Aït ben Haddou, Morocco

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Ait ben Haddou (also spelled Ait benhaddou) is the most spectacular fortified village or ksar in southern Morocco. And this frequently filmed location is even more impressive in person that it is on screen. Wander through the adobe buildings that rise up from the sand. Hire a local guide. And help your kids imagine life as a Berber. This World Heritage Site has much to offer history buffs and film fanatics alike.

Getting there

Ait ben Haddou is situated roughly 30 km (18 miles) northwest of Ouarzazate. Royal Air Maroc offers daily flights to/from Casablanca and Ouarzazate. Marrakech is the best place to start a road trip to Ait ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. There is no train service in this part of the country.

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Flights
Royal Air Maroc

When to travel

The best time of year to visit Ait ben Haddou is in fall (October and November) or spring (March and April). From June to August the average daytime high exceeds 40°C (104°F) and the sirocco, desert winds, blows continuously. In December and January the nighttime low can fall below 0°C (32°F).

Weather Forecast & Climate History
Morocco Weather
Weather Underground

Travel health & child safety

Traveler's diarrhea is the most common aliment afflicting tourists in Morocco. Avoiding tap water is the cornerstones to prevention. Drink bottled water and eat cooked or peeled fruit and vegetables only. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn are risks in all desert environments. Apply high factor sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your child's nose, ears, and toes, before you set out and repeat applications throughout the day. Encourage the children to drink regularly.

Travel Health in Morocco
MD Travel Health
Heat Related Illnesses
Children's Hospital Boston

Things to keep in mind

Moroccan Moslems celebrate Ramadan - a month of fasting, from sunrise to sunset. Many restaurants are closed until sunset throughout Ramadan and while non-Moslems can eat and drink at any time of the day, they should avoid doing so in public. The timing of Ramadan varies from year to year in accordance with the lunar calendar.