Trekking from Ouarzazate to Marrakesh meant we spent the better part of a day on a bus. Our journey was broken up with a pleasant stop at Ait Benhaddou. This attraction is a kasbah that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 1987. This ancient fortress has been the backdrop for countless movies and, in recent years, the blockbuster HBO series Game of Thrones. The walk to the top of the ruins is well worth the view you get once you arrive at the granary located at the top.
Ait Benhaddou Is A Living Kasbah
One of the most surprising aspects of Ait Benhaddou is that it is still occupied. While most kasbahs we saw were deserted, this one is home to several families. The kasbah sits atop a large hill across a river that once required tourists to cross by stepping on stones in the river. We crossed on a bridge that makes it much easier to access. There is a small coffee shop on the near side of the bridge that also has restrooms. As weary travelers, we certainly availed ourselves of the opportunity before trekking to the top of the kasbah.
Historical Significance of Ait Banhaddou
Dating back to around the seventeenth century, Ait Benhaddou is built mostly of mud. When the majority of the residents deserted the kasbah, it began to decay. Several years ago, preservation projects were initiated to maintain this scenic community. Evidence of preservation can be seen in areas where erosion barriers are visible. Careful consideration was given to ensure these efforts blend into the scenery as much as possible.
A Shopper’s Paradise
As we ascended up to the kasbah, we discovered plenty of shops selling clothing, shoes, and art. The merchants were not overly aggressive, but they would follow you if you showed special interest in an item. One of my friends on the tour had a merchant follow her almost the entire way back down to make a sale, and she eventually closed the deal. Persistence pays off.
Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities
The climb to the top of Ait Benhaddou offers excellent vantage points if you walk to either end of each tier you ascend. The town is built in layers, so many trails are on the same elevation, with stairways or passageways leading up to the next strata of shops and houses. There are plenty of opportunities for photos, which I took full advantage of. Needless to say, the views from the top were the best. With that in mind, I took plenty of photos from the top!
A Memorable Visit to Ait Benhaddou
Visiting Ait Benhaddou was a delightful break from our bus ride through the desert mountains. This amazing World Heritage site is not far off the beaten path if you are traveling between Ouarzazate and Marrakesh. The combination of historical significance, living culture, and stunning scenery makes it a must-see destination.
I hope you enjoyed reading about Ait Benhaddou as much as I enjoyed revisiting this incredible site while sharing these descriptions and photos with you. I really enjoyed my visit to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. It was a cool place to visit, offering a unique glimpse into Morocco’s rich history and vibrant present. It is much more than just a stop over to stretch your legs.
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