from Marrakesh to the Sahara, it’s a must-visit destination on any Moroccan itinerary. Wander through its winding streets, admire its traditional architecture, and take in the breathtaking vistas that glow with warm hues at sunset.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Ait Ben Haddou!
About Aït Ben Haddou
Nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Aït Ben Haddou (also spelled Ait Benhaddou) lies along the lush banks of the Ounila River in the picturesque province of Ouarzazate. Historically significant, it once thrived as a key trading post on the ancient caravan route linking Sudan to Marrakesh.
Like many historic trading posts, Aït Ben Haddou is a ksar (plural: ksour)—a traditional pre-Saharan settlement made of mud-brick structures using rammed earth, adobe, clay bricks, and wood. Surrounded by sturdy defensive walls and fortified with kasbahs—corner towers that enhanced its protection—this architectural style emerged to safeguard trade hubs from potential attacks.
Although the oldest structures in the ksar date back to the 17th century, the architectural style and construction methods reflect techniques passed down for generations across Morocco’s southern valleys. This dedication to preserving its authentic character and materials earned Aït Ben Haddou its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987.
Did you know? Aït Ben Haddou’s striking scenery has captivated filmmakers for decades, featuring in productions like The Mummy, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. Its cinematic appeal has played a significant role in ongoing restoration efforts, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The Best Things to Do in Aït Ben Haddou
The main attraction of Aït Ben Haddou is the village (ksar) itself. Wander through its maze-like alleys, explore charming galleries and museums, climb to the top of its kasbahs for breathtaking panoramic views, or take a leisurely horseback ride through its rustic lanes.
1. Explore the Ksar
Strolling through the labyrinthine alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admiring its adobe architecture is the highlight of any visit. To make the most of your experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Overnight: Spending the night within the ksar allows you to escape the daytime crowds and witness its stunning transformation at sunrise and sunset, when the warm hues of the mud-brick walls glow in the soft light.
- Respect the Locals: A small number of residents still live in the ksar. If you find yourself near their homes, they may ask for money. If you prefer not to give, their persistence can sometimes escalate. The best approach? Politely walk away and take another route—you’re likely off the main path anyway.
- Find the Main Entrance: To avoid unnecessary hassles or potential scams, locate the designated entrance to the ksar before starting your exploration.
Finding the right entrance
Entering the ksar is straightforward and completely free. There are two main gates, and you can enter from one and exit from the other:
- The modern bridge entrance (location)—this is the most obvious and commonly used.
- The east entrance, which you’ll reach by crossing the dry riverbed (location).
However, between these two main gates, some unofficial entry points will try to charge you:
- One of these (location) has a red-and-white sign marked Kasbah Musée. Some local camel guides directed us here, where upon arrival, an old lady and a child insisted on a 20 Dh per person “ticket”—which was clearly a scam. We skipped it.
- Near this spot, there’s another access point leading to Kasbah Tebi, a hotel. If you’re not a guest, they’ll ask for 20 Dh to enter, offering a look inside the hotel and a nearby house. While the hotel was interesting, you can’t access the ksar from there, so it’s not really worth it.
Tip Stick to the main entrances to avoid unnecessary charges and detours!
Wandering the Alleyways of the Ksar
Stepping through the main gate, you’re welcomed by the warm ambiance of Tawesna, a charming women-run tearoom. To your right, the towering kasbahs beckon, their intricate designs inviting you to climb for breathtaking views. Follow the arrows deeper into the maze of mud-brick houses—or simply embrace the adventure of getting lost in the winding alleys.
As you explore, you’ll come across cultural landmarks like the mosque, synagogue, Koranic school, and caravanserai. The ksar is also home to artisan workshops, where skilled woodcarvers, lock-makers, jewelers, and artists craft unique pieces. Many of these artisans prioritize eco-friendly practices, offering regional treasures such as olive oil, honey, saffron, and traditional handicrafts under the Dar Ynna label.
Near the east entrance, you’ll find the “Abraham” stone, a historic meeting point, while further along lies the threshing floor—a site made famous in Gladiator.
Visiting Hours & Admission: Aït Ben Haddou is a living village, not a formal tourist site, so there are no set opening hours. Entry is free, but be mindful of the scams mentioned earlier.
Engaging a Local Guide
To support the cultural heritage of Aït Ben Haddou, three local cooperatives have emerged, focusing on tourism, cinema, and agriculture. By joining a guided tour with the Ighrem N’Iqendaren tourism cooperative, you’re not just gaining insight—you’re directly contributing to the preservation of this historic ksar.
For a quick but enriching introduction, the 45-minute guided walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the ksar’s history, architecture, and daily life. If you want to delve deeper, opt for the 3-hour comprehensive tour (120 Dh), which covers all the major sites.
