Morocco🇲🇦 | landmarksAït BenhaddouRammed-earth ksar, Ounila River crossing, agadir summit, film locations | things to do and best time to go

The best base for backpackers is the village of Aït Benhaddou itself, on the far bank of the Asif Ounila river from the ksar. Staying here puts you within a five-minute walk of the old fortified village, so you can walk its alleys at dawn and after dusk when day groups are gone. Budget guesthouses and small riads cluster along the river and up the hillside, and many have rooftop terraces with ksar views and shared dinners where solo travelers end up talking with each other. The scene is small and quiet, so expect early nights rather than nightlife, and a sociable evening usually means a communal … read more 👉

The best base for backpackers is the village of Aït Benhaddou itself, on the far bank of the Asif Ounila river from the ksar. Staying here puts you within a five-minute walk of the old fortified village, so you can walk its alleys at dawn and after dusk when day groups are gone. Budget guesthouses and small riads cluster along the river and up the hillside, and many have rooftop terraces with ksar views and shared dinners where solo travelers end up talking with each other. The scene is small and quiet, so expect early nights rather than nightlife, and a sociable evening usually means a communal table, not a bar.

If you want more choice of food, ATMs and company, Ouarzazate sits about 30 km (19 miles) east and has the widest range of hostels and cheap hotels, plus shared taxis and buses running to Marrakech and the Draa valley. It suits travelers on a tight schedule or those relying on public transport. It is less atmospheric, but easier for meeting other backpackers.

A few families also run homestay-style rooms in the smaller villages along the Ounila valley road, which feel safe and welcoming and give a slower pace. Book ahead for spring weekends, when the village fills up.