Best of Aït Ben Haddou

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is one of the best-preserved examples of a ksar, a fortified Berber settlement made of clay, in Morocco. This is in part due to its popularity as a film location, and you may recognize spots from films like "Gladiator," "Sodom and Gomorrah," and "Lawrence of Arabia." Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, it's becoming more and more like an open-air museum and increasingly popular with travelers who prefer to stay here instead of nearby Ouarzazate for its more relaxing atmosphere. While it has fewer facilities, the opportunity to explore the area when it's not full of day-trippers is worth taking advantage of.

Take a guided tour through the ksar to check out all the filming spots. You can also see if you can spot them unaided on a solo walk, then sit on a terrace to enjoy a glass of mint tea while looking out over the panorama. If you want to explore outside the village, previous kimkim travelers have hopped on board a mountain bike or ATV to venture through the valley across the Berber villages. Or stay with a family inside the old village to learn more about Berber culture, including the option for a cooking class.

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The Kasbah of the Udayas fortress in Rabat in Morocco.

A Taste of Morocco: Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, & Essaouira - 5 Days

Perfect for travelers who want to learn about the history, cuisine, and culture of Morocco in one quick trip, this 5-day itinerary is focused on the busy city of Marrakech with quick trips to the Altas Mountains and the seaside city of Essaouira. You'll sample the dynamic flavors of Moroccan tagine, browse aisles of spices and textiles in markets, tour historic Medinas, and pamper yourself with a traditional spa experience in a hammam.

Sleep in Bedouin-style tents in the Sahara

Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou & Boumalne Dades: Best Itinerary Ideas

Five to seven days is a great length for a Morocco trip, with stops in Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Boumalne Dades. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Essaouira, Amizmiz, or Imlil. Get inspired with kimkim's Marrakesh, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Boumalne Dades trip ideas below.

The desert city of Tinghir and neighboring oasis

Marrakesh & Grand Tour of the Sahara Desert - 5 Days

Discover the beauty of Morocco with this exciting five-day itinerary. Begin and end in Marrakesh, visiting the rocky peaks of the High Atlas mountains and the colossal dunes of the Sahara. You'll wander medieval medinas and souks, marvel at palaces and mosques, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.

Discover the desert of Morocco, Boumalne Dades Valley

Marrakech & Grand Tour of the Sahara Desert - 6 Days

Discover the beauty of Morocco with this 6-day itinerary focused on Marrakech and the desert. Begin in bustling Marrakech and explore the medina's souks, fondouks, madrasas, palaces, and secret gardens. Cross over the High Atlas mountains and explore the vast landscapes and sand dunes of the Sahara. You'll wander medieval markets, marvel at palaces and mosques, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.

Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou & Todra Gorge: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that six to eight days are perfect for a well-paced Morocco trip with stops in Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Todra Gorge. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Chefchaouen or Rabat. Keep reading for more inspiring Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, and Todra Gorge itineraries.

Marrakech, Desert Tour & Essaouira - 7 Days

Combine culture, desert adventures, and seaside relaxation with this 7-day trip from Marrakech. Wander Marrakech's medina, exploring its souks and fondouks. Cross the High Atlas mountains and explore Morocco's desert, filled with fortified kasbahs and old caravan routes. Relax in Essaouira as you enjoy fresh seafood and watch the sunset over the seaside ramparts.

Boumalne Dades and the Dades Valley, Morocco

Moroccan Highlights: Fes, the Sahara Desert, & Marrakech - 6 Days

This fast-paced 6-day trip highlights the best of Morocco, including Fes, the desert, and Marrakech. Start in medieval Fes and work your way south. Traverse the Middle Atlas mountain range into the Sahara Desert, crossing back through the High Atlas mountains, and finishing in bustling Marrakech.

Essaouira's ancient city walls along its harbor

Marrakech, Quick Desert Tour & Essaouira - 8 Days

This 8-day itinerary starts in Marrakech and combines culture, adventure, and relaxation. Wander Marrakech's souks and fondouks, discover the ornate mosques and madrasas, and experience lively Jemaa el-Fna Square. Cross the High Atlas mountains and spend a few days exploring Morocco's desert, filled with fortified villages and old caravan routes through hidden oases, before ending your stay in the seaside town of Essaouira.

