Everything You Should Know about Visiting Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most striking attractions, is nestled between the bustling city of Marrakech and the undulating sands of the Sahara Desert.

I stopped at this UNESCO World Heritage Site some years ago and truly underestimated how impressive it would be.Exploring the hidden corners of this charming village, known locally as a ksar, quickly became a highlight of my Moroccan trip.

If you’re planning a trip of your own, I’ve compiled all the must-know information to ensure you get the most out of your visit!

What Is Ait Benhaddou?

At this point, you might be asking yourself, what exactly is Ait Benhaddou?

In short, it’s a fortified village that dates back to the 11th century. The entire settlement is made from adobe, a blend of mud and straw that can stand tall even in extreme weather conditions. Ait Benhaddou’s current structures have been in place since the 17th century, but the architectural style and ornate carvings resemble buildings several hundred years older.

You might be thinking that this terracotta-coloured town looks a little familiar, and that’s because it’s been making appearances on the big screen since the 1960s! Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator are just a few of the blockbuster movies that have used Ait Benhaddou as a filming location.

These days, the village is inhabited by just a few families, as most locals reside in more modern homes just a few hundred metres away. During the day, however, the laneways are awash with merchants, artists, and tour guides.

Best Time to Visit Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is open to tourists year-round, but some months afford visitors a more pleasant experience than others.

Much like most of Morocco, the surrounding areas are swelteringly hot from May to August. I’ve heard from a few locals that temperatures can exceed 35°C during these months, making wandering the narrow, labyrinth streets rather unenjoyable.

Thankfully, I planned my trip for March, and the mild conditions were perfect for exploring Ait Benhaddou’s offerings. To avoid the uncomfortably hot weather, it’s best to schedule your visit for March to April or September to November.

Another option is to arrive between December and February. While these months bring chilly evenings, daytime temperatures tend to sit around 16-18°C. Better still, these months are noticeably quieter than most.

Pro-tip: If you can only visit between May and August, I suggest timing your trip for the early morning or late afternoon to escape the midday heat.

Getting to Ait Benhaddou

Unfortunately, public transport doesn’t particularly serve Ait Benhaddou well. After all, it’s around a 3 to 4-hour drive from Marrakech!

However, if you’re up for a slightly less comfortable and straightforward journey, I recommend hopping on the CTM bus bound for Ouarzazate. You’ll need to ask the bus driver to stop at the intersection leading to Ait Benhaddou before catching a taxi the rest of the way.

Most visitors, myself included, come here as part of a multi-night excursion to the desert. Although guided tours aren’t everyone’s thing, in this case, it’s by far the most convenient option. Several tour operators run trips from Marrakech, some of which are day trips while others include overnight stays.

I initially considered making my own way there, but the prospect of venturing out onto the potentially dangerous Moroccan roads was enough to quash that idea.

Pro-tip: Due to sometimes adverse road conditions, many car hire companies require deposits worth several hundred euros for every rental.

Can You Stay at Ait Benhaddou?

I wish I’d had more time to spend in Ait Benhaddou, and I’d be eager to stay overnight if I got another chance to visit. To my surprise, I found out after our trip that it’s possible to stay overnight in the heart of the ksar.

A handful of guesthouses are built into the interconnected buildings. Most of these are fitted with modern amenities but boast traditional furnishings. Not only would this make for an unforgettable stay, but it would also give you a unique opportunity to get an insight into the village’s traditional way of life.

Across the river from Ait Benhaddou is a small, more contemporary town with a broader array of accommodations. If you’re looking for a classic Moroccan experience but would prefer to stay outside the village, check out the gorgeous riads adorning the riverside.

Wander the Alleyways

Whether you have two hours or two days in Ait Benhaddou, there’s no better way to spend your time than strolling the never-ending streets. Each pathway seems to wrap around the ksar, leading you to untouched buildings and expansive viewpoints.

I felt like I could have walked around the village for hours on end. Every time I thought I’d made my way to every corner, I stumbled upon something new.

Within minutes, I was greeted by locals playing traditional music, selling handcrafted goods, and offering tours of their homes.

Watch the Local Craftspeople at Work

Out of the few families that remain in the village, many of them are talented craftspeople.

Our guide brought us to an art gallery of sorts in the upper part of the ksar, where we got to watch a young painter create a masterpiece by hand.

Though these situations can often feel like sales pitches, neither our guide nor the painter pressured us to buy anything. That being said, had I not already purchased multiple souvenirs, I think this would have made an incredible keepsake.

Take in the Vistas From the Viewpoint

Provided the weather’s on your side, and you’re reasonably fit, the short but steep hike to the summit of Ait Benhaddou is a must.

As I wandered to the top of the village, I was met with dusty paths, crumbling buildings, and stunning panoramic views. Even though it took hardly any time to reach the summit, I was rewarded with sweeping views of the orange-hued roofs and the gorgeous oasis surrounding them.

For even better scenery, try to plan your visit for sunset.