Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified city, or ksar, situated in Souss-Massa-Drâa on a hill along the Ounila River and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village on the other side of the river; however, eight families still live within the ksar which has no running water or electricity. The ksar is constructed in the adobe style using sand, clay, water and straw and repairs need to be made usually after heavy rain.
Aït Ben Haddou has been featured in a number of well known films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, Kundun, Indiana Jones, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia.
We arranged a private car from Marrakech to visit Aït Ben Haddou, as part of a day trip through the Atlas Mountains to see Ouarzazate and the Atlas Film Studios nearby. There is no entry fee, however it is customary to take a guide, who can provide you with the history and local insight into Aït Ben Haddou. Our guide’s family is one of the eight families that continue to live in the ksar.
