The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou seen from the granaryThe earthen ksar on the caravan road, and the films that followed.
Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified earthen village (ksar) on the old caravan road between the Sahara and Marrakech, listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1987. It is about 4 hours from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass and has been the setting of many films, including Gladiator.
Houses, towers and a granary built in pisé, climbing a hill above the Ounila river.
A short climb to the top for a view over the valley and the desert beyond.
Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed here.
Every desert tour from Marrakech stops here, and it is the best day trip from the city.
From Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, about 4 hours. From Ouarzazate, 30 minutes.
The ksar is free to walk through; some houses ask a small fee to go inside. A local guide is optional.
All year. Late afternoon light is the most beautiful; midday in summer is hot.
A few families still live inside the ksar; most live in the new village across the river.
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Yes, it is the best taste of the south in one day, with the Tizi n'Tichka pass on the way.
Among others, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and scenes of Game of Thrones.
About 190 km, around 4 hours each way.
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