Situated at 33 km from Ouarzazate, the village of Aït Benhaddou houses one of the best kept kasbahs of the whole south of Morocco ; the ksar (ancient village) is also very picturesque. It has been built on the left river side of Mellah valleiy, on the hillside. Its exceptional beauty has been improved by the taken of films like Lawrence of Arabia or Jesus of Nazareth.

The authorities, conscious of the value of this unique place, succeeded in 1987 in inscribing it in the list of the Worlwide Heritage protected by the Unesco.

It is continously under renovation.

The terraces on the top of the building offer an extraordinary view on the village and on the oued (river) below.

Only about ten families live there yet.

The way back brings you to the kasbah of Tifoultoute : also a very beautiful kasbah, built in 1776 ; its rocky promontory juttes out over the oued and the palm grove. From its terrace you can discover a splendid vue over the whole valley up to the High Atlas.

For your information, the kasbahs are found in the south of Morocco ; it’s a kind of fortification made of clay. At the same time residence of the lord and fortress, it played a leading role during many centuries

They are built on rock foundations with green bricks made of clay and straw, according to a very ancient procedure.

For a successful excursion contact Labbas Sbaï and his team.
They will take care of your comfort, well-being and requirements following your arrival :

Avenue Mohamed V Place 3 Mars 45000 Ouarzazate Maroc
Tel : 00 212 (0) 24 88 57 99 Fax : 00 212 (0) 24 88 49 91 E-mail : info@iriqui.com