"Ait Benhaddou" Ait Ben Haddou by iwys

Ait Ben Haddou Travel Guide: 115 reviews and 365 photos

Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most filmed towns in the world. It has featured in numerous movies, including "Lawrence of Arabia", "The Jewel of the Nile", "The Living Daylights", "The Last Temptation of Christ", "Jesus of Nazareth", "The Sheltering Sky", "Kundun", "The Mummy", "Gladiator" and "Alexander".

The old town is a ksar: an oasis town, made of adobe, and consisting of several fortified homes, or kasbahs, and a fortified granary. Only two or three families still live here. Most of the population now live in the new town on the other side of the river, which is also where the hotels and restaurants are. It only takes a few minutes to cross the river from the new town to the old. When I was there, in September, the river bed was completely dry; in winter the water can be knee-deep, but it is still quite easy to wade across.

Ait Benhaddou was first built in the 11th century as a stop for camel caravans carrying salt, gold, ivory and slaves across the Sahara.

Last visit to Ait Ben Haddou: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Feb 4, 2009
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Reviews (7)

The famous donkey Local Customs (2)

This is one of the the most photographed and painted donkeys in Morocco. It stands near the beginning of the ascent... more travel advice

Kasbah Things to Do (2)

There are several kasbahs in Ait Benhaddou. Each one is a fortified, multi-story home for one extended family. Teenage... more travel advice

The Granary Things to Do (2)

At the top of the hill is the fortified granary, dating back to the 11th century. Now, it is just a ruin, but it affords... more travel advice

Mud bricks Local Customs (2)

Ait Benhaddou is constantly being rebuilt, as rain damages the mud-brick buildings. A lot of recent renovation has been... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Grand Taxi

Hotels (2)
See All best hotel in town

Comments (4)

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sourbugger Feb 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM

rock the kasbah, rock the kasbar !
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razbella Apr 24, 2007 at 4:17 AM

stayed at La Baraka on your recommendation and it was fine.... as you said, basic rooms but excellent food, friendly staff.
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barryg23 Jan 23, 2007 at 12:36 AM

Lovely pictures of Ait Benhaddou - I'll be visiting here in March. Those hotels both sound nice.
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Adamis Oct 17, 2006 at 3:34 PM

Lovely pics, looks dry. I was there in Late October, the river was waist deep and passable by horse.