Ait-Ben-Haddou is a historic Moroccan ksar, located approximately 3.5 hours from the city of Marrakech. A ksar is a North African term for a fortified village, which consists of houses surrounded by defensive walls. The ksar’s history is thought to date back around 1,000 years and it is one of the most well-known in Morocco. Located on the old caravan route through the Sahara, Today, visitors can tour the village, guided by the local Berber families who still live there. It’s a fascinating example of Moroccan architecture and a real insight into the history of the region.
Ait-Ben-Haddou is located in the Ouarzazate region just south of the Atlas Mountains. The region is primarily inhabited by the indigenous Berber people and who keep the region’s history alive. As mentioned, the history of Ait-Ben-Haddou is believed to date back nearly 1,000 years, although the oldest surviving buildings date back to the 17th century. The ksar was a popular stop for caravans, which were groups of traders and merchants that would have travelled through the region. Ait-Ben-Haddou was located on the trade route between Marrakech and Sudan and was not only a stopping place, but also a great centre for trading.
Historically, the ksar consisted of houses and also community areas such as a public square, a mosque and two cemeteries (both Muslim and Jewish). Ait-Ben-Haddou was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, which has allowed for the upkeep and preservation of many of its historic buildings. Unfortunately though, as the caravans disappeared, so did many of the residents of the ksar. Today, the town is inhabited by a few remaining families, who primarily work in tourism to preserve the village and tell its history.
Ait-Ben-Haddou in the Movies
The fact that Ait-Ben-Haddou has been well preserved means that it has also been a popular destination for filming in both movies and television shows. The ksar has been the backdrop to filming many well known movies, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Mummy (1999) and Gladiator (2000). The site was also used to film the hit television series Game of Thrones and acted as the city of Yunkai, one of the cities of Slaver’s Bay liberated by Daenerys Targaryen. For those interested in entertainment history, the ksar is likely a recognizable site.
Visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou Today
If you’re staying in Marrakech and have time for a day trip, I would highly recommend visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou. While it is located about 3.5 hours from the city, it’s a remarkable experience and in my opinion well worth the drive. You can either visit the ksar on your own, or book a guided tour. I recommend booking a guided tour (which leaves directly from Marrakech) as it means you don’t have to worry about driving and you will also be taken around the village by a local guide once there. Many of the local families work primarily in tourism, so visiting with a guide helps them to preserve their history and culture. They also give an unparalleled insight into the region and its unique history.
While visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou, you’ll be able to explore the inner walls of the fortified village and wander through some of the buildings. There’s also small market stalls where you can purchase souvenirs. Another popular attraction is to watch a demonstration of a traditional Berber painting technique, called pyro aquarelles, which is also known as “fire painting”. While wandering the ksar, you’ll want to make sure to have your camera ready, as there are some stunning photo opportunities at the top of the hill, which looks out over the ksar and surrounding area.
Overall, a visit to Ait-Ben-Haddou is well worth the trip and provides a unique insight into Moroccan history and culture.
Tips for Visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco
1. How do you get to Ait-Ben-Haddou?
Ait-Ben-Haddou is located approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Marrakech. You can either drive to the location by car or book a tour that leaves from the city. I highly recommend booking a tour as it means you don’t need to worry about driving and you can relax and enjoy the long ride through the Atlas Mountains. If you’re planning on doing a camel tour in the Sahara Dessert, Ait-Ben-Haddou is often a stop on these tours from Marrakech.
2. How much time do you need to visit the ksar?
With a 7-hour roundtrip, you would need to at least set aside one day to visit Ait-Ben-Haddou. Once there, you can explore the village in about an hour. As mentioned above, it’s great if you can add Ait-Ben-Haddou on as a stop on another trip, for example it’s usually a pit stop for tours to the Sahara Desert.
3. How much does it cost to visit Ait-Ben-Haddou?
I visited as a part of a tour, so the entrance fee was included, but they usually ask for about 10 Dirhams (approximately $3 USD) per person to enter. Prices can change, so I would recommend asking a tour provider before you visit (or just make sure you have enough cash on hand). And if you’re going to hire a guide, it will cost you more.
4. Is it worth the drive?
In my opinion, yes! As long as you don’t mind long car rides, it is a beautiful journey through the Atlas Mountains. It’s also a different experience to what you will see in Marrakech, so if you have the time, I think it’s well worth the visit. However, again, I think if you can add the stop on to another tour (so that you don’t have to drive there and back in one day) that would be preferable.
5. What should I wear to visit Ait-Ben-Haddou?
You’ll want to wear some comfortable clothing for the drive and also something light because of the heat. While not mandatory, in Morocco I often wear clothing that covers my shoulders and knees, to respect the local cultural traditions.
6. What movies were filmed at Ait-Ben-Haddou?
Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of the most well-known ksars in Morocco and because it’s been well preserved, a number of movies have used the location as a film set. These movies include Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and more. The television series Game of Thrones also filmed at Ait-Ben-Haddou and the ksar was used as the city of Yunkai, one of the cities of Slaver’s Bay that was liberated by Daenerys Targaryen. If you’re a movie or TV fan, Ait-Ben-Haddou will probably look recognizable to you!
7. What other historical things are there to do near Ait-Ben-Haddou?
The ksar is located in the Ouarzazate region, where are are other interesting things to see. Firstly, the journey through the Atlas Mountains is very impressive. The region is primarily inhabited by the indigenous Berber people and the separation provided to them by the mountains has allowed them to retain much of their culture. At Ait-Ben-Haddou, you’re also about halfway to the Sahara Desert, where you can travel by camel to a Berber camp and stay overnight. Whether driving through the mountains, exploring Ait-Ben-Haddou or staying in a Berber camp in the Sahara, a visit to the region provides a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the Berber culture, their land and their history.