Explore one of Morocco's oldest cities: Tétouan

Ultimate Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains, Deserts & Coast - 13 Days

Experience the best of Morocco on this well-rounded, 13-day journey that loops from the coast to the desert and back again. Be enchanted by Chefchaouen's blue-washed walls before visiting the preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis. Get lost in the intricate alleyways and souks of Fes, then travel through the Middle Atlas mountains before traversing the Sahara by camel. Soak up the rhythms of vibrant Marrakesh and finish your trip on the coast in laid-back Essaouira.

Small villages dot the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Marrakech, Grand Desert Tour & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains - 7 Days

Discover the grandeur of Morocco with this seven-day itinerary. Spend the night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent, traipse through narrow passageways in ancient kasbahs, and hike the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. You'll ride a camel, swim in an oasis, share a meal with a Berber family, and wander exotic souks and bazaars.

Moroccan Desert & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains - 8 Days

This 8-day trip mixes culture and adventure in Marrakech, the desert, and High Atlas mountains. Start and end in Marrakech and explore the historic medina's souks, timeworn tombs, old madrasas, and secret gardens. Pass over the High Atlas mountains into Morocco's desert and discover medieval kasbahs, caravan routes, and the Saharan dunes. Finish with a two-day hike through small villages in the Atlas foothills, enjoying a meal and overnight with a local family.

Camels with typical Berber saddles in a Palmeraie near Marrakesh, Morocco.

Moroccan Adventure, Culture & Relaxation - 9 Days

Combine desert adventure, High Atlas hiking, cultural experiences, and relaxation with this 9-day trip with something for every traveler.

Merzouga in the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Southern Morocco Luxury Tour - 8 Days

Exploring the highlights of Southern Morocco on this adventure-packed trip. Spend your first night in the Sahara, then visit the famed Ait Benhaddou and explore the dunes of Erg Lihoudi with a comfortable night in a luxury camp. Continue to Marrakech to visit ornate palaces, the serene Majorelle Gardens, and vibrant city markets. Finish your trip in the charming coastal city of Essaouira, where 18th-century artist studios and quiet coastal charm await.

Tizi n'Tichka pass over the Atlas mountain range

Marrakech, Grand Tour of the Desert, Hiking & the Coast - 8 Days

Discover Morocco's diverse beauty with this 8-day itinerary. Begining and ending in the vibrant imperial city of Marrakech, you'll spend the night under the stars in a Bedouin-style tent, traipse through narrow alleyways in medieval kasbahs, hike the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and wander the charming coastal city of Essaouira.

Beautiful shot of a staircase leading to an arched door in Chefchaouen

Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Aït Benhaddou & Todra Gorge: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 10 to 11 days are the perfect amount of time for a Morocco trip, with stops in Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Aït Benhaddou, and Todra Gorge. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Casablanca, Amizmiz, or Tangier. Get inspired with the below Marrakesh, Fes, Merzouga, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Aït Benhaddou, and Todra Gorge trip ideas.

Discover the deserts and kasbahs of Morocco

Marrakesh, Grand Desert Tour, Hiking & the Coast - 10 Days

Featuring a combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 10-day itinerary will have you discover the Imperial City of Marrakesh, explore the Sahara and surrounding desert towns, hike the Atlas mountains, and relax along the coast. Enjoy traditional music around a desert campfire, spend a night with a local Berber family, and hike between small villages in the Atlas foothills. Finish the trip by eating fresh seafood by the Atlantic in charming Essaouira.

Moroccan Cities and the Sahara - 8 Days

Featuring a combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 8-day itinerary will bring you to the famous old medina in Fes, a dune sea in the Sahara, and the brilliant blue walkways of Chefchaouen. Enjoy traditional music around a desert campfire, hike in a massive gorge, and get in on the action in Marrakech's busiest square.

Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the Atlas Mountains

Southern Morocco: Marrakech, Sahara & the Atlas Mountains - 9 Days

Enjoy culture, history, adventure, and relaxation on this nine-day Morocco tour. Explore Marrakech before venturing into the desert a few days exploring kasbahs, caravan routes, and the Saharan dunes. Cross up and over the High Atlas Mountains, hike between small villages, and spend a night with a local family.

Experience the Sahara by camelback (photo courtesy of Yassine Echcherki)

Grand Morocco Tour: Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakesh & More - 13 Days

On this 13-day tour of Morocco, you'll explore the country's ancient history and adventure through the desert. In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and Hassan Tower—one of the largest in the world—and then explore Chefchaouen, the iconic blue-hued city. Go camping in the Sahara Desert and discover the ruins in Fes. The epicenter of each city is its medina, where you can experience the colorful local cultures up close.

