Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with FacebookLatest Ait Ben Haddou hotel reviews
Helpfulness
We entered the old town of Ait Ben Haddou by a small side-entrance. Some of the houses are still used for stables for sheep and goats, but they seem to be not comfortable enough to live there for everyday life of the local population.
This fact gives also a great chance to the tourists, to go inside some of the buildings and take a closer look without the need to ask for permission or maybe disturbing anyone.
In any case the tourguides will know, where you may enter and where it is not possible or advisable.
Updated Jul 15, 2009
Helpfulness
This was the main entrance to the old village of Ait Ben Haddou and once it played also an important role in the movie " Sodom and Gomorrah "
It sounds strange to us, but these walls, simply made of clay, straw and water get so very hard, that once that they are totally dried out in the burning sun, these walls may well defend the village against enemies.
Nowadys there are only a few people still living in this old part of town.
Written Jul 15, 2009
Helpfulness
Here were some motivated travellers spied up on the very top of Ait Benhaddou's mound early one morning around the time of sunrise!
This is the area of the fortified granary above the kasbah complex of Ait Benhaddou - make your way up through the streets and its not difficult to find your way to the top - a little steep and rocky so good walking shoes make good sense - but great views from here over the multi complex of kasbahs below, the palmeraie and stoney desert (hamada) that make the dramatic and variety of landscape surrounding the area.
Updated Feb 16, 2009
Helpfulness
When approaching the village of Ait Benhaddou there is a viewpoint with parking area on the right side of the road - pull in here for great views of the multilevelled old town of multi kasbahed Ait Benhaddou - as it graduates up the hill to the fortress and granary on top of its hill from the plain in the valley its built on.
As well as a great panoramic view of the desert like terrain that surrounds the green life within this valley. Visiting now in early February with lots of snow on the atlas mountains throughout most of the area there are snow topped mountains visible from this viewpoint as well.
Written Feb 10, 2009
Helpfulness
It's nice to walk a bit in the Oued Ounila to the north. From here you have another view at the kasbah. I saw also some people making a horse ride in the Oued.
If you have the power to climb, you can go up to the top of the kasbah area. There are some ruins. I didn't the effort during my first visit. The second time I came I had enough time to do so.... and the view at the kasbah and surroundings were great.
Updated Dec 1, 2008
Helpfulness
Rather impressive entrance - can imagine back to years before as you make your way up this path and in through the gate of this fortified mudbrick city of fortified homes - then theres the request for 10 dirham for a ticket (which is actually only about 75p) - which some say is a whim of the locals and normally there is no charge.
I dont remember paying when I went the first time a few years back. But I dont see why we shouldnt pay anyway!
Its another 5 dirham to go up inside one of the first kasbahs/fortified homes as you enter the first courtyard through the gate - one of the tower blocks that you see on the side profile of photos of Ait BenHaddou and well worth it really - ive been up kasbahs at Telouet, Skoura and Tafroute but I like to take opportunities as they come along!
Updated Apr 13, 2008
Helpfulness
Zig zag among the little lanes... it's like walking in a maze, only you can't get lost.... sometimes it looks like there's nowhere to go on, but if you ask the friendly locals, they will tell you that the right way it's through their house, which it really is.
When I visited the cashbah I was with a French and an Algerian man - which made a big difference. because he spoke Arabic everyone wwent out of their way to welcome us and invite us to have tea with them... above all there was no pressure to buy anything.
Updated Jan 28, 2008
Helpfulness
Right after the entrance, you come to the tallest building of the ksar - the mosque... all pink/ochre and richly adorned. is not a free-standing mosque - but rather a mosque with homes and buildings attached
As far as I know, it was not born as a mosque but rather as a house - a rich family home. It was only in later times that it was turned into a mosque. This would explain why it is surrounded by smaller and simpler constructions.
Written Jan 21, 2008
Address: old ksar
Helpfulness
The entrance area is the most imposing and best-preserved part of the old ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. It was built in the 11 centuries and from this entrance you can see that the casbah was designed for defensive purposes... the walls are high and thick. Look out for the fortified towers in the corners and for their tiny windows: these are the places where guards would keep watch against invaders...
There is an admission charge of 10 dirhams to the fortified village, which may not be totally legal to ask (opinions differ). I hope it goes towards the restoration of the casbah
Updated Jan 21, 2008
Address: old ksar
Helpfulness
A great way to enjoy the area surrounding Ait Ben Haddou is by going up to the top of the hill upon which it is built, and enjoy the sights... If it is a clear day your can take in the beauty of the surrounding story desert as well as the eternally snowcapped Atlas mountains in the background. What a surreal sight!
To reach the top of the hill just walk up any lane and don't worry if they'll tell you that you'll have to go through a private home to continue your way uphill... it is often true.
Written Jan 21, 2008
Address: Ait Ben Haddou
Sponsored Links
49 Opinions
1 Review and 27 Opinions The second time we visited Ait ben Haddou we decided to stay two nights in Dar Mouna. It's a...
4 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Ait Ben Haddou attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ait Ben Haddou sightseeing.
A great way to enjoy the area surrounding Ait Ben Haddou is by going up to the top of the hill upon which it is built, and enjoy the sights... If it is a clear...
Our members can help!
1
I've got some interesting experiences in Ait Ben Haddou. I'd love to share with you the 17 tips I've written, the 24 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
2
I've got some interesting experiences in Ait Ben Haddou. I'd love to share with you the 14 tips I've written, the 42 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
3
Visited this place first in July 2003 with some faux guides, then with my boyfriend in March 2004 and then with my bestfriend Traceyanne, showing her the best of Morocco!!, in 2006, since returned...
4
In the Valley of a Thousand Kasbah’s, there in one in particular which stands out above all others - the Kasbah in Ait BenHaddou. The Kasbah has featured in countless movies and a whole new village......
5
The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is one of the most famous kasbahs in the Atlas Region. Much of the kasbah is rebuilt, because it deserved many times as a decor for movies. Now is the kasbah an UNESCO...
Build your own Ait Ben Haddou page
Sponsored Links
