Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour: Camel Rides & Overnights

• Best Marrakech to Fes Sahara Desert Tour with Camp & Camel Trek

• Ouarzazate Day Trip: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah & Atlas Film Studios

• Fes: Best Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert Dunes, 3-Day Tour

• 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech

You can explore the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou for free, but most visitors stop as part of a day trip or multi-day tour from Marrakech. Day trips start at around US$25 and also take you to nearby sights, such as Ouarzazate and Atlas Film Studios. Longer tours lasting two days or more start at around US$75 and feature experiences such as an overnight in a desert camp and a camel ride.

Yes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most intact fortified kasbahs along a former trans-Saharan trade route, and its atmospheric jumble of earthen dwellings surrounded by defensive walls and ramparts is a premier example of historic Moroccan architecture. Reaching this remote village on your own can be challenging, however, so book a tour from Marrakech that includes round-trip transportation to take the guesswork out of your plans and explore other central Moroccan highlights.

Per one customer who booked the Ouarzazate Day Trip: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah & Atlas Film Studios, "With only a few days in Morocco, this day trip was a perfect, stress-free way to see some of its most spectacular sites. I was picked up promptly by our friendly and enthusiastic guide, Fatima, from near my riad, and enjoyed a relaxing bus trip via the Atlas Mountains (and a coffee stop!) to the atmospheric, UNESCO–listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which is rich in history and the filming location of many famous films. We had plenty of time to explore and take photos before heading to Ouarzazate for a lovely and reasonably-priced lunch on a terrace overlooking the town. After lunch, we explored the Atlas Film Studios, then returned to Marrakech in the early evening. Altogether, it was a great day out, and the perfect opportunity to see some of the amazing sites that this beautiful country has to offer!"

The site of Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou) dates back to the 11th century, but most buildings were built after the 17th and housed Berber families in a fortified tribal village style. The Berber architecture has been preserved, and a few families still live here.

It’s best to hire a car and driver or book a tour to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou). There’s no public transport to the kasbah, which is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Marrakech or a 30-minute drive from Ouarzazate.

No, there isn’t a fee to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou). Sometimes, touts will be waiting around outside, asking you to buy a ticket. Alas, they are just out to make a buck, and no, you don’t need to purchase an entrance ticket.

Many tours run to Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou), so most travelers will have an opinion. Choose a one-day tour from Marrakech and tack on a tour of the Hollywood hotspot, Ouarzazate. Some tours include camel rides, meals, or even overnight stays in the Sahara.

Aim for sunset for the best time to visit Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (Ksar of Ait Benhaddou), since the orange and red light is perfect for some beautiful photos. If you can’t make it for sunset, try for early morning when the light is also soft.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Aït Ben Haddou. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Central Morocco:

• Atlas Mountains

• Koutoubia Mosque

• Tizi-n'Tichka Pass

• Mt. Toubkal

• Ourika Valley

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Central Morocco.