Grand Morocco Tour: North to South - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary features a perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation. Explore imperial cities, mountain villages, desert landscapes, and coastal ramparts. Begin in northern Morocco in Tangier and Chefchaouen before working your way south to Fes, through the desert, and over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech and Essaouira.

Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour - 10 Days

Discover the best of Morocco with this 10-day loop, featuring the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, as well as several days in the desert. You'll navigate the streets of ancient medinas, ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara, explore mud-brick cities in desert towns, and cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains.

Highlight Luxury Tour of Morocco - 10 Days

This highlights tour checks off Morocco's top cultural and natural sites. Explore medieval architecture in Rabat, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and see the famous tanneries in Fes. Continue to the Sahara to see the desert city of Ait Benhaddou and spend a peaceful night under the stars, then finish your trip in colorful Marrakech, where vibrant markets, serene gardens, and lively nightlife await.

Enter the Rissani kasbah and find the donkey "parking lot"

Imperial Cities, Moroccan Deserts & Hiking the Atlas Mountains - 12 Days

This 12-day grand tour is a perfect mix of culture and adventure. Start in Casablanca and wander the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh. Explore desert towns, oases, and old kasbahs, ending with two days of hiking in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, spending an evening with a local family.

Morocco's Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert - 11 Days

Enjoy Morocco's backroads on a loop that takes you from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert and back again. Travel from Marrakesh to Aït Bouguemez, the gateway of the High Atlas mountains. Gain an understanding of Berber culture as you volunteer in a local village in the region. Move through the Sahara by camel before teaching little kids English. Listen to Gnawa, a traditional healing music, as you watch the sunset over the desert. Finish your trip in the vibrant city of Marrakesh.

Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour - 11 Days

Discover imperial cities and desert landscapes on this 11-day circuit starting in Casablanca. Experience culture and history in historic Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech as you navigate their ancient medinas. You'll ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara, explore mud-brick cities, and cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains.

Cape Spartel lighthouse at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, near Tangier

Grand Morocco Tour: North to South - 11 Days

This complete 11-day itinerary takes you from Tangier—the gateway between Europe and Africa—to buzzing Marrakech, through some of Morocco's most stunning landscapes. You'll visit three imperial cities along with the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the desert towns of Erfoud, Merzouga, and Rissani, and the mud-brick ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Ride a camel over the Erg Chebbi dunes, explore hidden oases along ancient caravan routes, and wander medinas and souks along the way.

A view inside the labyrinth of souks in Marrakech

Morocco Grand Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech - 12 Days

This complete 12-day tour covers Morocco' best, from cultural stops in historic cities to desert exploration in the Sahara and surrounding desert. Explore medieval medinas, lively souks, ancient ruins, and old kasbahs. You'll trek along long-forgotten caravan routes, ride a camel over colossal sand dunes, and cool off in an oasis at the bottom of a gorge.

Ride camels through the Saharan sand dunes

Morocco Grand Tour: Casablanca to the Atlantic Coast - 14 Days

Experience Morocco's cities and desert wonders on this two-week grand tour. Start in the north, where you'll visit Casablanca and the capital Rabat, then marvel at Chefchaouen's iconic blue-tinged architecture. Continue to the country's cultural capital, Fes, before following ancient caravan routes into the Sahara Desert, where you'll camp among shifting dunes and explore oasis towns. Finish on the coast, winding through Marrakesh's souks and relaxing in the seaside town of Essaouira.

The Merenid Tombs overlook the imperial city of Fes

Imperial Cities, Desert Grand Tour & Hiking in the Atlas - 12 Days

Explore Morocco's cities and desert on this 12-day grand tour. Begin and end in modern Casablanca and travel around to the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh, as well as the hillside town of Chefchaouen. You'll trek into the Sahara, camp under the stars, visit desert towns and kasbahs, and hike the Atlas mountains foothills.

Essaouira's Skala de Kasbah and old fishing port

Morocco Highlights from North to South - 12 Days

Discover imperial cities and desert adventures with this 12-day circuit from Tangier in the north to Essaouira in the south. Experience the culture and history of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh as you navigate narrow and winding streets in ancient medinas, shop artisanal wares in animated souks, and admire the intricate tile work of historic mosques. Explore the desert as you ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara, delve into mud-brick fortressed cities, and cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains.

