Aït Benhaddou is not just a tourist hub, but also a good place to stop for long trips in Morocco. All these advantages reflect its majesty. Everyone who wants to visit this place should leave modernity behind and then come to Ait-Ben-Haddou. You are supposed to ride a donkey here and walk some lengths. Of course, the old texture of this village is also attractive; for example, the old buildings and compound walls in the city have now changed to desirable art and sculpture shops. From these stores, you can buy unique souvenirs, memorable crafts, and some local antiques.
What to Do
Walking and Taking in the View
As you traverse the stream, you face the dramatic aspect of historical beauty. Kasbah within allows you to explore old dwellings, which can even be called elegant museums. In addition to all these charms, you also pay a very small entrance fee to visit as if it is free.
The Pleasure to Eat and Shop
By crossing the river, you have the chance to experience relatively more modern enjoyments. This part of the city is a little further away from the earlier loamy architecture, and mud bricks have been applied to build these shops and restaurants.
Additionally to the local antiques and crafts previously mentioned, It is logical that hand-woven rugs, which are considered a valuable item, would be very pricey since they are such special souvenir items. After shopping, drinking mint tea, and eating local foods can restore your energy.
Best Place to Eat
La Fibule D’or Restaurant
This place is your host for all three meals, in addition to fascinating food, offers a silent environment and a unique view of Ksar.
Kasbah Valentine
This friendly eatery is the most popular restaurant for visitors, and you are unlikely to read a bad review of it. They are ready to serve you breakfast, lunch, dinner, amazing desserts, vegetable dishes of Moroccan origin, and less common fruits.
Maison D’hote Chez Brahim
As the name suggests, this place is located in a hotel. In addition to serving authentic local and African food, the chefs of this restaurant have hearty suggestions for vegetarians.
Check Out Ounila Valley
The peacefulness gorge of harsh Ait Ben Haddou is commendable. It is a great experience for one to visit this valley with a camera in hand.
Center Dar Equestre
Equestrian enthusiasts traveling to Morocco will never miss a visit to CENTER DAR EQUESTRE. The route you have for riding starts from a green valley and continues to the rocky desert (Hamada). A skilled rider will be offered a Barb-Arab horse, but if you have no experience riding, you can be assisted by present trainers or ride an animal with a rider.
Fint Tours
This attractive tour includes Grand southern Moroccan circuit, 4×4 desert excursions, Zagora, Mhamid, Chegaga, Merzouga Camel trek, trekking, Draa valley, Dades Gorge, and Todgha Gorge. Interestingly enough, the price for all these trips is really low, and you’ll have the unique experience of sleeping in a desert tent.
How to Get There
To reach Ait-Ben-Haddou from Morocco instantly, you have to undertake 180 kilometers to the southeast of Morocco. The attractions along the way are sure to make your day exciting, and you will not be bored at all. You can rent a car to get you around or take guided tours.
It is difficult to resist the beauty of the Tizi n Tichka Pass and the High Atlas. It is a fact that everyone’s taste is expressed as they take pictures along the road. Upon entering Ait Ben Hadou, you will be greeted by the many green colors, the Atlas Mountains, and the mysterious villages. You are traveling on a road that slopes upwards, and as you progress, the road gets higher. At these moments, you are fortunate enough to glimpse the magnificent peaks of the High Atlas.
The area surrounding Ait-Ben-Haddou is so famous for its souvenirs that you will find stalls selling decorative mineral stones if you go just a little further. Ait-Ben-Haddou has everything you need to complete your trip. The café at Tiz Imgur invites anyone tired of the road to relax. The road descends to progressively lower elevations along the way, revealing new and wonderful landscapes, including Dry hills, rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and camels.
Hotels and Accommodations
In Ait Ben Haddou, there are several great places to stay! Opt for a hotel right in the mud city or one with a view of the Kasbah. Starting your morning in this unique environment is wonderful.
- Ait Ben Haddou Guest House Bagdad: Bagad Guest House Café provides convenience with its beautiful pool and comfortable rooms. It’s near the center of Ait Ben Haddou’s old city.
- Paradise of Silence: Great rooms, swimming pools, and delicious food go into creating the paradise of silence.
- Chez Brahim: The view from the rooftop terrace is amazing and certainly one of the best things the city offers. Chez Brahim is a cheap offer with good options.