Aït Benhaddou – “The Desert Fortress of Morocco”

#holidayitinerary 📌 Location: Ouarzazate Province, Morocco Aït Benhaddou is like a sandcastle city frozen in time. This UNESCO-listed ksar, built from red clay and perched beside a shallow river, has starred in countless movies (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy). I climbed through its narrow alleys to the granary at the top for sweeping desert views. Despite its fame, it still feels authentic, with a few local families still living within the mudbrick walls. The quiet, golden hour light makes everything glow. Paired with mint tea and local hospitality, it’s an atmospheric stop on the way to the Sahara.