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Earthen ksar of Aït Benhaddou climbing to the granary on the hilltop

Ounila valley, near Ouarzazate

Things to do in Aït Benhaddou

The earthen ksar on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.

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Aït Benhaddou is a fortified village of packed earth rising above the Ounila river, UNESCO-listed since 1987 and still partly inhabited. It is the most photographed kasbah in Morocco and a stop on nearly every desert route.

Travel guide to Aït Benhaddou

Best things to do

Cross the riverbed and climb to the agadir at the top for the valley view, then walk the Ounila road towards Telouet.

Best time to visit

Early morning or late afternoon, when the earth walls turn orange and the coaches have gone.

How long to stay

Two hours to visit, or a night nearby to see it at both ends of the day.

Top attractions in Aït Benhaddou

Souvenir stalls in an earthen lane of Aït Benhaddou

The Ksar

Stacked earthen houses and granary, restored as a UNESCO world heritage site.

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A traveller with a backpack looks down at a lush green river valley surrounded by dry reddish mountains under a clear sky.

Ounila Valley

The old caravan road north towards Telouet, lined with smaller kasbahs.

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Earthen kasbah with a tall tower in the Ouarzazate region

Telouet Kasbah

The Glaoui palace an hour north, with painted rooms still intact.

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Frequently asked questions about Aït Benhaddou

Is Aït Benhaddou worth visiting?

Yes. It is the best-preserved ksar in southern Morocco and sits directly on the Marrakech to Sahara road.

How long does a visit take?

About two hours including the climb to the granary at the top.

Where is Aït Benhaddou?

In the Ounila valley on the southern side of the High Atlas, about 30 km north-west of Ouarzazate, on the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.

When is the best time to visit Aït Benhaddou?

Early morning or late afternoon, when the earth walls turn orange and the coach groups have left.

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Nearby destinations

Things to do in OuarzazateThings to do in MarrakeshThings to do in MerzougaThings to do in M’hamid El Ghizlane

Keep exploring Aït Benhaddou

1The Ksar2Ounila Valley3Telouet Kasbah4Tamdaght Kasbah5Atlas Film Studios