Grand Moroccan Tour - 13 Days

This 13-day tour covers a wide range sites and experiences that, together, provide a well-rounded view of Morocco. The tour begins with the imperial cities of the northern area (Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Fez, and Meknes), and also includes the charming blue-painted town of Chefchaouen. The trip continues toward the Merzouga area of the Sahara, with the classic Erg Chebbi sand dunes all around. Then, stop in vibrant Marrakech and experience its lively square before heading back to Casablanca to depart.

Morocco Eco-Tour: Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert - 12 Days

On this sustainable 12-day eco-tour through Morocco, you'll travel the country while staying in locally-owned riads in Marrakesh and eco-camps in the snow-capped Atlas mountains. Besides visiting incredible locales, you'll also participate in cultural exchanges, craft workshops, and partner with local NGOs focusing on everything from women's education to community development.

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 11 Days

This all-encompassing tour highlights the best of Morocco, from cultural stops in imperial cities like Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Fes, to natural exploration in desert landscapes. You'll discover Roman ruins, hike in the wild north of Morocco, ride a camel in the Sahara for sunset, visit old kasbahs, and experience a traditional Hammam treatment. End the trip by driving over the magnificent Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains and explore the bustling city of Marrakech.

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities and Natural Landscapes - 12 Days

Combining culture and outdoor adventure, this 12-day tour features the best of Morocco, starting with the markets and monuments of the imperial cities Casablanca, Fes, and the famous "Blue City", Chefchaouen. Next you'll explore the country's natural side in the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, sleeping in Bedouin-style tents and high alpine Berber Towns. Experience cultural delights like riding camels at sunset, meandering ancient Roman ruins, visiting old kasbahs, and enjoying traditional Hammam treatments in the bustling city of Marrakech.

Morocco Coast to Desert Adventure - 12 Days

Discover Morocco from coast to desert on this well-rounded trip that starts and ends in ever-vibrant Marrakesh. After the souks of the Red City, head to Essaouira, where you can enjoy the sea breezes and laid-back atmosphere. Pass the beautiful beaches of Agadir to reach Taroudant, then set off into the Sahara, where you'll sleep under the stars and live like a nomad in the Erg Chigaga dunes, learn pottery-making in Zagora, and explore the enchanting villages of Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou.

Morocco's Imperial Cities & the Sahara Desert - 13 Days

Immerse yourself in Moroccan history and culture, and adventure in nature, the mountains, and the famed Sahara Desert on this 13-day trip. Begin and end your journey in Casablanca, where you can explore the world-renowned Hassan II Mosque. Venture into the spiritual capital of Fez and explore its different quarters. A journey into the Erg Chebbi Dunes is a trip highlight, as is Marrakesh and its bustling square. The trip concludes with coastal views and tours of Essaouira and its heritage.

Roof view of the beautiful architecture of Marrakesh, Morocco

Exploring Morocco's Imperial Cities & Natural Landscapes - 13 Days

Match Morocco's unique culture with its stunning nature in this country-wide tour that explores the charms of its bustling imperial cities—Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Marrakesh—and its rural landscape. Meander the old town medinas, meet local craftsmen, and barter at bazaars before heading out into the Sahara Desert and up into the High Atlas mountains to hike through dense forests and deep river canyons. Continue your adventure by summiting the highest mountain pass, visiting historic Berber towns and Roman ruins, riding camels into the sunset, and relaxing in a traditional Hammam.

Morocco Grand Tour: Cities, Mountains, and Desert - 14 Days

Enjoy culture, history, adventure and relaxation on this 2-week Morocco grand tour. Explore the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Casablanca. Venture into the desert a few days exploring kasbahs, caravan routes, and the Saharan dunes. Cross up and over the high atlas mountains and spend a couple days hiking between small villages, spending the night with a local family. End your trip by relaxing in Essaouira before continuing along the coast back to Casablanca.

Luxury Grand Tour of Morocco - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary checks off Morocco's top urban and natural landmarks. See medieval architecture in the capital of Rabat, walk the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and tour 9th-century Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes. Continue to the Sahara for a night of glamping, visit the desert citadel of Ait Benhaddou, and explore colorful Marrakech markets and ornate palaces before ending in the quiet coastal city of Essaouira.

