A masterpiece of earthen architecture
Ksar Ait Ben Haddou is a community village built entirely of earth, blending into the landscape that surrounds it. Set on a hill with an open view over the Ounila Valley, the complex glows in shades of ochre and pink earth. Its fortified ramparts and decorated towers make it one of the most recognisable sights in southern Morocco.
The ksar dates back to the seventeenth century and played a central role in Saharan trade. It was a vital stop on the caravan route linking Sudan to Marrakech through the Draa Valley and Tizi n Telouet. In 1987 the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Getting there from Ouarzazate
Ait Ben Haddou lies about 30 km from Ouarzazate, so it is an easy half day or a relaxed stop on the way to or from Marrakech. Several options exist depending on your budget and how much time you want to spend on the road.
- Grand taxi: a convenient drive of about 30 minutes.
- Public bus: take a bus bound for Marrakech on national road N9, get off at the village of Tabouraht and continue by local taxi or minibus. It is cheap but can take time.
- Tourist transport: many agencies run daily trips, a simple option of 30 to 45 minutes.
Coming from Marrakech
Most visitors arriving from Marrakech travel with an agency. After the Tizi n Tichka pass, two routes lead to the ksar: the national road N9 or the scenic Ounila Valley, and some travellers combine both for variety. A grand taxi can also be hired at the Bab Doukkala bus station to drive you directly to Ait Ben Haddou.
Public buses from Marrakech heading to Ouarzazate all use the N9 road. Get off at the village of Tabouraht, 30 km from Ouarzazate, then continue to Ait Ben Haddou by taxi or minibus. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the whole journey from Marrakech.
Riding to the ksar with Quad Ouarzazate
The most memorable way to arrive is off road. Quad Ouarzazate runs half day quad, buggy and horse rides across plateaus, dry riverbeds and villages to the foot of the ksar, with free time to explore. The full day quad and buggy tours combine Ait Ben Haddou with the Kingdom of Heaven film set and the Fint oasis. Travel times and conditions can change, so check locally before you set off.
Tours that visit Ait Ben Haddou
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Telouet Kasbah
Built in 1860 and owned by the Glaoui family, Telouet hides painted cedar ceilings and Andalusian decoration behind weathered earthen walls.
Taourirt Kasbah
The landmark kasbah of central Ouarzazate, a former Glaoui residence with Amazigh patterns outside and carved cedar, paintings and zellige within.
Amridil Kasbah
A well preserved seventeenth century kasbah at the edge of the Skoura oasis, still run by the descendants of its builder and once pictured on the 50 dirham note.