The kasbah (KSAR) of ait benhaddou
Getting
to the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou: the road to the village is, though
small, in very good condition, as well as probably the connecting road
to Agadir where most big coach buses come from. Don't underestimate the
road to Marrakesh, which crosses the high Tizi n Tichka pass and has hundreds
of sharp bends, which will make the passengers in the back puke and limit
your average speed to maximum 45 km/hour. About halfway the last part of
the road to Ait Benhaddou there are nice panoramic views over the valley.- Hotels and accommodation in Ait Benhaddou: There are several budget guesthouses and also a few more luxurious hotels with swimming pool. The hotel Le Kasbah has a swimming pool with very nice views on the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou on the other side of the river. April is high season, prices are at its highest and it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
- Visiting the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou: The ruins of the kasbah lie on the other side of the river from the village. In summer the river is dried out and you can easily cross by foot. There are only 8 families still living in the kasbah. When entering via the main entrance (just follow the stairs) you will have to pay 10 dirhams per person as a donation towards restoring the kasbah. Don't let yourself be fooled by locals telling that you are not allowed to use this main entrance, saying that it is a private house. I suppose they want to lead you into the kasbah via another entrance, and probably charging more money.
- Restaurants in Ait Benhaddou: all hotels, including the more expensive ones offer the standard lunch menu of Moroccan salad, tajine and melon. At hotel Le Kasbah, this menu costs 90 dirhams (50 dirhams if you only want the tajine) and allthough the place is packed with tourgroups, the views of the kasbah from the terrace are the best in town.
- The village of Ait Benhaddou: lies along the main road, from which a few lanes with tourist shops go in the direction of the river, with on the other side the kasbah.
