Short answer: Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified earthen village (a ksar) on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, about 30 km from Ouarzazate. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and has appeared in many films. It is a stop on almost every road trip between Marrakech and the desert.
What is Ait Ben Haddou?
A ksar is a group of earthen houses, kasbahs and granaries packed together behind defensive walls. Ait Ben Haddou climbs a hill above the Ounila river, crowned by an old communal granary. Only a few families still live inside; most villagers moved to the newer village across the river.
A film star
Its ochre walls have been used by filmmakers for decades, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator and the series Game of Thrones. Nearby Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa”, has large film studios that you can visit.
What to see
- The ksar: cross the river by the footbridge and climb the lanes to the granary at the top for the view over the valley.
- Houses and kasbahs, some open as small museums or craft shops.
- Sunset from the new village, when the walls turn red.
Ouarzazate
- The Taourirt Kasbah, a former residence of the Glaoui family.
- The film studios, with sets from well-known productions.
- The Noor solar complex on the edge of town, one of the largest solar power plants in the world.
- It is the gateway to the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, Skoura, the Dades Valley and the Merzouga desert.
How to get there
- From Marrakech: about 4 hours over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass (about 2,260 m).
- From Ouarzazate: 30 minutes.
- Scenic alternative: the Ounila Valley road via the Telouet kasbah, slower but beautiful.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from Marrakech is possible but long (8 hours of driving). It is better as part of a desert route, or with a night in a guesthouse in Ait Ben Haddou to see it at sunset and early morning. See day trips from Marrakech.
Tours that include Ait Ben Haddou
You visit it on the way back from the Sahara on our 8-day honeymoon, the 14-day Sahara tour and on the Fes to Marrakech desert route.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ait Ben Haddou worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best-preserved ksars in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an easy stop between Marrakech and the desert.
Is there an entrance fee for Ait Ben Haddou?
Walking into the ksar is generally free, but some houses inside charge a small fee to visit their interiors or terraces.
How far is Ait Ben Haddou from Marrakech?
About 190 km, or around 4 hours by road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
What films were shot at Ait Ben Haddou?
Among others, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and scenes of Game of Thrones.
Want to see the kasbahs? Ask us for a private route through Ait Ben Haddou and the Sahara.