Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

Day 14: November 2, 2024

We’re high in the Atlas Mountains now. The air’s thin, the sun’s harsh, and the landscape is a stark, beautiful kind of brutal. We’re heading to a Berber village, a place where time seems to have forgotten to tick. The village is a cluster of mud-brick houses, clinging to a hillside like barnacles on a rock. There’s no electricity, no running water, just a simple, hard life lived close to the land. Kids, skinny as rails, stare at us with wide, curious eyes. Old men, with weathered faces and long, flowing beards, sit in the shade, smoking.

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a hell of a lot more interesting than anything you’ll find in a guidebook.

Berber Village

Next, we find ourselves in this dusty, sun-baked relic of a town called Ait Benhaddou. Looks like a movie set, doesn't it? Well, it kinda is. This place has been in more blockbusters than I can count. But before it was Hollywood's playground, it was a real, live fortress town, a stop on the old caravan route. The place is a maze of mudbrick buildings, all stacked on top of each other like some kind of architectural Jenga. The sun beats down, the wind whips through the narrow alleyways, and you can almost hear the echoes of history. It's a place that's seen its fair share of battles, trade, and probably a few too many camel caravans. You can almost imagine the Berber warriors guarding the ramparts, or the merchants haggling in the souk.

But let's be real, the real draw here is the photo ops. Every corner, every rooftop, every crumbling wall is a postcard waiting to happen.

So, if you're looking for a place to lose yourself in history, add Ait Benhaddou to your bucket list.

Fun Facts:

Film Locations: Ait Benhaddou has been featured in numerous films, including "Lawrence of Arabia," "Gladiator," and "Game of Thrones." The iconic Ksar of Ait Benhaddou has also served as a backdrop for the Star Wars universe. It appeared in "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" as a Rebel base.

Mudbrick Construction: The entire village is built using traditional mudbrick techniques, creating a stunning blend of earthy tones. Despite its age, Ait Benhaddou remains remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past. While the village is no longer inhabited, locals still maintain the site and offer guided tours, providing visitors with a firsthand experience of traditional Berber life.

A Taste of Berber Culture: Visitors can explore the local shops and markets, where they can find traditional Berber handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.