Embark on a journey to the now-iconic must-visit gem of Morocco: Aït Ben Haddou! This enchanting clay village, proudly standing on the UNESCO World Heritage list, ranks as one of Morocco’s most spellbinding photographic treasures. Its rise to fame as a prime filming location for blockbuster movies and acclaimed TV series – say hi to Khaleesi in Game of Thrones! – has transformed it into a beacon for global tourists. Aït Ben Haddou is the best known example of an authentic clay village, adorned with desert castles, ancient dwellings, and meandering narrow lanes, all set against the majestic and dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Are you intrigued to uncover more about this mesmerizing Moroccan destination? This blog unveils a treasure trove of practical advice and unrivaled viewpoints that promise to enrich your visit!
How to get to Aït Ben Haddou in Morocco?
Nestled in the southeast of Morocco, Aït Ben Haddou sits at the Atlas Mountains’ foothills, perched on a hill beside the serene Ounila River. This setting is enveloped by a landscape of stark beauty, featuring the snow-draped peaks of the Atlas stretching towards the sky.
A stone’s throw away lies Ouarzazate, the nearest major city, renowned as the gateway to the Sahara. Venturing eastward from here, the path leads into the heart of the Moroccan sand dunes. For those navigating Morocco’s vast expanses via public transport and the iconic grand taxis, Ouarzazate emerges as a pivotal hub, offering easy access to this clay village.
Seeking an effortless visit? Consider joining an organized day excursion from the vibrant city of Marrakech to explore this ancient village.
What is Aït Ben Haddou known for?
Aït Ben Haddou stands out as Morocco’s best-preserved ksar and a favored filming location for countless famous movies and TV shows. This winning combination cements it as a top destination for those venturing near Marrakech – and for good reason!
The Crown Jewel of Moroccan Ksars
Travel guides and UNESCO sing praises of Aït Ben Haddou, celebrating it as the country’s most stunning ksar (or ighrem). A ksar is a fortified village designed to shield its residents and their possessions. Its strategic placement on the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech once demanded robust fortifications.
The ksar is dotted with mesmerizing kasbahs, linked by narrow passageways. These dreamy desert castles, set against the hillside, feature ornately decorated towers. Constructed from a blend of clay, earth, and straw, these structures boast remarkable resilience to harsh temperatures. Crowning the hill is a granary, safeguarded by sturdy walls.
Regarded as the quintessential representation of South Moroccan architecture, Aït Ben Haddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This prestigious recognition, coupled with the allure for filmmakers and tourists alike, ensures the village remains impeccably preserved, setting it apart in Morocco.
Iconic Filming Location: Game Of Thrones in Aït Ben Haddou
Hollywood’s love affair with Aït Ben Haddou has turned it into a stage for numerous international film productions. Blockbusters like ‘Gladiator,’ ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ and ‘The Mummy,’ as well as scenes from the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones,’ have all been filmed here.
This mesmerizing location served as the backdrop for the iconic city of Yunkai, one of the three great cities of Slaver’s Bay, in Game of Thrones. Fans of the series will recall the unforgettable scenes from the third season where Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, sets her sights on liberating the enslaved people of Yunkai. The towering clay walls and ancient kasbahs of Aït Ben Haddou provided the perfect setting for Yunkai.
The allure is undeniable. The ksar’s timeless charm, alongside the dramatic natural scenery encasing it, offers an unparalleled setting for storytelling. The contrast of the red clay architecture against the desert and mountainous backdrop transports visitors to another era or realm, be it the ancient streets of Rome or the mystical lands of Westeros.
Where to stay in Aït Ben Haddou
Opting to book a stay in Aït Ben Haddou? You’re making a brilliant choice! This way, you get to see this enchanting place in the gorgeous glow of morning light and avoid the hustle and bustle of day tourists.
Our hearts were completely captured by Kasbah du Peintre during our initial visit to Aït Ben Haddou. Nestled in the serene village of Tamdaght, a mere 3 kilometers north, this stunning, traditional kasbah offers guests breathtaking views, a heartwarming welcome, enchanting live music in the evenings, and exceptionally spacious rooms equipped with cozy seating areas.
