After Todra Gorge we drove to Ait Benhaddou and arrived at our hotel by late afternoon as the sun was setting. Time in this place was short and we were to leave the next day sometime around Noon. With only 3 other destinations left after Ait Benhaddou I was getting exhausted (In a good way). Being constantly on the move plus beautiful sensory overload through out this adventure holiday was really challenging my stamina at this point but at the same time there was a sadness brewing because I had fallen in love with Morocco & I knew that soon this life changing adventure will be over.
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified city, or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. It is situated in Souss-Massa-Drâa on a hill along the Ounila River and is known for its kasbahs, although they take damage with each rainstorm. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, eight families still live within the ksar.

Aït Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and many movies have been filmed here including Prince of Persia, Kingdom of Heaven & the Mummy. It is also used in parts of the hit T.V show Game of Thrones.

We explored the streets of this clay kasbah at a relaxed pace, then finished off the day with a meal of delicious couscous. Part of our stay also involved a ‘cooking class’ demonstration on how to cook Tagine meals which was fun to watch. we all enjoyed spending time with the owner of the Guesthouse who was a playful & entertaining host. His nickname is “Action” because he has been an extra in many of the films directed here. He welcomed us to the top of the guesthouse balcony for some refreshing Moroccan mint green tea.

Staying here was wonderful & the views were stunning, you really did feel like you were taken back in time whilst walking through the ancient city that hasn’t changed since the 11th Century. Just being in the presence of these simple but breath taking structures left me in awe. If you go here, walk through the city during sunset or sunrise because when the auburn sun light hits the golden sandy walls of the buildings & the curves of the surrounding landscape it is truly a spectacular view.

If you missed previous Moroccan adventures click on the links below!
Day one & two in Casablanca
Day three/Afternoon in Rabat
Day Four/Morning in Meknes
Day Four/Afternoon in Volubilis
Day Five: Fes
Day Six: Midelt
Day Seven in Sahara Desert
Days Eight/Nine in Todra Gorge

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