The Sqala du Port, a square defensive tower in Essaouira

South Morocco Adventure: Marrakech to Essaouira - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary takes you on an exciting adventure through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Fly into Marrakech and explore its gardens and spice markets before heading to the High Atlas for hiking and great views. Then cross into the desert to wander through kasbahs and oases. Loop back toward the coast to check out the artsy, breezy town of Essaouira before finishing off with a hammam experience and food tour back in Marrakech.

Ride camels in the Sahara Desert with your family

Morocco for Families: Fes, Marrakech & Essaouira - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary offers a blend of fun activities and relaxation, perfect for families. Take photos in the "blue city" of Chefchaouen, taste traditional food with a cooking workshop in Fes, see Barbary apes in the Atlas Mountains, and ride camels in the Sahara Desert. Go shopping in the bustling markets of Marrakech and relax in a traditional hammam before hanging out with the kids on the beaches near Essaouira.

Stay a night in the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou after you complete your desert adventures

Grand Tour of Morocco: Cities, Desert & Mountains - 16 Days

Travel between cities, deserts, mountains, and oases on this exciting 16-day itinerary through Morocco. Start with a tour of the world's second-largest mosque in Casablanca, then transfer to the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen. Next, walk through the tiny streets of historic Fes' medina and stay overnight in a Bedouin-style camp under the desert skies. Finish with a hot-air balloon ride in Marrakesh, a seaside stroll in Essaouira, and a scenic drive back to Casablanca for one last meal at Rick's Cafe.

Experience Morocco's mountains, dunes, and beaches on this guided tour

Southern Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains & Atlantic Ocean - 16 Days

Let a private driver take you through the epic landscapes of southern Morocco on this 16-day tour. Starting and ending in the "Red City" of Marrakesh, you'll trek through the picturesque Toubkal National Park and wander the winding alleys of Aït Benhaddou. Then, ride a camel to a luxury camp in the Sahara and sip mint tea with villagers before heading to the palm trees of Zagora. Soak in the sunny beaches of Essaouira and end with a traditional hammam experience back in Marrakesh before departing.

Wander the narrow streets of Meknes' medina

Grand Tour: Casablanca, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Fes, Sahara Desert, Marrakech - 8 Days

Spend eight days on a grand tour of Morocco, which guarantees a taste of the country's iconic landscapes and landmarks. You'll begin in Casablanca to pay homage to its eponymous classic film, then head to Meknes, visiting Roman ruins before staying in Chefchaouen. Get lost in the medinas of Fes and travel across the Atlas mountains to the Sahara. You'll meet the area's nomadic people, dine by the fire as you watch local performers, and sleep overnight in a traditional Bedouin tent before you end your trip in the bustle of Marrakesh.

Marrakech, Grand Tour of the Desert & Essaouira - 8 Days

A perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 8-day itinerary covers the imperial city of Marrakech and crosses the High Atlas Mountains into the desert. Explore desert towns, camp in the Sahara, and relax in the coastal town of Essaouira.

Town of Boumalne Dades in the Dades Valley

Morocco Grand Tour: Cultural Cities, Sahara Desert & Atlas Hiking - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary offers a great mix of culture and outdoor adventure. Start in Casablanca and explore imperial cities and medieval medinas, ride across dunes and spend a night by a campfire listening to traditional music. Follow old caravan routes through hidden oases and hike through small villages dotting the hillsides in the Atlas mountains. Share a meal with local families and enjoy the evening spectacle of Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech.

The sun sets over the Ouarzazate River and Aït Benhaddou

Imperial Cities, Desert Adventures & Atlas Hiking - 11 Days

This 11-day grand tour mixes culture and adventure, featuring Morocco's 4 Imperial Cities, several days exploring the Sahara and surrounding desert, and hiking in the High Atlas mountains outside of Marrakech.

Other popular travel destinations in Morocco
Marrakesh · Fes · Moroccan Desert · Chefchaouen · Merzouga · Casablanca · Rabat · Essaouira · Ouarzazate · Atlas Mountains · Boumalne Dades · Tangier · Meknes · Todra Gorge · Imlil · Agafay · Zagora · Asilah · Taroudant · Skoura · Agadir · Bin El Ouidane · Agdz · Kalaat M'Gouna · Draa Valley

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