Ait Ben Haddou
A jewel of southern Morocco
Program and price
1 to 2 people: 1 000,00 Dhs / person
3 to 4 people: 650.00 Dhs / person
5 to 7 people: 390.00 Dhs / person
Daytime
Easy walking
Available all year round
8:00 a.m.: Departure from the Riad in a private vehicle
with driver, crossing varied landscapes: arid plains and argan forests.
Arrival in Ait Ben Haddou. Lunch in the city center (not included).
Explore the Ait Ben Haddou site at your leisure and let yourself be captivated by its magic.
Return to Marrakech at the end of the afternoon
A Bit of History
Aït Ben Haddou – A Living Berber Legend
Perched on the banks of the Ounila River, south of the High Atlas Mountains, Aït Ben Haddou is an ancient ksar (fortified village) built in the 17th century. Entirely constructed from mudbrick and ochre earth, it stands as one of the finest examples of traditional southern Moroccan architecture.
Once a strategic stopover on the caravan routes connecting Marrakech to the Sahara, Aït Ben Haddou was a place where merchants paused to rest, trade goods such as gold, salt, and spices, and find refuge behind its protective earthen walls.
Its name, Aït Ben Haddou, means “the tribe of the sons of Haddou,” in reference to the Berber chief who founded the settlement. Over time, the ksar evolved into a true citadel of clay, surrounded by kasbahs, defensive towers, and narrow alleys, where the golden light of the desert reflects beautifully on the earthen walls.
UNESCO Heritage & Timeless Beauty
Since 1987, Aït Ben Haddou has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its remarkable preservation and architectural harmony. The site is admired for its authentic charm, cultural richness, and timeless beauty that perfectly embody the spirit of the ancient Moroccan South.
Walking through its maze of pathways feels like stepping back in time — past homes built of clay, terraces overlooking the valley, and breathtaking panoramas where desert hues meet the blue of the sky.
A Star of World Cinema
Aït Ben Haddou’s unique charm has long captivated the film industry. Its surreal beauty has provided the backdrop for countless productions, from Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator to The Mummy and Game of Thrones. This cinematic heritage has made the ksar world-famous, showcasing Morocco’s magic and cultural depth to audiences around the globe.