Ait Benhaddou — A Gravel Cycling Guide
Ait Benhaddou is the UNESCO World Heritage ksar at the end of the Ounila Valley piste — a cluster of earthen towers and houses on a hill above the river, and one of the most photographed places in Morocco. For cyclists it is the grand finale of the benchmark Atlas gravel day, and a key stop on the crossing to Ouarzazate.
The ksar
Ait Benhaddou is a ksar — a fortified cluster of earthen houses, towers and granaries — on a hillside above the Ounila river. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s great architectural monuments, its mud-brick towers instantly recognisable from films including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. A modern village sits across the river; the old ksar itself is largely preserved, with a few families still living in it.
The riding
Ait Benhaddou is the finish of the Ounila Valley Piste — the 54 km ochre-gravel day from Telouet. Arriving at the ksar after a day through the canyon is one of the great gravel arrivals. From Ait Benhaddou, the crossing continues to Ouarzazate (about 30 km on). It is a stop on the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure and day two of the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour.
Difficulty and surface
Moderate. The ride in along the Ounila is rolling valley gravel — 54 km and 620 m from Telouet. The surface is firm ochre earth, fast and smooth. The ksar itself is explored on foot; allow time to walk up through it. Comfortable with 50 km and 500–700 m of climbing to get here.
Quick facts
Staying over
There are riads and guesthouses in the modern village across the river from the ksar, making Ait Benhaddou a natural overnight on the crossing. Watching the sunset light up the earthen towers from a rooftop is one of the highlights of the trip. It is a stop on the Ounila Valley overnight.
Season and access
Rideable year-round at this altitude. Spring and autumn are ideal — the light on the ksar is at its best. Summer is hot; ride early. Winter is cold but fine. Access is via the Ounila piste from Telouet, or by road from Ouarzazate (about 30 km). See the Ounila Valley guide.
Beyond Ait Benhaddou
From Ait Benhaddou the crossing continues to Ouarzazate and on to the Draa, the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. The Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour runs Ait Benhaddou on day two and reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes by day six. Read Ouarzazate gravel cycling for the next leg.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ait Benhaddou?
A UNESCO World Heritage ksar — a fortified cluster of earthen houses and towers on a hill above the Ounila river. One of Morocco’s great architectural monuments, famous from films including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Is Ait Benhaddou the end of the Ounila Valley piste?
Yes — the Ounila Valley Piste finishes at Ait Benhaddou after 54 km from Telouet. Arriving at the ksar after a day through the canyon is one of the great gravel arrivals.
Can I stay at Ait Benhaddou?
Yes — there are riads and guesthouses in the modern village across the river. It is a natural overnight on the crossing, and the sunset on the earthen towers is a highlight.
How far is Ait Benhaddou from Ouarzazate?
About 30 km. From Ait Benhaddou the crossing continues to Ouarzazate and on to the Draa and the Sahara. It is day two of the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour.