Vacation Packages to Ait Ben Hadou

General Information About Ait Ben Haddou

Are you looking to travel to Ait Ben Haddou? Then, here we tell you everything about this wonderful destination.

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is situated about 30 kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The village is well-known for its distinctive earthen architecture and for being a filming location for many movies and TV shows, such as “Gladiator” “Game of Thrones” and “The Mummy”.

The village was originally built in the 17th century as a caravan stop for traders traveling along the Sahara desert. It features several kasbahs (fortified dwellings) made of mud brick, which are connected by a series of narrow alleys and staircases. 

The kasbahs are decorated with intricate geometric patterns and motifs, and many have ornate doorways and windows.

Today, Ait Ben Haddou is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore its ancient architecture, learn about its history and culture, and experience the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.

Points of Interest in Ait Ben Haddou

There are several sites of interest to explore in Ait Ben Haddou:

1. The Kasbahs: Ait Ben Haddou is home to several kasbahs, including the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, which is the largest and most well-preserved. These fortified dwellings were built using mud brick and are decorated with intricate geometric patterns and motifs.
2. The Souk: A traditional market where you can find local handicrafts, spices, and other goods.
3. The Ounila River: The Ounila River runs through the village and is a great spot for taking a relaxing walk and enjoying the scenic views.
4. Film Studios: Ait Ben Haddou is a popular filming location, and there are several film studios in the area that offer tours.
5. Atlas Film Studio: Atlas Film Studio is one of the largest film studios in the world and is located just outside of Ait Ben Haddou. It has been used as a filming location for many famous movies. 
6. Tizi n’Tichka Pass: The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is a scenic mountain pass located near Ait Ben Haddou. It is the highest point on the road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Typical Food and Drinks of Ait Ben Haddou

As we mention, Ait Ben Haddou is located in Morocco, which is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. 

Some typical foods you can try in Ait Ben Haddou are Tagine, a traditional Moroccan dish that is slow-cooked in a clay pot of the same name, which typically consists of meat, vegetables, and spices, such as cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, and Couscous, a dish made from semolina wheat and typically served with vegetables and meat.

Also, you should try Harira. Harira is a thick soup made with chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes, and spices. It is often served during Ramadan and is a popular breakfast food.

As for drinks, we recommend you to try Mint Tea, a popular drink in Morocco which is often served as a welcoming gesture. It is made with green tea, fresh mint, sugar, and Orange Juice. Morocco is known for its delicious oranges, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is a popular drink in Ait Ben Haddou.

And you must try Pastries if you are a fan of sweets. Morocco is known for its delicious pastries, such as baklava, chebakia, and msemen. These sweet treats are often served with mint tea and are a popular snack in Ait Ben Haddou.

Festivals of Ait Ben Haddou

There are several festivals and celebrations that take place in Ait Ben Haddou throughout the year, including:

1. Gnaoua World Music Festival: The Gnaoua World Music Festival takes place, annually, in nearby Essaouira, but many people from Ait Ben Haddou attend the event. The festival celebrates traditional Gnaoua music and attracts musicians and artists from all over the world.
2. Festival of Roses: The Festival of Roses takes place in nearby El Kelaa M’Gouna and celebrates the harvest of roses, which are a major crop in the region. The festival features parades, music, dancing, and the crowning of a Rose Queen.
3. Ramadan: Ramadan is a month-long celebration that takes place throughout the Muslim world, including Ait Ben Haddou. During this time, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and break their fast with a traditional meal called iftar.
4. Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time for feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with family and friends.
5. Imilchil Marriage Festival: The Imilchil Marriage Festival takes place in the High Atlas Mountains, not far from Ait Ben Haddou. The festival celebrates the tradition of arranged marriages and features music, dancing, and the chance for young people to meet potential partners.

Cultural Aspects of Ait Ben Haddou 

The culture in Ait Ben Haddou is deeply influenced by the Berber people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region. The Berbers have a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years and is characterized by a strong sense of community, hospitality, and respect for nature.

The people of Ait Ben Haddou are known for their traditional way of life and for their skilled craftsmanship. Many locals still practice traditional crafts, such as weaving, pottery-making, and metalworking, and visitors to the village can often watch artisans at work and purchase their wares.

Religion is also an important aspect of the culture in Ait Ben Haddou, with Islam being the dominant religion. Visitors to the village should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Hospitality is an important part of Berber culture, and visitors to Ait Ben Haddou can expect a warm welcome from locals. It is not uncommon for visitors to be invited into people’s homes for tea or a meal, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the local culture and way of life.

Overall, the culture in Ait Ben Haddou is characterized by a strong sense of tradition, community, and respect for the environment, and visitors to the village can gain a deeper understanding of this unique way of life by interacting with locals and learning about their customs and traditions.

What to See and Do in Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating landscapes.

In turn, due to its proximity to Marrakech and Casablanca, many travelers combine their trip to Ait Ben Haddou with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible history? Do you want to know about a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Ait Ben Haddou, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!