True to its name, the owner of Kasbah du Peintre loves to paint, and his passion is evident in the colorful artwork that graces almost every wall. The views from the balconies are nothing short of spectacular, but it’s the unparalleled hospitality of the owner and his family that truly made our stay unforgettable. One memorable evening was filled with the family’s live music in the dining area, all set to the comforting backdrop of a crackling fireplace. After a drumming session, we not only distinguished between Berber and African drum beats but also learned to play them. Every aspect of this place hits the mark perfectly!
Other great places to stay in Aït Ben Haddou:
#1 Riad Caravane stands out as the most exquisite and lavishly praised lodging in Aït Ben Haddou. The hotel exudes elegance, with every detail thoughtfully attended to. It also features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers, offering a tranquil spot to bask in the sun.
#2 Riad Paradise of Silence provides another beautiful option, boasting an equally stunning outdoor pool. Its glowing reviews highlight the perfect location, beautiful decor, breathtaking views, welcoming atmosphere, and amiable staff.
#3 Kasbah El Hajja is uniquely situated within the historic ksar, not just nearby. Guests here are treated to a beautiful rooftop terrace view of the town, welcomed with refreshing mint tea. The traditional Moroccan breakfast served is a significant plus.
The Story of Aït Ben Haddou
The fascinating tale of Aït Ben Haddou dates back to the 11th century when it first sprang up as a fortified ksar. Its strategic spot on the caravan route from Marrakech to the Sahara, perched on a hill by a river and close to the Tizi n’Tichka pass (one of the rare gateways through the Atlas Mountains), made it an ideal trading post.
Over the centuries, Aït Ben Haddou played a pivotal role in commerce, especially flourishing in the 17th century. The majority of the buildings you see today originate from this era. However, as trading routes evolved, the village’s prominence faded, and its population decreased.
Yet, the village remains remarkably preserved and was honored with UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. This accolade revived interest in the village, drawing tourists and filmmakers alike, and re-establishing Aït Ben Haddou’s significance on the map. Families continue to live within the ksar, shifting from a trade-based to a tourism-based livelihood.
10 Tips for Visiting Aït Ben Haddou
#1 Visit on a Day Trip from Marrakech
A day trip from Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou is a must-do for anyone wanting a snapshot visit to this enchanting village. It’s the fastest and simplest way to soak in the sights of this famous spot, perfect if you’re tight on time during your Morocco adventure.
Yes, it’s a journey from Marrakech, but the route is absolutely stunning. You’ll wind through the Atlas Mountains, crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka pass. Expect to stop for photo ops along the way, so keep your camera handy. Despite its small size, Aït Ben Haddou packs a punch in beauty, making a day trip here utterly worthwhile.
#2 Embark on a Two-Day Road Trip
For an even more memorable experience, consider a two-day road trip. Renting a car in Marrakech and driving through the awe-inspiring Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou allows for spontaneous exploration. Make sure to pause at the stunning kasbahs of Telouet and Tamdaght – they’re hidden treasures yet to be swarmed by tourists.
Staying overnight in Aït Ben Haddou lets you wander through the village in the serene early morning, before most visitors arrive. This early quiet time is truly magical. Then, head to Ouarzazate to explore its ancient kasbah or the famed film studios. This two-day adventure is something you’ll never forget.
#3 Visit Early in the Morning
Our visits to Aït Ben Haddou were early in the morning, and we couldn’t have chosen a better time. Before the tourist buses arrive, you’ll feel like you have the village all to yourself.
The village looks like a scene from a fairy tale in the soft morning light. Plus, it’s cooler than the midday heat, making your exploration much more comfortable. Climbing to the old granary at the top for a stunning view is easier in the cool morning air. Trust us, it’s worth getting up early for!
#4 Cross the River Using the Stepping Stones
While there’s a convenient bridge connecting parts of the village since 2011, why not add a little adventure to your visit? Head down to the riverbed and cross as people have traditionally done.
Most of the year, the river is dry, so you’re unlikely to get wet feet. We crossed using stepping stones during our winter visits. Yes, one of us got a wet sock, but it added to the fun. This route offers a beautiful way to approach the village and a unique viewpoint to appreciate the ksar against the hill.
#5 The Village is Free to Enter
Don’t fall for the tourist trap claiming you need to pay to enter Aït Ben Haddou. It’s a common scam.
