Ait Benhaddou is a historic fortified village, located in Morocco’s Ouarzazate province, once an important stop on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
The Ait Benhaddou is renowned for its traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, featuring high defensive walls, tall towers, and kasbahs (fortified homes) all built from red mud bricks.
Though most residents now live in more modern homes across the river, the traditional houses of Ait Benhaddou have been repurposed as souvenir shops. While the site can be touristy, it retains a magical atmosphere, especially in the morning or evening, when the crowds are thinner and the light is perfect.
How to Get to Ait Benhaddou
There are several ways to reach Ait Benhaddou, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of travel:
1. By Car: The most flexible and scenic option is to rent a car, either in Marrakesh or Agadir. The journey offers beautiful landscapes and several interesting stops along the way. Ait Benhaddou is about 180 kilometers (3 hours) from Marrakesh and 341 kilometers (5-6 hours) from Agadir.
2. By Bus: You can take a bus from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate, and then transfer to a local bus or shared taxi to Ait Benhaddou. The most popular bus companies are CTM and Supratours.
3. By Shared Taxi: Shared taxis or grand taxis, are available for longer distances. From Marrakesh, take a shared taxi to Ouarzazate, and then switch to another shared taxi heading to Ait Benhaddou.
4. By Organized Tour: Many travel agencies in Marrakesh offer day trips to Ait Benhaddou, often combined with visits to Ouarzazate. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and sometimes lunch.
The Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Ait Benhaddou is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it perfect for exploring, hiking, and outdoor activities. Summers can be unbearably hot, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C. Winters are mild to cool, with daytime temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, but the nights can get quite chilly, especially in the desert.
What to See in Ait Benhaddou
There is plenty of roadside parking available, where you’ll pay a small fee to one of the local attendants. From there, cross the Ounila River (which is often dry depending on the season) and head towards the ksar. Be sure to use the main entrance after the bridge—avoid the secondary entrance, as local scammers may try to charge you an entrance fee. The ksar itself is free to enter.
Next, head up to the granary for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Ait Benhaddou and its surrounding landscape. The best times to go are early morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can be intense. Another incredible viewpoint is located on a small hilltop to the east of the ksar. To reach it, you’ll need to exit the village walls and climb up, but the effort is worth it. This spot is much less crowded than the granary viewpoint and offers a breathtaking panorama of the village and the dried riverbed nearby.
Ait Benhaddou is a stunning historical site, though it may feel more like a tourist attraction than an authentic Moroccan village. It’s not the place for immersing in local life or experiencing genuine interactions with villagers. Still, it’s a must-see for its remarkable views and impressive architecture!
Ait Benhaddou - An Incredible Fortified Village | Ouarzazate, Morocco
The video by Peter and Yen
