Explore Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou with the famous Kasbah (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986) is one of the most extraordinary Kasbahs in Morocco and a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture.

The history of this fortified village built amazingly from mud and straw goes back over a thousand years. Located between Marrakesh and Sahara and a major stop along the caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu where in the past camels was carrying gold, spices and slaves to Marrakech. Ksar Ait Ben Haddou and other villages were strategic stops for the traders along this route.

Also famous films have been shot in this spectacular stage, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, Sahara with Penélope Cruz, Jesus of Nazareth, Game of Thrones…etc. Ait Ben Haddou sits on top of a hill near the Atlas Mountains, just 30 km from Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco.

While in the 1940s, more than 90 families were living in the Ait Benhaddou, today only five families are still living inside the fortress. The majority of its inhabitants moved into more modern homes on the opposite side of the Ounila River, where they continue to live, relying on tourism and agriculture for their incomes.

The view from the top of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is spectacular and breathtaking and the village is one from the most visited sites of Morocco.You will need at least one overnight in Ait Ben Haddou to truly enjoy this serene slice of heaven.