Built in the 11th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage listing, the Ksar Ait Benhaddou is one of the most extraordinary Kasbahs in Morocco.  Located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou is both dramatic and picturesque. It’s easy to see, why the site has been a popular setting for films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. On our 4 hour drive from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou we cross the Tizi-n-tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains. We will see hundreds of Berber villages with houses made from mud and straw. Here few things have changed the last hundred years – except thousands of satellite dishes on the roofs. Donkeys and mules are still the main means of transportation. After almost three hours driving, we will stop to visit the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou. Here a local guide will help us explore the narrow alleyways of the clay Kasbahs. 300 Berber families used to live here, but now it’s only home to half a dozen.  We will visit one of these families, who will serve us traditional mint tea.

Before driving back to Marrakech we will have lunch at a local restaurant.