The truth is, wandering through Aït Ben Haddou doesn’t cost a dime. The village is a living, breathing community, not a gated attraction or a museum with an admission charge. While some of the more historically significant kasbahs might ask for a small fee to tour their interiors, strolling through the village streets and soaking up its ancient atmosphere is entirely free. If anyone insists on an entrance fee at the village gates, rest assured, this is not the case.
#6 Savor Tea on a Rooftop Terrace
Experiencing Moroccan mint tea is a must in Morocco, and what better place than Aït Ben Haddou? Enjoying this strong, sweet tea while overlooking the village is unforgettable.
While you might find recommendations for specific terraces, the truth is, the entire village offers spots with breathtaking views perfect for this tea-drinking ritual. For around 50 dirhams (which is less than 5 euros), not only do you get to enjoy this iconic beverage, but you also get to do so while taking in a panoramic view of Aït Ben Haddou from above.
#7 Enjoy a Berber Omelette Next to the Bridge
During our latest adventure to Aït Ben Haddou, we stumbled upon a delightful little spot right after crossing the bridge. This eatery, cheerfully managed by local women, is a riot of color, decked out with vibrant rugs and shaded by tent canopies—a welcome respite from the sun. Right at the entrance, we were greeted by the wonderful sight of women baking bread in a traditional Berber oven. Watching the bread bake on the hot walls of the oven is an experience not to be missed.
We decided to try the Berber omelette, served bubbling hot in a tagine, accompanied by the freshly baked bread we had just seen being made. The omelette was absolutely delicious, and at only 25 dirhams (about 2.5 euros), it was an incredible deal. For an authentic taste of local cuisine, this place is unbeatable.
#8 Take in the Scenery from the Viewpoints
The landscape surrounding Aït Ben Haddou is nothing short of breathtaking, and to truly soak it all in, you must visit the various viewpoints around the area. We made it our mission to check out all five during our stay!
First off, there’s a viewpoint right across the road, which is especially convenient for those coming from the direction of Ouarzazate. We paused here with our rental car to capture the village lying splendidly against the hillside. On our second Morocco trip, armed with our own camper, we even spent a night here, wild camping under the stars. It was admittedly a bit breezy, but the views more than made up for any discomfort.
For those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, the climb to the hill opposite the village is well worth the effort, offering sweeping panoramic views. From the riverbed below, you also gain a unique perspective, with the village unfolding gracefully across the hillside. Climbing to the old granary within the village itself rewards you with an unforgettable view that stretches far and wide. And, don’t forget to take a break on one of the local café or restaurant rooftops for yet another stunning vista of this ancient clay village.
#9 Also Visit the Lesser-Known Kasbah in Tamdaght
Just a short journey from Aït Ben Haddou is the somewhat lesser-known village of Tamdaght, home to the Kasbah Glaoui. This overlooked treasure is definitely worth including in your exploration of the area.
In contrast to the bustling Aït Ben Haddou, Kasbah Tamdaght feels like a hidden sanctuary, barely touched by the hands of tourism. This kasbah, once a stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family, stands as an impressive, though partially crumbled, monument to a bygone era.
We took a guided tour through the ruins, led by a local who expertly navigated us through the kasbah’s winding corridors and to its vantage points. Walking through the halls, we were transported back in time, imagining the opulence that once filled these spaces. Interestingly, this location has also served as a backdrop for film productions, a fact our guide shared with pride, noting his own appearances as an extra.
#10 Explore Ouarzazate
After soaking in the historical and cinematic allure of Aït Ben Haddou and Tamdaght, Ouarzazate was our next destination. While it may not rival Aït Ben Haddou in terms of picturesque charm, Ouarzazate holds its own with attractions worth visiting.
Our first trip introduced us to the kasbah of Ouarzazate, a magnificent desert fortress now unfortunately closed for restoration following the 2023 earthquake. On our subsequent visit to Morocco, we ventured into the famed film studios of Ouarzazate. Known as one of the largest film studios globally, Atlas Studios invites you on a journey through the elaborate sets of iconic movies like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. Each set transports you to a different time and place – from an authentic Berber village to a majestic Chinese temple, and even an Egyptian palace, offering a glimpse into the magic of movie-making.
