To get from Marrakech to the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, you need to travel 180 kilometers (112 miles). This route takes the N9, crosses the High Atlas and the Tizi N’Tichka pass, before taking the P1506 which leads directly to the village of Ait Ben Haddou.

The Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is located approximately 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate is not located in the Sahara desert, characterized by sand dunes, camels, and camps. To reach such desert landscapes, like those of Mhamid or Merzouga, an additional 5 hours of driving from Ouarzazate is required.

Ouarzazate, located at the entrance to the Moroccan Sahara Desert, has significant attractions. A day trip from Marrakech will allow you to visit the Kasbah of Telouet, the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, and the Atlas Film Studios. The journey through the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N’Tichka pass offers spectacular landscapes. However, the 4-hour drive from Marrakech, often on winding roads, can be challenging for some travelers.

Ouarzazate is widely recognized for its leading film studios, such as Atlas and CLA, and for the richness of its art and culture. The region is particularly remarkable for its unique architectural styles, with houses designed to adapt to varying temperatures, both hot and cold. In Ouarzazate, temperatures can reach up to 48 °C in summer, which reflects the extreme climatic conditions of the region.

The Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, during the time of the Almoravids. Despite this early origin, none of the current buildings of the ksar date from before the 17th century. The strategic location of the Ksar in the Ounila valley made it, since the 11th century, an essential stop for the trade caravans traveling from the Sahara Desert to Marrakech and Fes.