Aït Ben Haddou, the mythical Atlas ksar

Aït Ben Haddou is a ksar built in the verdant Ounila valley. At one time, this valley was one of the crossing points for caravans between Marrakech and the southern Sahara. A ksar is a fortified village of Berber architecture, surrounded by a wall with dwellings inside. Not to be confused with a kasbah (numerous in Morocco), which is a square building with a tower at each corner.

The oldest elements of Aït Ben Haddou date back to the 17th century! The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou has retained its authenticity in terms of organisation, construction and materials, with the use of red earth, which is very common in southern Morocco.

The Aït Ben Haddou ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Very well preserved, this ksar remains an excellent example of southern Moroccan architecture, but also of the way of life and organisation in this region of Morocco at the time.

The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou includes a mosque, two cemeteries (one Muslim and one Jewish), a public square and a communal granary. The latter was used to store harvested cereals for the following years in the event of drought, which is not uncommon in this region. It also features a caravanserai, a vast courtyard surrounded by buildings used to house caravaneers during their long journey.

And on the (much) more contemporary side of things, Aït Ben Haddou is also famous for having been used as a backdrop for a number of films, including the famous Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and, more recently, the Game of Thrones series.

So why visit this ksar rather than another? Well, quite simply because it's probably the most beautiful and one of the best preserved in the kingdom! But also because the landscapes surrounding the ksar are superb, with lush gardens and glowing mountains.

The beauty of this site lies mainly in its exterior. Aït Ben Haddou is striking for its architecture, which is typical of traditional southern Morocco. Its ochre-coloured structure and dwellings make it very photogenic. So, before you visit, don't forget to stop at the viewpoint along the road (there's plenty of parking) for a great panoramic view of the ksar and surrounding mountains.

You will then reach the ksar after crossing a small river: the Oued Assif Ounila. This river is usually dry. During the rainy season, however, it fills up and you cross it on a few makeshift stones. If you prefer, there is another way in (which is more commonly the way out) by crossing the bridge.

The walk up to the village is a pleasant one, as it takes you through narrow streets full of charm. You'll find a number of craftsmen's and artists' shops. And as in most tourist sites in Morocco, the shopkeepers will certainly try to get you into their shops, but nothing insistent, the atmosphere is rather relaxed.

We recommend that you climb to the top of the ksar, to the former collective granary, for a view of the village below and the Atlas Mountains! It's superb, especially at sunset.

Finally, at the top of the ksar, at the level of the last dwellings (before the climb to the attic), don't hesitate to take a short break in the tea room. The terrace is a great place to sip mint tea while admiring the panorama!

To make the most of Ait Ben Haddou, you can choose to spend a night inside the ksar. There is only one accommodation option for this: the Kasbah Tebi. This is a traditional ksar house, with no electricity and candlelight. A charming and unforgettable experience!

If you prefer more comfort, there is plenty of accommodation in the village of Aït Ben Haddou, on the other side of the wadi. The advantage is that most of them have lovely terraces overlooking the ksar!