This is a traditional Mud Brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has featured in many films, mostly as a replacement for Jerusalem.
Buses do not ply direct to Aït Benhaddou but can drop you off at the turn off about 7 km away from where you will have to find a lift.
It will be better to arrange a private hire of a taxi for the trip.
Car: Aït Benhaddou is 9 km off the main Tizi n Tichka road, which links Ouzaarzarte to Marrakech. Coming from Ouazazarte, turn to the right after about18 km from the town. It's quite a scenic drive to Aït Benhaddou. On the way into town there is a slight turn to the right, which is a popular spot for great views over the town and the Kasbah.
From Marrakesh it will be a full day trip and the best advice is to organize a private tour if you do not have much time.
Morocco Explored offers a well priced private trip which includes stops in the High Atlas Mountains.
Get around
Once inside the Ksar you can only walk/ climb
To get from the newer part of the town you will have to cross a river via Stepping stones.
Locals will charge you 10Dr to cross the river on a donkey, and they probably remove the
stepping stones to improve their business. The river is only knee-deep and can be easily
crossed by feet.
See
The town itself is the main attraction, with mud buildings climbing up the side of the hill.
The Granary at the top of the hill is impressive and well worth the effort to get up there.
The Mausoleum of Ben-Haddou is at the base of the hill on the opposite side to the town.
Do
Climb atop the hill for breathtaking views.
Buy
There are several shops within the town that sell souvenirs from all over the Sahara, particularly prevalent are Models of the Ksar and wooden artifacts from the Dogon people in Mali.
There is a very friendly carpet shop in the newer part of town near the post office
Eat
Hotel la Baraka in the newer part of town has a restaurant with a nice courtyard.
Drink
Sleep
Hotel la Baraka
Hotel le Kasbah
Auberge La Goulade. The first auberge along the road into Ait Benhaddou, run by a French man and his Moroccan wife. Very friendly, excellent food and good price!
Hotel Restaurant La Rose Du Sable, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, Morocco, ☎ +212 (0) 5 24 89 00 22, [1]. Clean, comfortable rooms. Great food.
Riad Ksar Ighnda, Douar As Falou, Ait Benhaddou, Morocco (3km past Ait Ben Haddou), ☎ +212 (0) 5 24 88 76 44, [2]. In an authentic yet modern setting Riad Ksar Ighnda opens its doors for you onto the Atlas Mountains, room in tadelakt with air conditioning
