Ait Benhaddou: Kasbahs & Castles

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Ait Benhaddou
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 149.- per adult (excluding flights)
from £ 109 - per child (up to 11 years)

Experience the charm of the ancient walled city of Ait Benhaddou, traditionally constructed of clay and straw. Nestled in the valley just outside the Atlas Mountains, snow-capped peaks dot the horizon, and farming remains a staple of the landscape. You'll spend two nights in a kasbah-style hotel, staying in a cosy room with small windows that keep the heat at bay. The hotel features a refreshing swimming pool and is conveniently close to the medieval village.

Day 1 – Journey to Ait Benhaddou

Today you’ll travel to Ait Benhaddou, about a 5 hour drive from Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages, donkey carts and catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Arrive in Ait Benhaddou via a winding mountain pass, home to one of Morocco’s largest kasbahs. Your accommodation is a kasbah-style hotel with sand-toned walls and small windows, designed to keep the heat at bay. Enjoy views of the village from the pool!

Day 2 – Explore Ait Benhaddou

Start your day with breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the old town. To reach the kasbah, hop across the sandbanks at low tide or take a donkey ride for a small fee over the small river. Pay a small entrance fee (about 5 dirhams, or £1 per person) to enter the ancient walled city. Begin your exploration by winding your way up to view the clay houses along the green riverbed and climbing the stone stairs of one of the towers. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool. In the evening, enjoy a variety of local Moroccan specialties on the terrace.

Day 3 – Departure from Ait Benhaddou

After breakfast, it’s time to leave your kasbah and continue your journey through Morocco. Explore more of the Atlas Mountains or head to the coast for a surf lesson.