Aït Benhaddou is situated in the Ounita Valley 25km to the northwest of Ouarzazate. The fortified, mud-brick settlement, now a World Heritage Site, dates back to the eleventh century.
The five hour trek from Marrakech is most certainly justified, then one realises that Aït Benhaddou has been seen oft. Many a famous desert movie has used Aït Benhaddou as a backdrop. Ridley Scott’s – Gladiator (2000) – even had its gladiator school built here.
The Atlas Studios and Film Museum lie 25km to the south east of Aït Benhaddou in Ouarzazate which is likely to be part of the excursion.