🎬 Movie lovers, take note! Aït Ben Haddou has been featured in over 80 films. The 2.5-hour cinematic tour (120 Dh) will take you to famous filming locations, including the Maison du Cinéma, where you’ll uncover behind-the-scenes stories from blockbusters like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
2. Catch the Sunset (or Sunrise) at the Esplanade
For the most breathtaking views, hike up to the summit of Aït Benhaddou—one of the best spots to witness an unforgettable sunset. Reaching the top requires a short but steep climb from the ksar, but the reward is well worth the effort.
As you near the summit, you’ll pass a crumbling section of the ancient wall that perfectly frames the kasbah below, creating a postcard-worthy scene. At the very top, the ruins of a fortified granary stand among low stone walls, offering a mesmerizing panorama. On one side, the vast stony desert stretches endlessly toward the horizon, while the other side reveals a lush palm grove nestled at the village’s base.
Tip: Staying overnight? Wake up early to catch the sunrise as Aït Benhaddou transforms before your eyes—from fiery reds to golden browns in mere moments, revealing its rugged beauty at its finest.
3. Enjoy a Relaxing Tea Break at Tawesana
Tawesna is more than just a picturesque eatery—it’s a community-driven initiative celebrating Amazigh culture and culinary traditions. Located amidst lush gardens at the ksar’s main entrance, this women-run tearoom provides a welcoming space where the talented women of Aït Ben Haddou come together, sharing their skills and securing a sustainable income.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Berber tea or coffee, accompanied by freshly baked wood-fired tafarnout bread. Visiting later? The lunch menu offers delicious, home-cooked tajines—the perfect meal after wandering through the ksar’s winding alleys.
Tip: Want to support this inspiring initiative? Take a piece of Aït Ben Haddou home with you by purchasing their specialty coffee, tea blends, or homemade cookies—each one a taste of tradition and resilience.
4. Learn about Berber Culture at Maison de l’Oralité
Step into the heart of Berber heritage at Maison de l’Oralité, a dynamic cultural and research hub within the village. This unique center brings Amazigh (Berber) traditions to life through recorded ritual songs, striking photographs, and carefully preserved stories that offer a deep dive into the region’s intangible heritage.
Set in a historic residence with pisé walls and elegant arched doorways at the top of the Ksar, the museum also honors Amghar Brahim Haddou, the revered village chief whose courageous resistance against colonial forces left a lasting legacy. In fact, Aït Ben Haddou itself bears his name—a tribute to his enduring spirit and leadership.
Tickets: 50 Dhs | ⏰ Hours: 9:00–18:00 | Your ticket includes a guided tour in English or French.
5. Support Local Artists
Instead of bargaining over mass-produced souvenirs, why not take home something truly unique while supporting a local artist?
First, step into Twiriga—meaning dream in Berber—a one-of-a-kind art gallery brought to life by Hafida Zizi. Inspired by the beauty of Aït Ben Haddou, Zizi created this space not only to showcase her work but also to host therapeutic workshops in plastic arts.
Then, meet Medhi, a talented local artist who paints using natural pigments like saffron and green tea. Beyond admiring his work, you can also dive into hands-on experiences—learn the art of Arabic and Berber calligraphy, try your hand at sculpture, or explore the delicate techniques of watercolor painting.
6. Embark on a Horseback Adventure
If exploring the rugged desert around Aït Ben Haddou at a thrilling gallop excites you, saddle up with Ranch Sabot d’Or or Ranch Cheval. Known for their equestrian heritage, Berbers are exceptional horsemen, and as experienced guides they will lead you through the village’s winding paths and out into the vast desert, where hidden viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas—especially at sunset.
Prefer a slower pace? Swap the saddle for a camel and take in the scenery with a touch of timeless elegance.
7. Visit the Ksars and Kasbahs of the Ounila Valley
If Aït Ben Haddou left you spellbound, the kasbahs and ksars of the Ounila Valley will captivate you just the same. These architectural marvels line the P1506 road, a historic route once crucial to the trans-Saharan trade network, and were built by tribal leaders who accumulated wealth through trade taxes.
Though time has weathered these fortresses, they continue to stand as enduring symbols of the valley’s rich history. The Ounila River winds through the valley, bringing life to the land and nourishing plantations that create a striking contrast against the rugged, arid terrain.
How to Explore the Ounila Valley
A vehicle is essential to explore the valley at your own pace. Start from the Tizi n’Tichka pass, then turn left onto the P1506 road (3.5 km past the N9). The 75 km route takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes without stops, but you’ll want to linger at Kasbah Telouet, the Ksar of Anmiter, and Kasbah Tamdakht before finishing at Aït Ben Haddou.
If you’re already in Aït Ben Haddou, consider a separate trip to the valley. A round trip to Kasbah Telouet takes about 2 hours, plus time for stops.
8. Visit Ouarzazate
Just a short drive from Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate offers a different kind of allure. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” it is home to the world’s largest film studio—Atlas Studios—spanning an impressive 433,000 square feet. Here, you can step into the streets of Bethlehem, explore Cleopatra’s palace, or wander through the Tibetan monastery from Kundun.
Another must-visit site is Kasbah Taourirt, a breathtaking UNESCO-listed fortress. Built from compacted earth and mud bricks, it showcases intricate Amazigh patterns and features angular towers, protruding balconies, and wrought-iron windows. Inside, a labyrinth of steep staircases and passageways connects around 300 rooms, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Moroccan architecture.
Best Restaurants & Cafés in Aït Ben Haddou
Despite its small size, Aït Ben Haddou boasts a delightful selection of restaurants and cafés, mostly along the P1506 road or across the ksar on the opposite bank of the river. We dined at places on both sides—enjoying hearty meals along the main road and sipping tea or coffee across the river, where terraces offer stunning views of the ksar. Here are our top picks:
- Restaurant Zaytoune: A local favorite serving delicious tajines in a laid-back setting at great prices.
- TANMIRT: Moroccan cuisine with an international twist. The short menu is carefully curated, featuring standouts like Butter Camel. Vegetarians should note that the only meat-free option during our visit was Indian rice with patatas bravas.
- Café Restaurant chez Moussa: Whether for a meal or just a coffee, the terrace here provides unbeatable ksar views.
- Tawesna Salon de thé: A women-run tea house offering authentic Berber tea, homemade cookies, and delightful tajines.
How to Get to Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is a must-visit on any Morocco itinerary. While joining a tour is the easiest way to get there, driving offers the most flexibility. Traveling by bus or shared taxi requires extra steps, but it’s entirely doable.
By Car
The drive from Marrakesh takes around 4 hours in total. It first winds through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains (100 km, ~2h 15min). After crossing the pass, you have two options:
- Main road (N9) via Ouarzazate (90 km, ~1h 45min) – A well-maintained, direct route.
- Scenic Ounila Valley (P1506, 80 km, ~1h 30min) – A winding but stunning road dotted with kasbahs. It’s suitable for 2WD but can get muddy after rain.
Most travelers take the main road, turning left onto P1506 about 20 km before Ouarzazate for a short 10-minute detour to Aït Ben Haddou. However, if time allows, the Ounila Valley route is highly recommended.
| Parking: You can park in the large parking lot in front of the Hôtel la Kasbah, the small parking lot next to the mosque, or in the parking lot in front of the Hôtel La Rose des Sables. If these are full, roadside parking is an option. Expect to pay Dhs 5–10, with attendants overseeing vehicles.
By Bus & Shared Taxi
There’s no direct bus to Aït Ben Haddou, but you can take a Supratours or CTM coach from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate (4.5–5 hours). The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka pass, though buses don’t stop at scenic viewpoints.
- Option 1: At the Ouarzazate bus station, take a shared taxi back to Tabourahte (Dhs 10 per seat). From Tabourahte, take another shared taxi to Aït Ben Haddou (Dhs 10 per seat).
- Option 2: Ask the bus driver to drop you at the Tabourahte junction instead of Ouarzazate. This saves 20 km of backtracking and eliminates the need for the first shared taxi. We took Trans Ghazala, a local bus company that made frequent stops, allowing an easy drop-off at the junction. Supratours and CTM may be less flexible.
Bus tickets: Book online here.
By Tour
If driving isn’t an option or you prefer a hassle-free experience, an organized tour is your best bet. While day trips to Aït Ben Haddou exist for those short on time, we don’t recommend them—the four-hour drive each way would take up most of your day.
Instead, consider a multi-day desert tour that includes a visit to Aït Ben Haddou. Though you’ll follow a set itinerary and have limited time at the site, this option allows for a more immersive experience of the region.
— Organized Tours —
Where to Stay
The serene town surrounding the ancient ksar offers a range of accommodation options, many featuring terraces with panoramic views of the valley. From charming guesthouses to elegant riads and grand kasbahs, there’s something for every traveler—though kasbah stays tend to be on the pricier side.
For an authentic Berber experience, consider Kasbah Tebi — a beautifully restored guesthouse inside the ksar, where rooms are lit only by candlelight, evoking a timeless atmosphere.
Where to Stay: Ayouze Auberge, Kasbah du Peintre, Riad Caravane, Riad Paradise of Silence, Kasbah Tebi, Kasbah El Hajja
Best Time to Visit Ait Ben Haddou
The ideal time to visit Aït Ben Haddou is March/April or September/October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild—free from the intense summer heat—while the landscape flourishes with lush greenery.
For an unforgettable experience, aim to visit at sunrise or sunset. As the crowds thin out and the air cools, the sun casts a golden glow over the ancient buildings, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
How Long to Stay in Ait Ben Haddou:
A day trip offers a brief but rewarding glimpse of Aït Ben Haddou. However, to fully immerse yourself in its timeless charm, plan for at least a full day. The village’s sunrise and sunset panoramas are mesmerizing, making an overnight stay highly worthwhile.
For us, spending the night here was one of the highlights of our Morocco adventure ♥!